The Heavenly Hazelnut Murder

by CC Dragon

  “What? You want my first born?” She admired her fancy nails.

  I laughed. “Not for all the sweet tea in Tennessee. I’ll give you some cash, make sure Gran has a bottle of water and an iced tea with her. Also make sure she hits the ladies’ room. I don’t want her getting dehydrated or getting turned around in the hospital when she needs to find a restroom. When she’s out of her routine, I worry.”

  “Sure. Your gran is always sweet to me and everyone. You’re lucky you still have her,” Lurlene agreed.

  “You like Gran, not me,” I teased.

  “I’ll like you too for an extra cookie,” she teased.

  “A moment on the lips,” Martha warned. “You’ve got such a perfect figure, Lurlene.”

  “I know. I’m just going to leave both of the cookies out at work. Make my momma nuts.” Lurlene smiled.

  “At least eat one. Don’t get your mother after me either,” I said.

  Lurlene laughed. “Just get it all ready. I’ll take it up there and get the old crew fed.”

  Martha and I worked in our usual assembly line. Lurlene left with the first six boxed lunches. Milan probably couldn’t have his, but we’d thought of him and there was extra food if someone had skipped breakfast.

  “Thanks, Lurlene,” I called.

  Katie walked in and her head snapped like church ladies when someone walked in late to service.

  “What’s going on? Backwards day? Aliens? It’s the aliens?” Katie asked.

  I smiled. “No, she’s running lunch up to Gran and the guys at the hospital. Oddly nice of her, but I think she’s relieved she dodged Luke, even though she acted like she wanted him.”

  “I heard about Milan. Do you need a hand?” Katie offered.

  “Thanks. I’m just going to close after lunch, maybe two o’clock. Gran is at the hospital and I need to get her home, feed her and the animals, and then pick up Martha and go to class,” I said.

  “I can drive us if you want. Or drive myself,” Martha offered.

  “No, it’s no trouble. I just don’t want Gran driving when she’s tired or shook up. I’m not sure I’ll be able to drag her away,” I explained.

  “The guys have their pickups. They can drive her home. She can make herself dinner. She cooks for an army every day,” Martha argued.

  I glanced at Katie. “Fine. I’ll have Harry run by there around five o’clock. If she’s not home, he’ll take her home. That way you’re not counting on the over-eighty set. Those guys driving in the dark? Not the best idea.”

  “Thanks. I’ll feel better,” I said.

  “Harry is so sweet.” Martha smiled. “I’m sure he’d feed the goats and water them for you.”

  Katie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, he’s a prince.”

  “That’s asking a lot. I’ll do it early,” I replied.

  “You said you wanted to study,” Martha pointed out.

  “Fine—Harry will take care of Gran and the goats. Get that class done. When are you solving that murder?”

  “Gus, he’s coming tonight because of Ray,” I grumbled.

  * * * *

  Martha had prepared me well, but it was a good thing I knew most of this stuff from college. The quirks of Tennessee versus Georgia weren’t that many. It was Gus in plainclothes sitting next to me that was a distraction. Not a good, flirty distraction—he was watching Ray. And Ray kept turning around, uneasily.

  After class, Gus darted out and blocked Ray from trying to dodge him.

  “Let’s grab a drink,” Gus suggested to Ray.

  With Gus in full cop mode and not being at all subtle, Martha and I just went along for the ride. There was a chain restaurant in the strip mall down from the community college.

  “Why so tense?” I asked.

  “Let me handle this,” Gus whispered in my ear.

  We ordered drinks.

  “Your friend here is trying to run me out of town,” Ray accused.

  “What town?” I asked.

  “He’s been snooping around Luke’s house, Luke’s church and watching your shop,” Gus explained.

  “You didn’t tell me?” I turned on him so quickly I nearly smacked Martha with my ponytail.

  “I didn’t want you to change your habits. It wasn’t just you—it was Megan as well,” Gus told me.

  I shot him a look that said we weren’t done with this topic.

  “Tell her the truth,” Gus insisted.

