by CC Dragon
“How’s Milan?” I asked.
“Better. But they won’t let him go home just yet. I’ll go visit him tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I smiled at Gus as Gran headed to bed with Duke bounding after her.
Gus grinned. “She’s got friends and support. That’s good.”
“They’re all over seventy. They need some help. I’ll drop her off,” I said.
“I’ll help, just let me know.” He leaned down and kissed me.
I let the kiss linger for a moment then pulled back. “I can’t let you help if you’re going to lie or withhold information. She could’ve been in danger, or that lawyer could’ve followed her to get to me.”
“You’re right. I should’ve told you. But I identified him quickly. A lawyer from Nashville doesn’t do the dirty work himself. If he sent a PI or some thug, that’s different. He’s just doing his job,” Gus advised.
“Restraining order?” I pressed.
“I warned him, if he is seen in town again, I’ll get a judge to sign TROs for you, your gran, Megan, Jeff and Mrs. Woodson. No lawyer wants that on his record.”
“Okay, I need to get some sleep. Thanks for the help.” I kissed his cheek.
“You are hard to get,” he said as he went down the back steps.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m only planning on getting married once. No cheating, no drama and no walking away from commitments. Not everyone goes into things thinking like that, but my parents didn’t think at all, it seems. About each other, Gran or me. I won’t leave a mess for my family.”
“Or end up like Megan.” Gus turned and studied me.
A kernel of shame popped up in me. “It’s not her fault Luke was murdered. You can’t control that part of life. But she wasn’t even his girlfriend. You know how people look at her around here, especially the older folks. She deserves what she gets for what she did. A young widow is one thing. I’d rather be a spinster than repeat my mother’s mistakes. Night, Sheriff.” I closed the door and tried to shrug off the judgmental attitude.
I didn’t look down on others, Megan included. People made mistakes. I just wanted my mistakes to be my own and not a repeat of what my parents had done.
Locking up and turning out lights, I tidied up as I went. Once the dishwasher was loaded and the pygmy goats were settled, I went to bed.
Luke was a mystery to me. He’d been controlling and disapproving, yet he’d sent goats. An odd gift, that came with work and costs. Was it a test of what he’d been going to throw at me if we’d become more serious?
It was funny that anyone could suspect me—I didn’t care enough about him to kill him. Breaking up with him was enough. Someone had been sending Luke a message, had been willing to kill him in the process. The snake had to have been planned and the person had to have had access to the residence. There was no sign of a break-in, so either Luke didn’t lock his doors all the time or they had a key.
The mayor owned that church and the house Luke had lived in. The church board surely had keys. Mrs. Woodson, obviously. I yawned and crawled into bed, trying to figure out who else might be able to get in and out without force.
* * * *
Gran cooked breakfast the next morning like nothing had happened. She looked much better too.
“Morning,” I said.
“Breakfast is ready. We need to get to the shop and bake some cinnamon bread,” she suggested.
“You don’t want to spend the day at the hospital?” I asked.
“He’ll be home in a day or two. It’s fine. Maybe we’ll swing by on the way home and pick up dinner from somewhere new?” she suggested.
“Sure, no class tonight. Only one more and that’s done,” I replied. “I’m going to feed and water the goats.”
I opened the mudroom door and the little ones were restless.
“I know, guys.” I slid the crate out and down the back steps, carried it to the pen and let the goats back into their home.
After lugging buckets of water and feed for both groups of goats, I realized why farm life was not for me in any serious way. Duke ran out beyond me, barking and sniffing the goats. The animals communicated and everyone went about their day, sniffing and hopping.
I went inside and had breakfast. Gran was in a mood and we were at the shop in no time. Everything was ready to open and we began on the cinnamon bread. Six loaf pans were full and two were already in the oven.
“Sweet butter and honey jam.” Gran set it out.
I washed my hands up to my elbows and wondered what smoothie would work today.
Martha showed up with the groceries and Gran fussed over her. They put stuff away as I set up the blenders.
