by Melissa Rees
"I don't know." He moaned, and then replied. "She said she’s had it with me seeing Susie."
Miss Pettybone tilted her head and looked into Lenny watery eyes?” "You're still seeing Susie?"
"You don't understand, Miss Pettybone. She loves me."
Furious, Miss Pettybone gave him a shove. Falling on his back, he looked up at Miss Pettybone confused.
"Lenny Crabtree, the only thing that girl loves is your money." Miss Pettybone snapped. "And from now on, just so you know, if I see you lying in the street again, I'm going to call the sheriff myself and have him pick your sorry butt up."
"What are you so mad about?" He asked confused, struggling to sit up.
She stalked back to her car and jumped in, then drove off without saying another word. Stupid, stupid man, she fumed.
Nora and he had been married for over thirty-years and this was the way he was repaying her. Glancing up at the sky, she wished for rain. She wished it would rain so hard Lenny's clothes would float away.
***
After pulling in and parking her mail truck in front of the cafe that afternoon, Miss Pettybone glanced around the parking lot looking for Lynn or Billie June's car. Not spotting either one, she decided they must be were running late. Walking into the cool oasis felt wonderful. The weather hadn't improved and the weather forecasters were now warning folks about the danger of brush fires.
Miss Pettybone heard on the radio coming into town that the Governor of the State was making moans about declaring a state of emergency for the whole state of Mississippi.
If it would only rain, Miss Pettybone thought, sliding into the front booth.
Signaling for Jewel, she took several napkins from the container and wiped her face.
"I could have save myself some money and cook outside on the sidewalk." Jewel said, handing Miss Pettybone a large glass of Diet Pepsi. "Lynn and Billie coming?"
"Yeah, they're probably just running a little late." She answered, taking a long drink of Diet Pepsi. "Thanks, I was thirsty."
"Your welcome. So, I hear tell you left Lenny Crabtree in the street this morning?"
"What a brainless man." Miss Pettybone snorted. "Did you know he was still seeing Susie?"
"Everybody in town knows he’s still seeing Susie." Jewel said, sliding in the booth opposite her friend.
"He actually told me this morning that she loved him."
"Susie?" Jewel laughed. "That girl only loves what's inside his pants. And I'm talking about his wallet."
"That's what I told him."
"Have you talked to Nora?"
"Not yet. But I intend to. She must be hurt and humiliated."
"Yea, she’s not feeling too good these days." Jewel agreed, getting up when she saw Lynn and Billie June headed their way.
Jewel watched as they slid into the booth and stood waiting patiently while the women glanced at the menu.
What's the special?" Lynn asked.
"Corn beef and cabbage." Jewel said, plopping her tablet down on the table, prepared to write down their orders.
"God, no." Lynn said, looking down. "I’ll just have a Taco salad with a glass of tea."
"Tuna salad for me." Miss Pettybone said.
Everyone looked at Billie June, who was scowling at her boss.
"What?" Lynn asked, confused.
"You took the Lords name in vain again."
Exasperated, Lynn apologized. I’m sorry, Billie June, if you are offended. But I don't think I took his name in vain. Maybe I used it casually in conversation. But I don't believe that's a sin."
Miss Pettybone glanced at Billie June's red face and decided to keep out of the argument. She scowled when she saw the sheriff and two of his deputy's walk into the diner.
Dwight waved his deputies to a table, then strolled over and stood looking down at the women.
"Dwight, always a pleasure seeing you." Lynn said, grinning up at him.
"Same to you." He smiled, shifting his attention to Miss Pettybone. "So, what were you girls up to last night?"
"Last night? Nothing but a grab fest. Why?" Lynn asked, glancing over at Miss Pettybone.
��Oh, someone told me that you women were out at Murdock's old house looking around. Of course, I told them that they must be mistaken. Because you all know what I would do if I found out that was true."
Miss Pettybone frowned when she saw Billie June's face turn even more red.
"We were at my house all night." Miss Pettybone stated firmly, sliding a warning glance at Billie June.
"Really? That's good. Because I sure would hate to arrest any of you for trespassing."
"Trespassing? How could you arrest us for trespassing?" Miss Pettybone queried.
"I have yellow tape surrounding the house. It’s still police business." Dwight informed them.
“So what? Fifty cents of yellow plastic means we can get arrested?" Miss Pettybone snapped, and then pointed out. "You still have yellow plastic around the place where Jenkins had the accident over by the highway last week. Is that still police business?"
"That just happened a few days ago." Dwight said, defending himself. "Since then I've been busy with the murder."
"Well, you can see were we might get confused." Miss Pettybone said, glancing over at Billie June. "You still need to order. I only have an hour for lunch."
Flustered, Billie June thrust the menu at Jewel. "I’ll have the special."
Jewel hid a smile at Billie June's discomfort and walked away, headed towards the kitchen.
Dwight bent down so he was looking directly into Miss Pettybone’s eyes. "This is the last time I'm going to tell you to stay away from that house."
She glanced around the room, deciding to not say another word and just ignore the man. She patted a napkin delicately to her face.
Annoyed at her response, he straightened and walked to his table.
