Poison Me

by Checketts, Cami

  “Thanks.”

  “Thanks for saying you’ll come this afternoon. I’m sure Brinley and Trevor will be there too.”

  “I’d love to see them again,” Chanel said. “Trevor is adorable.”

  “He’s fun.” Jake shoved his hands into his pockets. “Are you busy tomorrow night?”

  She couldn’t hide a cheesy grin. “No, no plans tomorrow night yet.”

  Jake grinned and leaned so close she could smell the peppermint gum he chewed. “Pick you up about eight?” he asked.

  “I’ll be waiting.” She turned and walked away, this time enjoying the fact that he was watching.

  ***

  Ace and Willy sauntered down Preston’s wide main street. After driving from Boise, they had checked into a dumpy motel and decided to walk the streets and work out the kinks of a long drive after an even longer plane ride. Willy would not book their plane tickets again.

  “Good town,” Ace said.

  Two pretty women approached, pushing double strollers with preschoolers prancing by their sides. He touched the tip of his baseball cap and smiled a greeting. They both smiled warmly in return.

  “Why do you say that?” Willy asked after the women passed.

  “Everyone’s friendly. They love tourists. They think everyone comes here because of Napoleon Dynamite. It’s big enough that we can blend in, but small enough the police force shouldn’t be very proactive.”

  Willy grunted, turning to get one more glimpse of the attractive mothers. “Proactive?”

  Ace rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

  “No.”

  They waited for a car to drive by, then crossed to the east side of the street.

  “The police aren’t overly efficient.” Ace looked at Willy and saw confusion in his murky green eyes. “They aren’t busting butt.”

  “Okay, I see what you’re saying, but Preston is bigger than I thought. I was thinking there would be a couple hundred people, not thousands. How we gonna find Don?”

  Ace opened the glass door of Big J’s, a hometown hamburger joint, and waited for Willy to walk in ahead of him. “He owes us,” Ace growled. “We’ll find him.”

  “But how?”

  “I’ve got a plan. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.”

  Willy clenched his fist and glared at Ace.

  Ace ignored him, smiling at the teenage girl behind the counter. “What’s the best thing you have here, sweetheart?”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jake pressed the button to open the pool cover and wondered why Chanel wasn’t here yet. It was—he looked at his watch for the third time—five minutes past three. Five very long minutes. Was she habitually late? Did something come up? Maybe she only said yes to be nice.

  The tightly wound pool cover banged against the edge of the pool as the motor continued to grind.

  “It’s open, Jake,” Ellie yelled.

  “Oh.” He released the button and paced along the concrete sidewalk surrounding the pool.

  The turquoise water sparkled with the afternoon sun. Ellie was already slipping into the warm water, her tiny body encased in a black swimsuit. “Where’s your girlfriend, Jakey?” she called. “Did she chicken out?”

  Trevor hurtled off the diving board, making a terrific splash. His lifejacket quickly brought him to the surface. “Did ya see me, Unca Jake? Did ya?”

  “Yeah, good one, buddy. How about a 360?”

  “Yes.” Trevor used the ladder to climb out on the deep end. He pumped his little fist in the air. “A 360! And next time a flip.”

  “No flips,” Brinley called from the patio, rubbing sunscreen on her arms.

  “We’ll work on flips when your mom isn’t around,” Jake said.

  He cheered for his nephew’s trick off the board before walking into the shed and retrieving the skimmer. He carefully cleaned the water’s surface, not wanting Chanel to see a bug, fly, or strand of grass.

  Brinley eased her swollen body into the pool. “Oh, that feels good. I think I’ll stay here until August 10th.”

  “What’s August 10th?” Ellie asked, paddling by with a noodle under her arms.

  “My due date.”

  “Two more weeks.” Ellie whistled. “I thought you were already past due.”

  Brinley made a face. “Thanks a lot.”

  Trevor kicked to the shallow end and kissed his mom. “Hiya, beautiful,” he said.

  “Hiya, handsome.” Brinley smiled, but then her eyes narrowed. “Who taught you that?” She glanced up. “Uncle Jake?”

  Jake shrugged. “I thought you’d like that one.”

