by Kay Finch
Surely, no one would kill a woman because she talked a lot, even if many a husband had considered the idea. I wondered how short Shane’s fuse was.
“I’m sure Cody’s extra upset about Jane’s death,” I said, fishing some more.
Keith looked at me, and his brow wrinkled. “You talkin’ about Flores? I don’t know if that boy stays sober long enough to know what’s goin’ on half the time.” He checked his watch. “Look, y’all, I gotta run.”
“Thanks for coming over.” Luke walked with Keith toward the other man’s truck.
Hitchcock and I went to the patio, and I took a seat in a cushioned chair. Angie hovered, keeping a safe distance as the cat wound in and out of the chair legs until his leash was hopelessly tangled. In a minute, I heard Keith’s truck pull away from the house and felt Luke’s gaze on me. I turned to watch him cross the lawn.
“What was the third degree all about?” he said.
“Sorry. My brain goes off like it does when I’m plotting a story, and I can’t seem to stop myself.”
He watched me for a moment, as if assessing my answer. “You stepped way out there, talking to Keith about his coworkers that way. You have reason to think one of them committed murder?”
“Anything’s possible,” I said. “It could have been an accident, but now the guy’s afraid to confess. The longer he waits, the trickier the situation becomes. He’s getting more and more agitated. No telling what he’ll do as the pressure continues to build.”
Luke shook his head. “That’s pure fiction plotting I’m hearing.”
“Maybe, maybe not. We don’t know.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that. How about some wine? Maybe give your brain a rest.”
I grinned, but it felt half-hearted. “Worth a try.”
“We have baby back ribs topped with the Griffin family secret sauce,” he said. “Hope you like ’em.”
“Sounds yummy.” I pulled out my buzzing phone as he went after the wine.
I had a new text message from Aunt Rowe.
Hope you and Hitchcock are okay, hon.
Luke emerged from the house with two glasses and an open wine bottle as I tapped in a response.
We’re fine. At Luke’s for dinner.
Tell that boy I said hello.
“Aunt Rowe says hi.”
“Hi back.” Luke put the glasses down on the patio table and poured. “I sure like your aunt. You get that imaginative streak from her?”
“I don’t think so. Aunt Rowe’s more of a just-the-facts person.”
“She sure is an interesting lady.”
“To say the least.”
Luke picked up one of the glasses and handed it to me. “While I check the meat, why don’t you tell me why you look so stressed. Seems like there’s more than the murder on your mind tonight.”
I tipped my head. “It’s that obvious?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He lifted the grill’s top and grabbed his tongs. “I don’t want anything messing with the nice, intimate dinner I planned. Why don’t you go ahead and vent? Let it all out.”
Luke could read me so well. I sighed. “There was a scene at Aunt Rowe’s house. One of the guests made a crack about Hitchcock and how he’s bad luck. When that happened, I left without doing what I had planned to do before coming over here.”
“And what was that?” he said.
I looked down at my T-shirt and jeans. “For one, change into something nicer for this special occasion.”
“Oh.” He glanced over his shoulder at me. “You look great. What led up to this obnoxious person’s comment?”
“It’s so ridiculous, you won’t believe it.” I told him about the woman who fell on the lawn and spouted off about Hitchcock stepping on the sidewalk cracks.
Luke turned the ribs over the fire. “She’s lucky you didn’t punch her lights out.”
His comment made me smile. “There were too many witnesses.” I took a sip of the wine.
“How’d she get up from the wet grass?” he said. “I’m pretty sure you didn’t help. Think she’s still sitting there?”
I giggled. “No. Marge Boyd helped her up.”
“That name sounds familiar.” He mopped the meat with sauce from a side dish.
“She owns that craft shop in town.”
He nodded. “Right, and she once called me for help to move a family of raccoons out of the shop’s attic.”
“Did you take care of the problem?”
“I did. Trapped the little fellas, then released them out in the wild.”
I smiled again. “You’re such a good guy.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He closed the grill and picked up his wineglass, then pulled his chair closer to mine and sat. We enjoyed our wine in silence for a minute.
Angie pranced over to Luke with a stick in her mouth, and he tossed it for her to fetch. I unlatched Hitchcock’s leash so he could move around a bit and untangled it from the chair. The cat rolled in the grass, enjoying the freedom.
I sighed. “When are people going to give up on the whole bad luck cat thing?”
“Maybe they won’t,” he said.
“Jane was going to help me start a new legend about Hitchcock.”
“Like a belief that he causes good luck?”
“Maybe. She never got the chance to share her idea with me. Probably some kind of social media campaign. I can’t see any way that would turn everything around.”
“You have to learn to let it go.”
“I’m not sure I can. He’s such a sweet cat, and anyone who doesn’t—”
Luke leaned in and placed his index finger over my lips. “Take a breath, babe. You need to relax. Like they do.”
I followed his gaze over to Angie and Hitchcock lying close together under a nearby pecan tree. For a moment, we grinned like parents who were pleased their toddlers got along so well.
“Sorry,” I said. “You must think I’m a drama queen.”