Once we made it through the morning rush, I had a window.
“Do you guys mind if I run an errand? I can grab us some lunch?” I offered.
“I’m fine with our boxed lunches,” Martha said.
“Me too. Turkey and swiss today. We should start the double chocolate cookies. Come on.” Gran shuffled to kitchen with Martha.
“I’ve got my ear on the bell,” Martha reassured.
“Okay, an hour max. I’ll be back for lunch,” I promised.
I made it to the church early. Mrs. Woodson looked lost in her routine.
I knocked on the partially opened door. “Hi, do you have a minute?”
“Oh, yes, Belle. I’m sorry. It’s so quiet these days. I wish they’d pick another pastor. People feel a bit lost watching services from other churches on a screen. But we must have some observation of Sunday or we’re not much of a church,” Mrs. Woodson said.
“At least they figured out something in the short term. That guy Jeff used to be a pastor,” I suggested.
Mrs. Woodson sat up straighter in her dark gray skirt suit. All she was missing was a hat and she’d be straight out of a fifties movie. “The homeless man? I’m not sure that’s who we should follow.”
“There’s an argument that God brought him here. But that’s not why I’m here. I wanted to ask who had access to Luke’s house,” I said.
“Me, the mayor, church council…not that we’d enter while it was occupied. But we all have keys.” She smiled.
“That’s who has keys. Did anyone have access and was in there? A plumber or painter?” I was grasping at straws, but anyone who got in there once in the right time frame would be a suspect.
“Gus asked too, but the only person in there that I know of, except Luke, is Mrs. Gillis. She cleans the church and the pastor’s home. A young widow, no kids and big insurance pay-out. She says it keeps her busy. Normally she goes in Sunday afternoon after service, when he’s busy with congregation stuff, or Monday while he’s at the market,” she explained.
“I’m sure Gus handled it then,” I agreed.
“I’m sure. She’s not one for snakes or spiders. Nice lady. I can’t imagine she’d have any reason or access to a snake like that.” Mrs. Woodson shook her head.
“Thanks for the info. I just wanted to be clear on who had access. Do you happen to have her number?” I asked.
Mrs. Woodson opened the drawer of her very tidy desk. “I have her card.”
I pulled out my phone and took a picture of her card. “Thanks.”
Sitting in my truck, I called Mrs. Gillis and wanted to talk about her cleaning service. She had time, so I headed over to her house.
She was on the fancy side of town in one of those brick ranch-style homes. I parked in front of the house and walked up.
Mrs. Gillis opened the door before I could knock. “Hi, Belle. Come in,” she said.
“Hi, Mrs. Gillis. So nice of you to have time. I heard you were the one who keeps the church and Luke’s house clean.”
“I’m so sorry about your loss, dear,” she said.
“Thanks. It didn’t work out, but he was a good man.” It was always awkward.
Mrs. Gillis gestured for me to sit. Her couches were flower-covered and the side chairs solid. The decoration was nearly Victorian, the colors dark and r
ich.
“You have a lovely home.”
“Thank you. Water? Sweet tea?” she offered.
“No, I’m good. Thank you. I know our sheriff spoke to you about anything you might’ve seen when cleaning the house,” I said.
Her eyes grew. She was short and wiry, but not super-skinny like Mrs. Woodson. She had a matronly quality, that mom feel that would make a child go to her if they got lost at the county fair and needed help.
“Oh, Gus did come by. I didn’t see anything. Luke was a bit messy, but not one to leave a door open or food on the floor. Never had ants or beetles around.” She shook her head.
“That’s good. I just wonder who would do that with a snake? And how they got in.” I sighed.
“Well, I’m sure Megan got in somehow. Not that she’d do anything. I felt awful when I found out about that. Not the man I thought he was, but men are weak creatures. Women are the strong ones—men could never take childbirth,” she said.
“I haven’t had that fun yet, but I’ve heard.” I crossed my arms. “Were there other women?”