Miss Pettybone cocked her head to one side and turned to look at Billie June.
What?" Billie June asked, defensive.
"I think we both want to know who told the sheriff where we were last night." Lynn pointed out.
"The only person I told was Teddy."
"Teddy!" Miss Pettybone said, impatiently. "He's worst than a woman about gossiping."
Billie June blanched at her words and stood up. "You can't say that about my husband."
“Sit down Billie June." Lynn warned. "You know very well Teddy tells everything he knows to the good old boys at the gas station."
"He promised he wouldn't say anything."
"Well, apparently he did say something or Dwight wouldn't have known anything about last night." Lynn said, making room for Jewel to place her salad in front of her.
Embarrassed about Teddy's gossiping, Billie June picked up her fork and stabbed a piece of cabbage.
Miss Pettybone looked over at Lynn and shrugged.
Billie June placed her fork on the table and looked at Miss Pettybone, tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Loraine. I'm worried that something bad will happen to you if you keep investigating the murder."
Miss Pettybone shook her head and said gently. "That's okay, Billie June. Don't cry. Just eat your lunch and don't worry about it. Although, I do have something to talk to you all about."
“What?" Lynn asked, happy the situation was cleared up before they went back to work.
"Wait until after we eat and we'll talk." Miss Pettybone promised.
***
Lynn sat back and rubbed her stomach. “Now that was good food."
"I shouldn't have eaten so much." Billie June complained, and then yawned. "Now I'm sleepy."
Lynn shoved her plate back and looked at her friend. "Okay, what's up?"
Miss Pettybone wiped her hands with a napkin, then leaned back and sighed. "You know that address we found last night?"
"Of course." Lynn encouraged.
"Well, the address is in New York. So I was thinking about flying there tomorrow and seeing if I can discover what connection t
he address has to do with Warren Jones."
Billie June gasped and made a quick sign of the cross on her chest.
"Why did you do that?" Miss Pettybone demanded, insulted.
I’m sorry, I didn't mean to." Billie said, unhappily putting her hands in her lap.
"Well, just don't do that again. You're going to have me spooked."
"You forgot about one tiny thing." Lynn said, folding her paper napkin in small squares.
"What?"
"Your job."
"You offered me a week off to recuperate from my head injury." Miss Pettybone pointed out.
"Yeah, to recuperate from your head injury, not to chase down murderers in New York City."
"I have vacation time coming."
"Which we were going to use to go on the casino trip. You know how hard that was convincing Edgar to let me go on the cruise with you. Besides, you're too." She said, and then stopped.
“Too what?" Miss Pettybone asked, narrowing her eyes. "Too old?"
"You can't be too old, because that would make me too old. And I'm not that old."
"So, go with me." Miss Pettybone invited. "We could check the address and then do some sightseeing and maybe some shopping."
Tempted, Lynn stared at her friend. "I've always wanted to see New York."
"Then let's go."
"Wait a minute. If you all take off, who's going to run the Post Office?" Billie June asked bewildered. "You two have never been on vacation at the same time."
"You've always said you'd like my job." Lynn teased. "We'll just call Sid and Mary in to sub. They'll be happy for the extra money."
"You're coming?" Miss Pettybone asked.
"You think I'd let you loose in New York City by yourself?" Lynn asked.
Chapter 21
Miss Pettybone drew the bedroom curtains back and gazed outside. Although she loved
and missed her farm when she was away, she was excited about traveling to New York City. And it would be fun traveling with Lynn. She was such an easygoing person, not one to constantly complain.
Miss Pettybone looked out her bedroom window and rocked slowly on her heels thinking about how hot and dry it was. She figured most farmers in the area were watering their crops and watching the sky in hopes of rain.
She was worried about her tenant's crops, knowing he was probably getting anxious about the dry conditions. He was such an excitable man, anyway. Way to nervous a fellow to depend on the weather for his livelihood.
The rumor bouncing around town was a couple of the farmers were desperate enough to hire Macy Stover to conjure up some rain.
Macy was the local psychic and general misfit in Beatty. Fond of wearing black clothing and dramatic make-up, Macy enjoyed the status of being known as unusual. She also got a kick out of having the reputation that she was also a certified-card-carrying witch.
Miss Pettybone had known her since they were children and had always found her to be very sweet but definitely different. She was a few years older than Macy and remembered that, even as a small girl, Macy had liked to stand out amongst the other children.
Lynn and Billie June had laughed when they heard she was out at Blunder’s farm sprinkling Holy Water, dancing for rain.
However, Miss Pettybone had kept her opinion to herself. She figured God might get a kick out of Macy Stover and provide some much needed water. She had seen stranger things in her life.
She walked back to her suitcase and bent over, examining the contents. This was probably the most exciting thing that she had ever attempted.
It must have been fate, she decided, that brought Warren Jones to the small town of Betty, Mississippi.
She snapped the suitcase closed and picked it up, then sat it on the floor next to her purse. They were going to New York. She'd never been to New York. She usually took cruises when she went on vacations.
When she heard gravel from the driveway crunch, she walked over to the window and looked out. She watched as the sheriff's cruiser pulled up and parked beside her house.