  “Yeah. It’s adorable—until he says it to some girl at preschool.”

  Trevor smirked. “When you’re beautiful, you gotta hear it.” He climbed the stairs and exited the pool, sprinting for the diving board again.

  “Don’t run,” Jake yelled.

  Trevor jerked to a halt, looking at his uncle in shock.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt, buddy,” Jake said.

  “Okay, Unca Jake.” Trevor tiptoed along the pool deck.

  “The water takes some pressure off when you’ve gained weight, doesn’t it?” Ellie said to Brinley.

  She nodded.

  “What did your doctor say about the gestational diabetes?” Jake asked.

  Brinley elevated one shoulder, her eyes grave. “He said it could cause complications and the baby has a higher chance of juvenile-onset diabetes.” She wrinkled her nose. “Plus, it’s making me huge.”

  Ellie chuckled. “Hate to agree with you, but—”

  “It’s all pregnancy weight,” Jake defended his sister. “Trevor’s right. You do look beautiful.”

  Ellie pursed her lips. “I didn’t say it wasn’t pregnancy weight. Brinley always looks beautiful. What’s the deal with you, Jakey? First you yell at Trevor. Then you act all defensive when I make an innocent comment. Why so testy today?”

  Jake concentrated on his pool skimming, though any bugs had been eradicated minutes ago.

  “You worried about Chanel coming?”

  He didn’t respond.

  “Quit worrying. The pool looks great.” Ellie’s gaze flickered to his deformed arm and then refocused on his face. “You look great. When she comes she’ll want to attack you.”

  Brinley watched him. “I didn’t realize Chanel was such a concern.”

  Trevor leapt onto the diving board again, bouncing up and down. “Watch this, Unca Jake. I call it the Slurpee.”

  Jake focused on his nephew twisting and spinning through the air. “Good job, Trevor,” Jake called as the boy splashed into the water. He resurfaced and rewarded his uncle with a toothy grin.

  Jake looked down at the two women in the water. “Aunt Ellie, will you do me a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  “Please don’t embarrass Chanel today.”

  “You’re worried about what I’ll say.” Ellie grinned. “Jakey, if you’re interested in a woman, I will do everything in my power to help.”

  “But I don’t want your help—”

  “Hey, Chanel,” Ellie called.

  Jake turned. Chanel carried a tray of fruit from the kitchen entrance, chatting with Grandma Ruby and Marissa. Her dark hair was swept into a ponytail, revealing her graceful neckline. She wore a scooped-neck pink tankini with a floral sarong tied at her waist. The olive skin revealed on her chest, arms, and legs left him speechless.

  “Dang it,” Ellie muttered behind him. “I was hoping she’d change her mind and go for the bikini.”

  Jake didn’t agree. Chanel’s modest swimsuit only made her more intriguing.

  “Hiya, beautiful,” Trevor called from the diving board.

  Chanel waved back. “Hi, Trevor.”

  “That’s my line, buddy,” Jake murmured. He dropped the pole and hurried to her side, taking the fruit from her hands. “I’m glad you came.”

  She grinned. “I’ll have to thank Ruby for inviting me.”


  “I’ll do the same.” he said. He walked to the patio table to set down the fruit. Chanel fell into step with him.

  “Thanks, sweetheart.” Ruby looked over the treats and drinks on the table. “I think we’ve got everything. Marissa and I are going to jump into the pool. Are you two coming?”

  “We’ll be right there,” Jake said. “Chanel promised to race the length of the pool, and I think she should eat something first to build up her strength.”

  Chanel’s eyes widened. “I think you’re the one who might need some help.” She grabbed a bottle of Propel and handed it to him. “I doubt it’ll give you enough oomph to beat me, but you may as well see if there’s any truth to their advertising claims.”

  Jake laughed.

  “Does Chanel realize he was a national champion?” Marissa asked Ruby loudly enough for the entire neighborhood to hear.

  Chanel took a step back, and Jake closed his eyes for a second. That was on his list of things he didn’t need her to find out about.

  Ruby smiled and directed Marissa away from the table. “I think she just found out.”