  “I’m a lawyer for Luke’s parents. They had me handling his estate, as such. He did invest for his retirement, since his home was provided and so on. He wasn’t poor per se.” Ray frowned.

  “So you weren’t in this class by accident. And that’s why you lingered but didn’t talk much to people at the funeral,” Martha concluded.

  “Listening and watching people is usually good enough. Mrs. Woodson spoke to me, of course. I cleaned out the house for the family.”

  “His parents must be loaded if they have an attorney clean out a house and play errand boy,” I figured.

  “They didn’t want Pete to do it and cover things up. They know their son had flaws and strong opinions. Pete might’ve hidden it or exploited it. He’s a decent person, but not a pastor. Not what was expected of him,” Ray explained.

  “Pete said Luke was the chosen one and he was runner up. He didn’t get the mentorship or help and went into another line of work.” I filled in what I knew.

  Ray nodded. “I’m sure he told you whatever he thought you’d believe. Did you check him out?”

  I shook my head. “I wasn’t interested in him that much. I broke up with Luke right before he was murdered, so I’m looped into this, but I did nothing.”

  “Pete did nothing to his brother either, but he’s worried people will pin it on him. His parents want their son to rest in peace and their other son’s name to be cleared. I’ve been trying to speak to Megan, but she doesn’t trust me,” Ray revealed.

  “No kidding. She’s learning, at least.” I frowned.

  “What do you want with Megan?” Gus asked.

  My phone buzzed for a third time in my purse. I pulled it out. Gran was calling.

  “Sorry, excuse me.” I stepped outside. “Hello.”

  “Dear, Belle, where are you?” Gran asked.

  “Gran, I’m at class. Are you okay?” I asked.

  “Oh, yeah. Harry drove me home and I warmed up some leftovers. Lurlene was so sweet to bring us lunch. But I think I forgot to take my pills this morning. I took my afternoon ones,” Gran said.

  “Okay, Gran, you need to take your morning pills too. Drink a big glass of water and make sure to let Duke out,” I reminded her.

  “I know,” she scolded.

  “Okay, then just have dessert and watch TV. I’ll be home in an hour max. Bye,” I called.

  “Wait, Milan is doing well. Where are your manners?” Gran asked.

  “I’m sorry, Gran. I’m glad he’s doing better, but I have to go to class. I’ll tell you the rest when I get home. Bye.” I hung up and slipped back into the room.

  “Everything okay?” Martha asked.

  “Gran’s had a rough day.” I sat down and took a deep breath.

  “You two can go. I’ve got this,” Gus said.

  “Can I get a restraining order on him?” I asked Gus.

  Ray held up his hand. “You approached me.”

  “After a class I thought we were both attending. You were stalking me here. You lied to me instead of just speaking to me at the funeral like a person. You could’ve said something about his will or whatever lawyers bring up,” I suggested.

  “You’re not in his will. You’re not carrying his child. The goats were ordered while he was still alive. His parents tried to cancel it,” Ray replied.

  “Classy.” Martha rolled her eyes.

  “I’d say I can return the goats, but my grandmother is getting attached to them.”

  “It’s not the gift, but the appearance of things. You were his girlfriend at the time of ordering,
no harm done. But they were worried Megan would be gifted with something more. We’re not sure if Luke knew about the child,” Ray explained.

  Ray looked at Martha and me as though we’d have the answer.

  “Sorry, we’re not that close with Megan. Luke certainly wouldn’t have given that away. This is crazier than a soap opera.” I shook my head. “We’ll be going. You sure you can’t arrest him?”

  “He’ll get what he gets and a warning about staying away from you.” Gus winked at me.

  “We’ll talk tomorrow,” I added.

  Martha and I piled into my pickup. “Men,” she said.

  “Don’t I know it. Some random lawyer is trying to figure out if I’m pregnant. Gus lets me get stalked. Luke isn’t getting any better.” I headed home.

  “Relax. Did you get any dinner?” Martha asked.

  “No, I wasn’t hungry. I read over the stuff for tonight, and after you left I cleaned the shop, prepped stuff for tomorrow and locked up. I made a list for the store. I need to get to the store tomorrow.” I groaned.