He shook his head. “I’ve known a couple of them in my time. You are a caring and loving human being. Always looking out for the underdog.” He leaned closer still and kissed me, then popped up to go back to the grill.
“Guess that’s why I can’t stop wondering about Jane. I know you’d rather I put her out of my mind.”
“I understand that’s not gonna happen. Your imagination is going to wander to Timbuktu and back no matter what I say. I don’t want you to get into any trouble.”
“I didn’t. I mean, I won’t.”
He gave me a knowing look. “Want to tell me about it?”
I chewed my lower lip for a second and decided to leave out the part about Mr. X. “I talked to some people today in Emerald Springs. Visited the library. Met a lady who lives in a house owned by Jane. None of them knows anything about her history or family members.”
“Did Sheriff Crawford send you out on that mission?”
Luke knew better. I shook my head.
“That’s because it’s his job to dig up clues, like writing is yours.”
The comment annoyed me. I couldn’t deny he made a valid point, though. Rather than respond, I sipped my wine.
Luke pulled a platter on the patio table closer to the grill. “About ten more minutes before we eat.”
He turned the meat, then came back to me with the wine bottle and topped off my glass before sitting. “I guess Jane was one of those people who liked keeping her personal life to herself,” he said. “As a rule, I do the same thing.”
“Maybe, but Jane was so outgoing. Ethan over at the bookstore tried to find clues about her family on social media sites and came up empty.”
“Did you put him up to that?” Luke said.
“No, but I’m glad he did the research because now I’m sure there’s no need for me to try. If there was any information to find, he’d have found it.”
“Isn’t he the same boy that used to nudge you about your writing?”
I paused. “Yeah.”
“If he’s pr
eoccupied, guess I need to step up and take a turn. So, Sabrina, tell me. How’s your book coming?”
“Smart aleck.” I shrugged. “Slow. I have some plot issues to work through.”
“Bet that’s tough when you keep thinking about murder.”
“Of course it is. If you know of a remedy, tell me and I’ll try it. I don’t like having a brain that keeps running in circles.”
He reached over again and placed his fingertips on my chin. Turned me to face him.
“Be calm,” he said. “I think you’re forgetting to breathe.”
“I do that sometimes. I try to remind myself, but then I get caught up, and I don’t realize I’m not breathing like I should, and then I start breathing too fast. Know what I mean?”
He nodded. “I think it’s about time we take a break.”
My heart stuttered.
“A break? From each other?” I shook my head. “No, I don’t want—” I paused when I realized he had a goofy grin on his face. “What?”
“I meant we should take a trip,” he said. “Get away for a few days. Together. A break away from here.”
I felt my forehead wrinkle. “You and me?”
“I’d like some alone time with you,” he said. “If that’s possible.”
He had taken me completely by surprise, and I wasn’t sure how to respond. I felt a flush creeping up my cheeks. “What did you have in mind?”
“The possibilities are endless,” he said. “For one, I’m going to a conference in Santa Fe beginning of May. I’ll be out of pocket a few hours a day, but there’s this top-notch spa at the hotel you could check out. Or, you could make the rounds at local bookstores to promote your upcoming book release.”
I hadn’t realized Luke was attuned to my book schedule at all, and the thought touched me.
“Whatever you want,” he went on. “Maybe you’d rather go somewhere closer before the book release. What do you think?”
I smiled at him. “You’re so sweet to think of this. I’d love to take a trip with you.”
His shoulders visibly relaxed. “Great. Wonderful.”
“I’ll have to arrange for someone to keep an eye on that one over there.” I pointed to Hitchcock, who was sharpening his claws on a tree.
“Angie, too,” Luke said. “If we’re lucky, the sheriff will have this whole case solved way before then, so your mind can be free of worry.”
“Me? Free of worry?”
“I know. It’s a lot to expect.” He glanced toward the grill and stood. “Better get that meat off the fire.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
“Nope. I want you to sit back and relax.”
“Sorry I didn’t make something special for dessert.” The thought hadn’t even occurred to me until now. That was odd in itself.
“No worries,” he said. “I made your peanut butter cake. First time, so don’t hold your breath.”
“Bet you nailed it,” I said. “I’ll save room.”
We took the animals inside and fed them their dinner before we sat down to dine ourselves. Luke had fixed twice-baked potatoes and fresh green beans. He sliced a warm loaf of bread he’d picked up at the bakery in town. The ribs were to die for. A cozy and intimate dinner, as he’d planned.
Throughout the meal, we discussed places we’d like to visit and movies we might enjoy seeing. Over cake, which was delicious, we segued into talking about family—living and dead. All the folks who held an important place in our hearts.
“I wonder if Jane Alcott ever had this conversation with someone close to her,” I said.
“Don’t suppose we’ll ever know,” Luke said.
“I hate to think there could be someone out there missing her who doesn’t know what happened. Or who wouldn’t even know where to begin looking if they tried.”
“That very thought crossed my mind.” Luke wiped his mouth and placed his napkin on his empty plate.
“Really?”
He nodded. “You got me thinking now, and I may have come up with one good answer for why nobody can place this lady’s family.”
