Grant Me The Moon

by Caroline Clemmons

  Pamela swatted her on the arm. “No, he’s in jail because of his choices. He’s a good kid in general but he lied to his mom, trespassed on private property, and failed to report a murder. Tough lesson for him, but one he won’t forget. And I don’t think for a minute he’ll be held responsible for that man’s death.”

  “I wish I were as sure, Pamela. We have a good, honest sheriff but you know how much pressure lawmen are under to make an arrest and get a conviction.”

  “But you just said our sheriff is good and honest. Give him a chance. He’ll get to the crux of the matter. I’ll bet the killer was one of the grad students who got crosswise with the professor.” Pamela glanced up at the clock over the microwave. “Oops, time for us to go to class. I have to admit I’m glad this is Friday. I plan to sleep until at least nine in the morning.”

  Tory tossed her trash in the bin and hurried to her classroom. This was her conference period and she usually enjoyed the respite to plan lessons and grade papers. Today, she wished she had something riveting she couldn’t ignore.

  She texted Grant, “Heard anything?”

  He texted back, “Just cattle and my brother yakking. Will call Roger soon. Come to the house for supper. Decided we need a party. Don’t worry I’m not cooking.”

  “What time?”

  “Six. Bring Grandma. Come casual.”

  She reread to be certain she had understood. “Okay. We’ll be there.”

  Excited for the diversion, she called her grandmother. “We’re both invited to the Grayson Ranch for supper at six. Grant specifically asked me to bring you.”

  “I don’t know why, but I’m curious to see what the ranch house is like now. I was out there about fifteen or twenty years ago—whenever it was Grant’s parents died. What a tragedy that was. They had a nice place then.”

  “Trust me, you’ll find it absolutely unchanged. I’ll see you after school.” She disconnected and smiled at the idea of her and Grandma going to the ranch. She’d met Brad but wondered what Grant’s grandfather was like.

  * * *

  When Tory and her grandmother arrived at the Grayson Ranch Friday evening, several cars were in the drive. She maneuvered her small car around a couple of SUVs and a sedan.

  Grandma grabbed Tory’s arm. “They must be having a party. I should have brought a covered dish.”

  “Nonsense. Grant said this was a party but didn’t say anything about us bringing food. Besides, I brought a bottle of wine he can save or serve with dinner.” But the number of cars suggested she should have brought several bottles. She unfastened her seat belt and reached for the wine from the back seat.

  With a “Humph,” Grandma unfastened her seatbelt and opened the door. “If I’m the only one who didn’t bring something, I’ll feel like a fool.”

  Tory thrust the bottle at her grandmother. “Here, you carry the wine. Feel better?”

  Grandma smiled and her blue eyes twinkled. “As a matter of fact, I do.”

  When they reached the door, the sign was gone so Tory pressed the bell. A man who appeared to be an older version of Grant answered. His hair and mustache were gray but he had the same dark blue eyes as his grandson. He was maybe an inch shorter than Grant but still a fine looking man who appeared fit.

  “I’m Wayne Grayson, the caretaker of this asylum.” He held the screen open for them. “Grandsons made me repair the bell. I thought the index card worked pretty well.” When he grinned, Tory saw that Brad’s dimples were a family trait.

  “I’m Tory Fraser and this is my grandmother, Emily Stafford.”

  “Ladies, a pleasure to see you. Emily and I were in school together and I’m happy to meet you, Tory. I’m glad you both could join us. Come on through. Most are in the back screened-in porch. Grant’s grilling steaks outside.” Wayne ushered them through the living room.

  Surprised, Tory nudged her grandmother. “He told me he wasn’t cooking.”

  Wayne chuckled. “Just the steaks. Don’t worry, our housekeeper, Sofia Domingo, prepared the rest of the meal. She’s a darn good cook.”

  Grandma glared at Tory as they entered the kitchen. “I knew we should have brought a dish.”

  Wayne reared back in surprise. “No, no. You’re our guest. I think Sofia would have been insulted if you’d brought food.”

  A lean Hispanic woman in an apron stood by the counter where multiple bowls sat. “You’re right there, Señor Wayne. This family and their guests I can cook for without help. You folks make yourselves comfortable while Grant finishes the steaks on that monstrosity he calls a barbecue grill.”

