Redneck's Revenge

by Joan Livingston

  I left a message for Sean about the accident. I don’t feel in good conscience I can share what Barbie told me, but the owner of a local business running his wife and a P.I. off the road might make a juicy story to start. I suggested he contact Chief Dutton.

  As for Lin, I’ll call him from the hospital.

  The chief approaches.

  “Isabel, I thought I told you to stay in the cruiser,” she jokes. “I’m going to take Barbie to the hospital. You can come along, but I’ve gotten several offers to drive you there.”

  “Huh? Like who?”

  “Gary and Larry for two. Some old guy who says you know him from the Conwell General Store.” She jabs her thumb over her shoulder to where the Fattest Old Fart is talking with a few of the locals. Of course, he’s already gotten the scoop from me, so he can have something over the other Old Farts in the backroom. “Then there’s this guy.”

  This guy turns out to be Dancin’ Dave, who’s face is awash with concern, as he marches through the bystanders.

  “Isabel, you okay?” are the first words out of his mouth.

  “I believe so. Just a little banged up.”

  He snorts.

  “I heard what happened and came right over. You’re one tough lady. I don’t think Pete Woodrell knew who he was messin’ with.”

  I’d laugh if it wouldn’t hurt so much.

  “Guess not.”

  “I always suspected he wasn’t good to Barbie,” Dave says. “I give it to you for tryin’ to help her get away from that jerk.”

  That’s not the whole story, but for now, the official one will have to do.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I suppose we’ll have to postpone our date tomorrow night.”

  The guy’s a real country gentleman, I’ll give him that. But I’m also betting he’s not going to give up so easily. He won’t forget. He won’t let me either.

  “If you don’t mind. We can do it some other time.”

  He moves in closer.

  “How about I drive you to the hospital?”

  But before I can respond, Annette is back and as usual, she doesn’t miss a beat.

  “No way, Dave. I’m takin’ Isabel. I already said I would.”

  Annette is fibbing, but I’m grateful. I bet she wants to talk some more.

  “Looks like your friend beat me to it.” Right then, Dave bends toward me and plants a sweet kiss on my right cheek. “See you soon, Isabel. Now you take care of yourself. I’ll call to make sure.”

  Annette and I watch Dave Baxter leave. She makes a hissing giggle.

  “I actually can’t drive you. I’m towing Abe’s Mustang with a chain on my pickup. But I bet somebody else would. Maybe somebody like him.”

  Annette jerks her thumb behind her as Jack Smith makes his way through the crowd.

  “How did he hear what happened? I didn’t call him.”

  She snorts.

  “Well, I did. He’s puttin’ his cousin and that cook in charge of the Rooster tonight.”

  Jack picks up his pace. He smiles at me. I’m smiling back.

  “Hey, Isabel, I’ve come to spring ya,” he says.

  “Jack, you’re just in time.”

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