Not happy, she started downstairs. Pausing on the bottom step, delaying the confrontation she figured awaited her, she wondered what would make him come all the way out to her house. Most people she knew called before they drove out.
When she head when him knock, she walked to the front door. Pulling it open, she leaned casually on the knob. "Sheriff?"
"Miss Pettybone."
"What can I do for you?"
"May I come in? It’s hotter than hell out here."
She pulled the door open and stepped back. "What are you doing out here, Sheriff?"
"I heard some distressing news and thought I should ask you about it?"
���I’m sure I don't know any distressing news."
He gazed around the graceful foyer and looked back at Miss Pettybone. "I've always liked this house. If you should ever decide to sell it, I hope you'll let me know."
"If that's why you're here, you're wasting your time."
"You know it's not why I'm here."
Dwight was a good-looking man, she thought. Too bad he had such a rude personality. "What do you need, Sheriff?"
"I wanted to let you know that I have someone watching Zeb's old place at night."
"Who did you get to stay out at that old house all night?"
"That's police business."
"And you came out here to tell me that? Why?"
"Because I told him to shoot first and ask questions later."
“Do you really think I'm dumb enough to believe you told someone that?"
"I guess not." He said grinning. "How’s the head?"
She reached up to touch the bump on the back of her head and sighed. "I have some headaches but they come and go."
Skeptical of her meekness, he gazed at her for a couple of seconds. "That's too bad. So, you are going to stay away from Zeb's place?"
She figured she was leaving anyway, so she put a hand on his arm and promised. "I give you my word that I won't go near that old house for a while."
Confused, he stared at her. "Okay, good, then I guess that's that."
She walked to the door and opened it, waiting for him to walk out. "Good-bye Sheriff. You have a nice day."
***
Dwight climbed into his cruiser and started the engine. She was hiding something, but what? God, she was a hardheaded woman. But if something were to happen to her, his heart skipped a beat at the thought. In order to protect her from herself, he decided, he had to find out what she knew.
Frustrated, he turned towards Zeb's old house again. He had no doubt in his mind that she had been out there the other night. He also couldn't get past that smile. She had found something belonging to Warren Jones, he just knew it.
He would cruise out to the farmhouse and have a look around. If nothing turned up, he would have a go at her friends. He doubted he would learn anything from Lynn, but Billie June was another matter all together.
He grinned at the thought of Billie June. He knew she liked him and he was pretty sure he could get her to talk. Of course, she might be a little reluctant at first but he would stay at her until he had the information he wanted. Loraine Pettybone wasn't as smart as she thought she was. Smiling, he turned into the lane that led to the old farm.
Chapter 22
The sidewalk in front of Roosters was crowded with tourist. Each one clothed in various holiday attire. Some were dressed for comfort, shorts and sleeveless shirts. While others were dressed more formally in bright summer dresses and lightweight summer suits. All seem to be in a festive mood, happy and laughing.
Most were holding alcoholic beverages, the liquid sloshing out of their glasses as they waved and hooted at friends and family.
The aroma drifting out of the bar smelled heavenly of Rooster's Famous Cajun Barbecue Ribs and spicy Chicken wings.
Wagner and Keel strolled confidently into Roosters and gazed around the popular club. It was only six-thirty in the afternoon and already the place was jump
ing.
They took a seat at the bar and looked around. Wagner propped his elbows on the bar and summoned the bartender over. "We would like to speak to Eli Rawls if he’s available."
"May I say who wishes to speak to him?" The waiter asked politely.
"Please tell him Aaron Wagner and Otis Keel is here."
"Yes sir, I’ll see if he‘s available."
After watching the bartender hurry towards the back of the building, Otis turned to Aaron. "Maybe we should buy a pub in France."
"We could look and see what's available." Wagner agreed, eying the crush of people waiting to get in.
They both got to their feet when they saw Eli Rawls walking towards them.
"Thank you both for coming." Eli said, shaking their hands. "Why don’t you come into my office where we can talk?"
Wagner followed behind Eli Rawls as they walked towards the back of the building. He thought what an elegant man Eli was. Slightly taller than himself, with dark blue eyes and a lazy sexy smile. Wagner figured he was never at loss for companionship, male or female.
Eli opened the door to his office and stood aside. He watched as the two men walked into the room.
He gave both men a quick look and noted with interest the different style of clothing. Otis Keel looked causal, in pressed blue jeans and a light green Polo shirt, while Aaron had opted for the more formal look. He looked stylish in a lightweight gray silk suit and white Polo. "Please have a seat." He invited, going around his desk to sit down.
After making them comfortable, Eli asked. "May I offer you something to drink?"
"White wine for me." Otis said, jovial about the prospect of working for one of the richest men in Savannah.
Eli waited as Aaron considered what to drink.
"Bourbon on the rocks for me." Wagner decided.
Eli picked up the phone and placed the order, then settled back to study the two men sitting in front of him. They made rather a dashing pair, he thought, and were quite obviously gay. Both men were handsome and seemed relaxed. They looked to him, like ordinary successful businessmen.