  Grandma handed Wayne the wine. He thanked her and set it in a corner of the counter then gestured to a back door. “Porch is through there.”

  Tory was eager to see who else had come for dinner. Wayne followed her and Grandma into a large screened-in area.

  She recognized Brad but not the redhead hanging on him.

  Brad lifted his beer as if in a toast. “Everyone welcome, Dr. Tory Fraser and her grandmother, Emily Stafford. Ladies, let me introduce you to Sally and Dr. Steven Ross sitting on the swing. Standing near them are Melanie and Roger Prather. And this lovely lady beside me is Buffy Paschal.”

  Grandma said, “I know Steven and Sally and Roger. Nice to meet you, Melanie. And nice to meet you, Miss Paschal.”

  “Oh, please, call me Buffy. Everyone does.”

  Tory did a mental eye roll at the vapid Buffy then added her greeting to her grandmother’s. “I believe I’ll check on the steaks.” She went out the screen door and strolled to where the massive barbecue grill was set up.

  Grant set down his beer and grinned. “Glad you could make our little shindig.”

  She returned his smile. “Hmm, didn’t they have a large grill when you bought this one?”

  He pretended to be offended. “I beg your pardon.” He turned to gesture as if selling the stainless steel grill. “This is a Weber Genesis with a sear station and side burner—”

  She interrupted his pitch with a raised hand. “I concede that, although it resembles a spaceship, this is a premium grill. I smell those steaks and I’m looking forward to dinner.”

  His lovely blue eyes changed from laughing to longing. “I’m really glad you came. Brad and I wanted to do something fun after the week we’ve had.”

  The obvious sincerity of his statement warmed her heart. “I met Roger. Does he have any news?”

  Grant held up a meat fork as if it were a baton. “Jacob is home with his mom.”

  Avoiding the barbecue tool, Tory hugged Grant. “Hooray! I’m so relieved. I guess he’s still under a cloud but at least he’s home.” She stepped away, aware they were in full view of those in the enclosed area. “Any other suspects crop up?”

  Grimacing, Grant shook his head. “Roger saw the weapon used to kill Lawson. It’s not just any old knife but a special folding kind used by archaeologists. According to him, it comes in two price ranges. One is around forty dollars, which is what the grad students use. The one found in Jacob’s backpack is a deluxe seven hundred dollar model.”

  She gasped. “Seven hundred dollars for a pocket knife?”

  Recovering, she said, “Sorry, I forget each profession has specialty tools that carry clout. And my brief impression of Dr. Lawson, frankly, was that he was a snob who would buy something like that to prove he could.”

  Grant forked the steaks onto a platter he’d had in the warming section. “That’s who the sheriff suspects owned the knife, and it’s new. All he needs is to find who bought it and when.”

  “Well, at least no one could possibly believe Jacob could afford one like that. The kid doesn’t even have a car.”

  He carried the platter and they walked toward the porch. “Tory, that fact doesn’t mean he couldn’t have struggled with Lawson and killed him with his own knife. The big question I see is, why was Lawson there at night?”

  They entered the screened-in area and Grant set the platter on the buffet table. “The steaks are now per
fect. I’ve separated them by cooking time. Rare on the west end, medium in the center, and well done on the east end.”

  Sofia, Brad, and Wayne brought out bowls of corn on the cob, baked potatoes, pinto beans, green salad, rolls, and cornbread muffins they set on the buffet table near glasses and a large pitcher of iced tea. Butter and condiments were already on the table. Beer and soft drinks were in a large galvanized cooler on a bench.

  Wayne tapped the table for attention. “We’re so happy each of you could join us tonight. Step up and fill your plate then find a place at the table or wherever else you’re comfortable.”

  Tory sat between Grant and Grandma but enjoyed the conversation around the table. There was no breeze but the night was pleasant. The screens obstructed mosquitoes and other insects and an overhead fan slowly turned to keep everyone comfy.

  Of course, the murder was the main topic of conversation. Several theories were put forth.