“Oh dear, don’t torture yourself. He wasn’t right for any of you. No one wants a cheater. Pastors have power and people trust them. That can go to their heads. He did do some nice things, though.”
“I’d like to hear a nice story,” I replied.
“Well, you know how Shelley and her kids up and disappeared?” Mrs. Gillis asked.
I nodded. “I heard her husband was one of the worst.”
“Oh yeah, she was always covered up to hide the bruises. Long sweaters in the summer. I liked maxi dresses as much as anyone, but that trended out and she covered her neck with scarves. Some of the older women worried she’d turned Muslim and was going to cover her hair. Of course, she’d never admit it was Ed, but Luke finally spoke to her and offered help,” Mrs. Gillis said with a smile.
“She finally took his help. That’s great. I hope she’s safe,” I said.
“Well, it took months. I helped a bit too. Ed wasn’t fond of men coming to visit his wife, when he was gone or not. We didn’t want Shelley to get beaten for that, so I offered to babysit for free whenever she got a chance to work. Then coming by wasn’t so odd. I brought her information, communication from her cousin who had room for her and the kids. We got some donations to get her away, and we talked to some shelters where she’d stay for a few days so he couldn’t find her. He didn’t know about that cousin, I think. Anyway, I donated money, and Luke and others did.” Mrs. Gillis shook her head. “I wish I could know she’s okay.”
“You did everything you could. It’s best no one is in contact with her. But I haven’t seen Ed in a long time. I help my friend Katie sometimes at her bar. Ed was there a lot,” I explained.
“Not a shock. Nice of you to help your friend. Luke didn’t like that, but I think he was too hard on people sometimes. I told him men like Ed don’t change. Poor woman has to get out or those kids will be mentally destroyed if not end up dead. I saw the boy with some bruises, and he was a tough little thing, always catching frogs and climbing trees.” She dabbed her eyes.
“I’m glad they got away. Can I ask why you have a cleaning business? You seem comfortable.”
“Oh, I love cleaning. I just enjoy it. It keeps me fit and I get to see people. A lot of the old people who won’t leave their homes need some help. Maybe once a month for the stuff they can’t reach on their own. I offered to help your gran when she had that incident, but she was offended, I think,” she said.
I smiled. “I’m sure she wasn’t, but she’s very independent. We are working a lot. I might actually love your help once a month to make sure I’m getting all the areas. Gran and I are at the shop so much.”
“I’d be happy to help. Just text me to schedule?” She handed me a card.
“Thanks. Well, I should get back for the lunch rush.” I stood and she did as well.
We shook hands and she held my hand a bit longer. “If Ed comes back, you know nothing.”
“I understand.” I looked her straight in the eye.
“You don’t talk to him. You don’t try to get anything out of him. He’s very dangerous. His wife was terrified of him. A lot of other people are too. Don’t get on his radar. You’re not an old widow,” she warned.
“I understand. I’m not interested in him. If Shelley and the kids are safe, that’s all that matters. If she wants to press charges on him, she can do it from wherever she is,” I suggested.
“I hope. She might have a problem with those kids.” Mrs. Gillis released my hand and walked me to the door.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“My husband was a lawyer. He worked in family law. You have to prove abuse to a judge to take kids and leave the state. Tennessee tries to keep families close, even if the parents divorce. The parents aren’t allowed to move far away without a judge okaying it, not while the kids are young,” she explained.
“Well, he’d have to find her to enforce it and there are enough witnesses to testify about the abuse. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but all we can do is pray and not stir Ed up,” I said.
“Smart girl. Give my best to your grandmother,” she said.
“Thank you.” I drove back to the shop. Life was so complicated. Love went wrong more often than it seemed to go right. I parked behind the shop because the front spots were all taken. There was a relief in focusing on something I knew was good and would work. Cookies, bread and various pastries—that made people happy.
Mrs. Gillis had been very informative.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t any closer to who had killed Luke.