  “Maybe I don’t want to race you,” Chanel said. “National champ, huh?”

  Jake grunted. “In high school. But you know I’m thinking of coming out of retirement. Olympic recruiters keep calling and calling.” He held out his hand, palm up. “When you’re in demand, you gotta give ’em a chance to work with the best.”

  Chuckling, Chanel took the Propel bottle from his hands, popped the lid, and took a drink. “Ah. Now I think I’m ready to beat the national champion.” She grinned, slipped her sarong off, and ran toward the pool.

  “No running!” Trevor called.

  Slowing to a walk, she saluted him. “Okay, buddy. Thanks for keeping me safe.”

  “Gotta watch out for the pretty ladies,” he said.

  Chanel laughed.

  Jake could only study her legs as Chanel dove into the pool. He watched her surface, water dripping off her long hair and soft skin, and couldn’t force himself to look away. He really liked Chanel—maybe too much. He felt almost unfaithful. But Angela was dead. Shouldn’t he go on with his life like everyone else thought?

  Sighing to himself, he walked towards the pool. All at once he felt someone watching him. No, it was just me thinking about Angela. Yet the creepy sensation continued. He dragged his eyes from Chanel and slowly pivoted. A pair of eyes peered over his cedar fence, and two hands grasped the top pole.

  Jake stared, and the blue eyes stared back. Their unnatural brightness seemed vaguely familiar.

  The person released the fence and disappeared. Jake raced toward the front gate. After he swung it open, he tore into his front yard. He searched it and the street beyond, but no one was there. He ran to the pavement and looked up and down the road. Nothing.

  He should’ve searched more, but he told himself the peeper was probably just one of the neighborhood girls who liked to flirt with him. He reentered the backyard and strode to the pool.

  “Stop wasting time, Jakey,” Ellie called. “Chanel said she’s going to kick your butt with her freestyle stroke.”

  Jake looked at Chanel. She dipped lower in the water with a pump of her eyebrows.

  “Nobody beats me at freestyle,” he said.

  “Yeah, nobody beats Unca Jake,” Trevor said.

  Chanel swirled water between her fingertips. “Why don’t you come on in and try?”

  Everybody laughed. Jake dove into the warm water, dismissing the image of blue eyes staring at him from over his fence.

  ***

  Ruby studied the notes she’d written as she and Michael discussed “the case.” She hated having to write everything down, but her memory wasn’t the greatest anymore. Jennalou was still their only suspect. Michael had wondered if it was someone outside the retirement center, but they couldn’t think of a motive.

  Michael stood, looking down at Ruby. “I’ve got to run into town and pick up some things before the grocery store closes.” He reached out and gathered her fingers between his. “Do you need anything?”

  She shook her head no, staring at their entwined fingers. Two days ago she would’ve ripped his arm out in protest of the intimate touch. Today all she could do was smile at how it made her feel. They’d come a long way since he’d offered to help her solve the murders.

  “Will I see you later?” she asked.

  “If I’m lucky.” Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he pulled her to her feet. “Do you remember that day in the garden when I told you that I know things about you that other people don’t?”

  With Michael sitting so close, Ruby couldn’t catch a full breath. “I remember,” she said.

  “I wondered if one of the things is still true.” Michael wrapped one of his arms around her back and pulled her in.

  Ruby licked her lips and glanced at him. She was crazy to let this continue, but she no longer had the self-control to fight how much she loved him. “I still like mayonnaise better than Miracle Whip.”

  Michael smiled. “Not that one.”

  “Oh, the other one.” Ruby swallowed at the sudden dryness in her throat. “You’re right. I still hate it when men whistle at me.”

  He chuckled and lowered his head towards hers. “That’s not the one I wondered about either.”

  Before Ruby could think to protest, his lips connected with hers. The kiss was short, sweet, and pure. It left her head swirling.

  Michael released her and walked to the door. Glancing over his shoulder, he grinned. “I remembered correctly. Your eyes still flutter like you’re having a good dream.”

  After he closed the door behind him, Ruby stared at it and whispered, “That’s because I am.”