  Roger used his knife to cut his meat. “Ah, just the way I like steak. Anyway, the thing is, there’s a murderer running around loose. I figure once you’ve killed, the second time is much easier.”

  Grant laid down his fork. “And I don’t like to think there’s a killer on the ranch.”

  Tory swallowed a bite of salad. “I wonder if Jacob is in danger. There’s no telling if the person who killed Dr. Lawson thinks Jacob saw something he might remember and relate.”

  Roger nodded. “I gave an interview to the newspaper for that very reason. I emphasized the boy saw nothing and has already told all he knows.”

  Tory relaxed. “That was clever of you, Roger. I’ve worried about the cloud hanging over his head as well as the threat.”

  The lawyer looked at her. “There’s no doubt there’ll be suspicion until the killer is caught. Problem is, that may never happen.”

  Sally Ross asked, “Don’t you think that’s cynical, Roger? There have to be clues the sheriff is pursuing.”

  “There are, but who knows where they’ll lead?” He gave a wry chuckle. “Sorry, I guess I have grown distrustful.”

  Grant defended his friend, “You see the underside of life even when defending someone who’s innocent. No wonder you’ve become skeptical.”

  “In general, I believe justice triumphs. Specifically, I’ve seen men I know were innocent who were sentenced to prison. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth, unlike this delicious food.”

  After dinner, Tory leaned near her grandmother. “Just sit out here a bit and enjoy the evening while I help clean up.”

  “I believe I’ll take you up on that. I’m so full I can hardly move but I plan to make my way to the swing. Don’t know why I’ve never had one of those.”

  The two couples bid them goodbye and Brad left to take Buffy home. Grant and Tory helped Sofia clear away the meal.

  Wayne set down a stack of dirty dishes. “I think I’ll join Emily on the porch. Hate for her to think we abandoned her.”

  Tory was glad her grandmother had someone to talk to that was her age.

  Grant whispered, “Okay if I send Sofia to rest?”

  “That’s a good idea. We’ll have this cleaned in no time.”

  He said, “Sofia, the meal was wonderful. Best pies you’ve ever made, too. You go on and get your feet up while Tory and I get the kitchen under control.”

  Sofia frowned as she looked at Tory. “That don’t seem right.”

  Tory said, “You’ve done more than your share. I’m so filled with good food I need to move around a little.”

  Sofia smiled at her and then at Grant. “Okay, my mamacita don’t raise a stupid daughter. I will go to bed and watch television while you two do my work.”

  When they were alone, Grant scraped dishes into a disposal. “I appreciate your willingness to help. Sofia’s not as young as she thinks she is.”

  Tory loaded dishes into the dishwasher. “Has she worked here a long time?”

  He filled the soap dispensers and started the dishwasher. “Since before my parents died. She’s like a second mother to Brad and me. She has a little apartment off the kitchen and behind the garage.”

  Several pans were left after the dishwasher was filled and whirring. Tory filled a sink with hot water and dribbled in a little detergent. She grabbed a dishcloth and washed the pans. “I hadn’t noticed a garage.”

  “Three-car, but we don’t park our pickups inside.” He dried and put away the pans she’d washed.

  “The house is nice, big and rambling and very inviting. I imagine this was a nice place to live growing up.” She wrung out the dishcloth and wiped down the counters and range.

  Grant grabbed a broom and swept the kitchen. “Yeah, three generations lived here. When my parents died, Grandpa and Mamaw were suddenly in charge of Brad and me. At least living here together made that transition easier for us. They never appeared to mind being thrust back to raising kids.”

  Peering around the kitchen, she didn’t see anything else that needed cleaning. “Do you have aunts and uncles?”

  “Not on the Grayson side. My mom had a brother and a sister, but neither lives nearby. I’m grateful we weren’t shipped off to either of them.”

  “Grant, I’ve had an idea about finding out more about Dr. Lawson.”

  “You have my attention.”

  “Thank goodness you didn’t tell me to stop poking my nose into an investigation. I was in grad school with a man who’s teaching history at Texas Tech. What if I asked him what he can find out about the grad students, Dr. Lawson, and Dr. Bedford?”