“What is it?” I said.
“Maybe Jane Alcott was in the witness protection program.”
Chapter 14
Even my overactive imagination hadn’t considered the idea that Jane Alcott might be a protected witness. Once the words were out of Luke’s mouth, I couldn’t quit thinking about the possibility. Or the fact that he’d invited me to join him for a weekend getaway. I’d be able to dwell on that more fully after the murder case was solved. Both topics endangered my ability to focus on writing anytime soon.
Early the next morning, Hitchcock and I headed into town. A low fog hung in the air, but my thinking was crystal clear. Jane Alcott in WITSEC made all the sense in the world. She’d come to Texas to build a new life. The bad guy tracked her down and did away with the witness that could put him—or her—behind bars.
“This could be the tip that helps the sheriff break this case wide open.” I glanced over at Hitchcock. “I know, I sound like a made-for-TV movie.”
“Mrreow,” he said.
“It is possible, though. The sheriff needs to consider every angle. In case this one hasn’t occurred to him yet, I’m here to save the day.”
If cats could roll their eyes, I’m pretty sure that’s what Hitchcock would have done in reply.
I arrived at the sheriff’s department and pulled into the lot. I’d already outfitted Hitchcock in his harness, and we jumped out of the car. I quickstepped toward the building. Before we reached the door, the sheriff came barreling out and stopped short when he saw us.
He nodded a greeting. “Sabrina.”
“Morning, Sheriff. I have something important to discuss.”
“Bad time,” he said. “This one of your fictional questions?”
“No, it’s about the murder. I have an idea that might help you with the investigation. An idea Luke came up with, actually.” In case the game warden’s thoughts carried more weight than mine did.
The door opened behind him, and Deputy Rosales came out. She looked official in her starched uniform with the badge pinned to her shirt and her hair pulled back into a smooth ponytail. She gave me what some people would call the stink eye.
“What did Luke come up with?” she said.
Of all the things for her to overhear. Her attitude about me only worsened when she was reminded that I was involved with her crush.
Sheriff Crawford said, “Sabrina, give whatever you have to Deputy Rosales. I’m headed out.”
“But—” I stopped short when I noticed his stern expression.
Rosales cleared her throat. “Sheriff, I don’t think—”
She, too, quieted when he turned his stare on her. “You two are grown women,” he said, “and you should be able to have a conversation without jealousy, or whatever y’all’s problem is, getting in the way. Please, behave like adults.”
“Yes, sir,” Rosales said.
I nodded and bit my lip, embarrassed at being dressed down for immature behavior. The sheriff hurried to his car, jumped in, and pulled out of the lot.
I looked at Rosales. “Were you on your way out, too?” I said in a hopeful tone. “I can come back later.”
She whooshed out a breath. “I could lie and say yes, to get out of dealing with you. That’s my first inclination, but he’d probably ask me about it later. You really have something for the investigation?”
“Yes.” I paused, then added, “Maybe.”
“Come on in, then. Let’s get this over with.” She glanced down at Hitchcock. He sat still as a statue, as if he feared getting yelled at himself. “Cat seems pretty docile today. Go ahead and bring him in.”
As if I’d hook him up to a post like a horse and leave him behind.
The three of us went inside, and Laurelle’s eyes widened when she saw me following Rosales.
We went into the deputy’s cubicle, and I took the seat across the desk from her. Being in this close
proximity to her was making me sweat and it wasn’t even hot in here.
Get a grip, Sabrina. Say your piece, then get out.
I coughed, then cleared my throat and began. “I went to the library in Emerald Springs yesterday.”
“Why?” Rosales said.
“Does that really matter?” I continued without waiting for an answer. “Jane’s friends—her former coworkers—don’t know anything about her family.”
“We already knew that.”
“Have you located next of kin?”
Rosales shook her head. “No, we have not. But we don’t need you sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“But if I have additional information, you’ll take it.”
I wanted her to admit I was right, but after waiting a few seconds I could tell she wasn’t going to give in. “I had a thought last night. Well, Luke’s the one who came up with this idea first. It might explain a lot.”
“Will you spit it out already?” Rosales said. “I don’t have all day to waste.”
Hitchcock rounded the desk, walking toward Rosales.
The deputy’s arm moved toward the floor in what looked like a swatting motion. “Keep away from me. I do not need black hair on my pants.”
The cat came back to me, wearing the kitty smirk I was fond of. I refrained from reminding Rosales that she had welcomed Hitchcock into our meeting and told her what Luke and I were thinking about the witness protection program.
Rosales made some notes, then paused as if considering the possibility. “More often than not, people in WITSEC are criminals themselves,” she said. “Are you thinking Jane Alcott was a criminal?”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t know, even if she was. And they’re not always criminals. Since no one seems to know anything about Jane’s past, you can’t completely shoot down the idea. Do you know who to contact to check this out?”
“We’ll handle it now. You go back to that fictional world you live in.”
Her snide tone rubbed me the wrong way. “You don’t have to insult me.”
“Enjoy the dream world while you can, but don’t get too used to it. Luke likes his women stronger and more assertive.”