  “Do you need the stuff for the morning rush?” she asked.

  I shook my head. “Nah, lunch was busy today. The second you want a time to be quiet so you can get ahead or deal with something else—it’s nuts.”

  “Text me the list and I’ll grab it before I come in. I’m off tomorrow, but I’ll drop the girls off, hit the store and bring your stuff to the shop,” she offered.

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that,” I replied.

  “I offered. Since Gran will be at the hospital, probably, I’ll work if you want me to. I need to do my shopping anyway. I get a discount,” she tempted.

  “You’re sure you don’t mind shopping and working?” I asked.

  “You’re paying for the groceries. I’ll put my stuff away and show up with yours, ready to work. I can use the money,” Martha said.

  “Right. Sounds great. thanks. I’ll need help in the morning for sure. We’ll see how it goes for the lunch,” I answered.

  “Done.” She smiled as I pulled into her driveway. I fished fifty bucks from my purse. “Here. This should cover the list, but I’ll reimburse you if it goes over. I’ll text the list later. Thanks again!”

  “No problem.” She exited the car and waved.

  Money was tight with all this help, but Gran wasn’t getting younger. Business was good, but the juggle with goat expenses and what my car was going to need… I just had to have blind faith that it’d all work out. “Poverty is no disgrace but decidedly inconvenient.”

  I pulled into the drive and my headlights reflected on Harry chasing a goat.

  Things were far from as okay as I’d expected.

  Chapter Fourteen

  I hopped out and helped Harry wrangle the big goats. “I thought you left and everything was fine? I called Gran,” I said.

  “It was, but she forgot to close the pen after giving them fresh water or something. She called when she saw them wandering around.” He locked the pen. “Sorry, I should’ve made sure she did all her chores.”

  “No, thank you. It’s not your fault. She should’ve waited for me. I fed and watered them before I left for class. She’s all mixed up because of Milan. Her routine is off. I’m so sorry.” I had to fix this. The whole reason I’d come home was to handle things just like this.

  “Don’t worry about it. It’s a slow night at the bar. Without the band there, Katie is working hard to keep people coming. Jukebox music isn’t a huge draw when Nashville is less than an hour away,” Harry replied.

  “And you and she are still being great friends to me. I’m just being a pain. I’ll try to think of something to help, but I’m not much of a bar girl.”

  Harry shrugged. “It’s not your thing. It’s okay. You help bartending and never take any money. I stuck around while she heated up the leftovers and made sure the burners were all off, and the oven. She didn’t like it, but she was tired.”

  “Thanks. You’re a good friend.” I hugged him. “You and Martha a thing?”

  He pulled away and blushed. “I guess. I’m not trying to rush her. That ex of hers is a piece of work and I want to be sure she’s ready for something serious.”

  “You don’t want to be the rebound guy. I get it. Just don’t be the jerk,” I warned.

  Gus pulled up and got out of his car.

  “What brings you by?” I asked.

  “Need a hand?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “Harry helped. Thanks, you should go home. I don’t want to ruin your whole night.”

  “Back to the Buckle, that’s all. See ya.” Harry waved. “Oh, Belle, if you’re looking for something you can do to help Katie’s bar? You and the sheriff could play and sing something. Even slow songs—people like dancing to them. Live music gets people out. Anyone can play any music they want on their phone, computer or tablet nowadays.”

  “Interesting suggestion. I like it. Bye.” Gus smiled at Harry and looked at me.

  “What? Gran called Katie—that’s who she’s supposed to call if she can’t reach me. She should’ve called me but probably didn’t want to admit she left the pen unlocked. I need to keep a closer eye on her. The bar is doing fine.”

  Gus hugged me. “You’re amazing. Mrs. B needs to slow down. You need to find something you like, not just work all the time.”

  “When you own your own business, it’s all work all the time. Gran doesn’t want to be treated like a child. I get that.” I glanced at the home and knew it was all on me. Gran needed a hand with most things.