Chapter Fifteen
The last night of class turned out to just be the test and we were out of there in half an hour with temporary cards to prove we’d passed the course and were allowed to serve alcohol in the great state of Tennessee. I dropped Martha at her place and headed to the Buckle.
I parked around back and walked through to the bar. “I’m legit.” I put the card on the bar.
There were cheers.
Katie hugged me. “Good for you! When you get the final one, I’ll make a proper copy of it for records.” She took a picture of the temp card with her phone.
“Need help? Class was just the test,” I offered.
“Yeah, the band showed up. I guess something happened—their last venue had a fire, so they turned and came back.” Katie filled a tray with orders.
“Want me to call in Martha?” I asked.
“Not yet. My brothers are all here.” Katie pointed to the back.
Harry grabbed a tray and grumbled. “She could waitress.”
“She’s better at the bar. Everyone is on tab, so keep the refills going. I’m going to check on the kitchen,” Katie said.
I grabbed a bar towel. “Got it.”
I turned to the left side of the bar and, if I’d had a glass in my hand, it would’ve been shattered on the tile floor. Ed was at the bar and somehow I hadn’t noticed him until then.
“Hi, Ed. Refill?” I offered.
“Yep, I ordered cheese fries too. What the hell?” he demanded.
“Katie just went into the kitchen to check.” I filled his beer and moved down the bar, checking on everyone.
Then I updated the tabs before I loaded up the pretzel snack bowls on the bar. I kept an eye on Ed so he didn’t get grouchy.
Katie came out and served up his fries to more snotty comments.
“Haven’t seen you in a while, Ed. Really long haul?” I asked.
“My rig broke down. Own your own truck, they say. You’ll make more. But you’re also stranded when it needs big repairs. Then I come home and the wife is off somewhere with the kids,” he complained.
“Well, glad you got the truck fixed,” I said.
“That pastor is lucky he’s dead.” Ed started to eat.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Shel kept saying we should go to him for counseling and stuff. I told her I was too busy and the kids
needed her. If he took her side over me, I’d have to talk with him man-to-man.” Ed cracked his knuckles.
“Well, Luke is gone. I hope your wife is okay,” I said.
“You haven’t heard anything?” he asked.
“I’m not a gossip,” I shot back.
“Sure, but you hear. Bartenders and coffee bar—you hear stuff,” he replied.
I frowned. “I’m not sure it’s true. I heard she took them to visit some family since you were on a long haul.”
Ed lifted a shoulder. “Probably what she told the choir ladies or the kid’s school. I’ll find them. She can’t last long on her own.”
Gus walked in and I felt relief as well as happy to see him.
“I hope it all works out for the best,” I said neutrally to Ed.
“Belle. Ed,” Gus greeted us as he sat.
“What can I get you, Sheriff?” I asked. “I’m official now.”
He admired the card. “Very nice. I won’t have to haul you off to jail because someone is counting down your temporary time.”
“Lurlene is tracking it on her phone. I’d bet on it,” I said.
He chuckled. “The band came back early.”
“Something about a fire at the venue. Beer? Water?” I refilled Ed’s beer while Gus was chatting.
“She’s good.” Ed grabbed his glass.
I marked his tab to be sure. Katie came out from the back. “Everything okay?”
I smiled. “Sure. Want me to text Martha?”
“Yes,” Harry agreed. “Ordering…”
“I need her for a minute,” Gus said.
Katie waved us off as she filled the order, but Megan interrupted everything as she pushed her way to the bar and sat down.
“I need chili cheese fries and a Dr. Pepper, cold,” she ordered.
“Damn, who knocked you up?” Ed asked.
The group went silent. Megan’s eyes welled up and her lip started to quiver.
“I think he just meant it might be time for some maternity clothes. Don’t want to squash the little one. You’ll get your figure back in a second when it comes,” I reassured her.
“The cravings are just crazy. I can’t help it. It’s like a little alien took over my body. What do I owe? And don’t let me order a second round of fries.”