  “Maybe we can talk to him tomorrow. Um, if you don’t want me to keep my nose out of your business.”

  “Of course you’re invited. He’s a really nice guy. We meet for lunch or supper occasionally. Nothing romantic, just friends.”

  “Okay, I’ll buy if I’m along.”

  “This investigation is going to bankrupt you if you keep this up, but I accept your offer.”

  He checked his watch. “Too late to call him tonight. Maybe we could take him to lunch tomorrow.”

  “I’ll call in the morning and let you know what he says. Looks as if we’re finished in here, did you notice if the dining and buffet tables were clean?”

  “They need wiping down but I’ll do it. You’ve done too much for a guest as it is.”

  “Let’s both clean them. Then Grandma and I will take off for home.”

  He held her shoulders. “Then let me take this opportunity to tell you again how happy I am you came tonight.” He leaned in to kiss her gently then the kiss turned passionate.

  When they parted, her knees wobbled. A wonder she wasn’t in a puddle at his feet. “Thank you for inviting me and for including Grandma. She was very excited about coming but is mad at me because we didn’t bring a dish. I let her bring in the wine.”

  He picked up the bottle. “Llano Estacado zinfandel. I’ll stash this and we’ll have the wine another night.”

  She added hot water to the sink and wrung out the dishcloth before she walked to the porch. Wayne and Grandma were deep in conversation but looked up when she appeared. Grant followed with another dishcloth. Together they cleaned the tables.

  He said, “We’ll leave the bottles and cans on ice. I’ll empty the tub in the morning and stack the drinks into the fridge. No point getting cold and wet doing so now.”

  “All right, if you think that’s best.”

  Grandma stood. “Thank you, Wayne and Grant. This was a lovely evening with fine food and fine companionship.”

  Grant said, “I’ll walk you out.” At the front door, he offered his arm to Grandma. “May I escort you, Mrs. Stafford?”

  She leaned on his arm down the steps. “Grant, you’re not my student now. You call me Emily or Grandma. Mrs. Stafford makes me feel older than I am, and heaven knows that’s old enough.”

  “I’ll be happy to be on a first name basis. You’re Grandma to me because that’s what Tory calls you. If you don’t mind, that’s what I’ll call you too.”

&nb
sp; When they reached the car, Grandma patted his arm. “I’m happy to see you’ve turned out to be as fine a man as I thought you would.”

  He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “That’s a double compliment and I thank you.” He tucked her into the car and fastened her seat belt before closing the door.

  Over the car, Tory met his gaze. “Thanks again and goodnight.”

  “Call me tomorrow about your idea.” He stood watching as they drove away.

  Chapter Seven

  Saturday morning, Grant waited for Tory’s call. Maybe she’d slept late. He’d slept until almost seven, which was late for him.

  At fifteen minutes until ten, she called. “Thanks again for a lovely evening.”

  He pictured her gorgeous face as he spoke, “You talk to your friend?”

  “Kurt’s meeting me at noon at his favorite Tex-Mex place. You still want to go?”

  “You bet I do. I love Tex-Mex and will pick you up at eleven-fifteen. I hope this guy can help us.”

  “I do too. If nothing else, I’ll get another dinner out of the deal. So far you’ve fed me three times this week and this will make four.”

  “Helps me, Tory. Otherwise I’d have to dine with Grandpa and Brad. You’re much nicer company and a heck of a lot better looking.”

  She laughed, and he loved the silvery sound. “I don’t know, the Grayson men are very attractive. That’s not just my viewpoint. I’ve heard it’s one held by many women. I’ll see you later.”

  He considered her comment. Although he knew he wasn’t an ogre, he was happy to learn she thought he was easy on the eyes. Smiling to himself, he went to change clothes.

  * * *

  The forty-mile drive into Lubbock took just over a half hour. He used it to grill Tory about herself. “Where did you do your grad work?”

  “Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. I finished two years ago and went to A&M to teach. I guess you went to Texas Tech.”

  “For a fact and so did Brad. Good experience, but I didn’t see any point in going further. I’ve taken a few ranching classes as they’re offered. Have to keep up.”

  He didn’t want to talk about himself, he intended to probe into her life. “You have siblings?”