  “I run into plenty seniors who fall or have some sort of accident. Mrs. B thinks she’s still forty and can handle whatever. She doesn’t feel old, but one fall and she could break a hip. I heard about the fire in the kitchen. Stuff happens, but how fast we can react and handle it is based on our age and challenges. It’s not treating her like a child,” he said.

  I nodded. “That’s why she has other people to call. If you’re serious about buying that land over there, you’d best think carefully. You’ll be her first call all the time, after me.”

  Gus pulled me tight. “I think I can handle it. I’m guessing more homemade meals.”

  This was what I wanted. He was more like a partner, not a boss, and not a drag all the time. I went up on my tiptoes and kissed him.

  Gran must’ve been watching from the window. Duke bounded outside and ran over to him.

  “You don’t herd goats so well,” I teased the dog.

  “Goats need a herding dog, and even then, they’re stubborn. I’ll get them some more water and leave you in peace.”

  “I got it. You don’t have to,” I said.

  Gus smiled. “You need to let people help you.”

  “I do. Katie and Gus, Martha…” I replied.

  “You resist my help.” He looked good doing ranching chores.

  I sighed. “I don’t want a boss or a business partner in a boyfriend. Luke was a bad choice, but I didn’t marry him or get too serious. We didn’t even date that long.”

  “But you shut it all down with me,” Gus accused.

  “You need to make sure your past is past. No one wants to be a rebound,” I explained.

  He sighed. “You could never be that.”

  “We’ll see. Let’s find Luke’s killer first. You can’t keep me on the outside of things when I might be a target,” I said.

  “A target?” Gus chuckled.

  “Hey, Angie got fired. Who knows what she and Luke used to be? Megan was sleeping with him while I was dating him. If his family knew about all this drama, I could find a snake under my bed to shut me up about Luke or scare me off,” I pointed out.

  “Okay then.” Gus headed to the back door, Duke following happily.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “Checking under your bed,” he teased.

  “No, what?” I followed him.

  I turned off the outside lights and locked the door behind me out of habit.

  “Sheriff, woul
d you like something to drink?” Gran asked from her recliner.

  She still had ice cream.

  “Gran, it’s after ten. I thought you’d be in bed,” I said.

  “The goats got out. We need a better lock on the pen.” She shuffled to the kitchen and put the ice cream bowl and spoon in the sink.

  “Okay, well, let me handle the goats from now on. I know the trick to locking it for now,” I suggested.

  “I’ll look at it on my day off,” Gus offered.

  “It’d be so nice to have a man around the house who can fix things and help,” Gran said.

  “Jeff is coming back with the band, and he could use the work. Gus thinks he’s safe, so you can put him to work.”

  “That is nice, since he needs it more. Gus can supervise. Maybe Jeff should be the new pastor?” Gran asked.

  “One leap at a time, Gran.” I filled Duke’s dish and checked on the pygmy goats.

  “Why are they in here?” Gus asked.

  “It was supposed to rain today. I guess they were wrong. Hopefully those enclosures come in and we have a safe space for them.” I smiled at the goats in colorful outfits.

  “I’m going to check your room,” Gus said.

  “He’s what?” Gran’s face looked like she got skunked.

  “I gave Gus heck for not telling me about this lawyer who was watching me for Luke’s family. How do I know I’m not a target in this mess? Now he’s checking for snakes, like I’m a crazy woman or I’m so literal,” I mocked Gus.

  Gus walked out. “No snakes, but I’m not treating you like you’re crazy or being too anything. You had some good points. We didn’t know all this stuff about Luke. Someone might not like him dating you when he was active socially elsewhere.”

  I smiled at how Gus chose his words carefully in front of Gran.

  “He was knocking boots with Megan. I heard. Sad, that’s what that woman is,” Gran said.

  “And Luke. He’s cheating trash,” I insisted.

  “You can’t say that about a pastor,” Gran scolded.

  I folded my arms. “A cheating pastor who knocked up one woman while he was dating someone else? He’s trash.”

  “Speaking ill of the dead.” Gran frowned. “I’m going to sleep.”