  Falling back into her chair, she wondered why she’d finally let him enter her world. After fifty years of missing him, she wanted to be with him every second. Yet they still hadn’t discussed the fifty-year hiatus, what initiated it, and the anguish they’d suffered because of her poor decisions. She could sense he wanted to, but wasn’t sure if she was ready. Thankfully, Michael hadn’t pushed the subject.

  A soft rap came at the door.

  “Come in.”

  The gorgeous nurse, Tracy, bounced into the room, carrying a cup of something. “Hi, Ruby. How are you tonight?”

  Ruby sighed. “I’m not worth the bullet to shoot me with.”

  Tracy’s expression fell. “I’ve been worried about you. I’ve noticed you haven’t been acting like your happy self lately.”

  Gnawing on the inside of her cheek, Ruby closed her notebook. “My friend and cousin died recently. Would you feel like your perky little self if that happened?”

  “No, that’s so sad. That’s why I came to see you.” Tracy shifted the cup from one hand to the other.

  Ruby wasn’t one of the girl’s patients, so why was she here? Ruby looked at the cup and asked, “Can I do something to help you, Tracy?”

  “I sell these herbal drinks that help with depression. I wanted to give you a free sample.”

  “No, thank you. I feel fine, just a little down.”

  “That’s exactly what this is for.” The nurse edged closer.

  Ruby gripped the armrests of her chair, more than a little uneasy.

  The phone rang, and Tracy jumped. The fluid sloshed to the rim of the cup but didn’t spill. She hurried toward the door. “Maybe I can come back another time.”

  Ruby shook her head, reaching for the phone. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not signed up with Home Health. I’m sure you’ve got enough sick people to help.”

  Tracy nodded and left the room.

  The call was a telemarketer. Ruby refused the zero-interest credit card and hung up quickly. She stood, rushed to the door, and locked it. Why would Tracy come to see her, and why had the nurse behaved so strangely?

  Leaning against the door, Ruby sorted through the conversation and Tracy’s actions. What was the herbal drink the nurse wanted her to try? Ruby’s eyes widened. The drink. So
mething to cure Ruby’s depression. No, it couldn’t be possible. Slutty Tracy, the murderer?

  Rats, Ruby thought. She should’ve said she’d drink the concoction, then gotten a sniff before dumping it down the woman’s tight shirt. If it were the same smell as the poison that killed Richard and Anne, she would recognize it instantly. Darn it. Now she had no proof but her own heightened suspicions.

  Her door handle shimmied. Ruby froze. Someone was trying to get into her apartment! The door shuddered with a pounding against her back. Ruby pressed against the door, praying it wasn’t Tracy and gauging the distance to the phone and help.

  The door vibrated again. “Grandma? Are you in there?”

  “Oh, Jake,” she whispered.

  “Grandma?” he called. “It’s me. Unlock the door.”

  She exhaled, turned, and flung the door open. “Hello, sweetheart.”

  Jake bent and kissed her cheek. “How are you?”

  “Not as good as you.” Her eyebrows shot up. “Don’t you smell nice.” She clucked her tongue, noticing his freshly shaven face. “Look even better. Going to visit the new activities director, are we?”

  One side of his mouth tilted up. “No. I came to see you.”

  Ruby wanted to tell him about Tracy’s odd visit and her suspicions of the nurse, but she held her tongue. She had better wait until she had proof, rather than make Jake worry about her sanity and her imagination. “What are you doing after you visit me?”

  Closing the door behind him, Jake escorted Ruby to her chair. “I might swing past Chanel’s office and,” he paused, drawing out the suspense, “take her on a date tonight.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful, sweetheart. I sure like that girl.” Ruby smiled and sat down, sliding her notebook underneath a phonebook.

  “Me too,” Jake said.

  Ruby opened her mouth. “What are—”

  “I spoke with Michael Trapper in the parking lot,” Jake interrupted before she could question him about Chanel. “He looked happy.” Jake stared at his grandmother as if gauging her reaction.

  Ruby stiffened. “He did?”

  “Yeah. A lot happier than the last few times I’ve seen him.” Jake stroked his chin with his fingertips. “He’s such a nice guy. What’s going on between you two?”