by Lilly York
“I didn’t invite you as a guest, I invited you as a witness. Once Jordina signs her new will, you can leave.” She knew Willow had her concealed carry. “Put your gun and your phone on the table.”
Willow did as she was told. She hoped Birdie didn’t go for a pat down. She had a backup gun in the waistband of her pants and a burner phone in her pocket. Steve was listening to every word.
“Once Jordina signs over the cabin to you, you can let us both go. She would want Clancy’s daughter to have what is rightfully due her.”
Jordina’s eyes widened in surprise.
Birdie chirped out, “What do you mean by that?”
“You’re his daughter, right?”
“When did you know?”
“I didn’t know you were his daughter until today.”
“But you knew I killed him. How?”
“It was a bunch of little things that started coming together. The day of the murder, you pulled up next to my truck and carried in the jugs of ice tea. And yet, later on when we were eating, you said you tried a new macaroni and cheese recipe, the one with olives. At first, I didn’t put two and two together, but later, I remembered you walked away then came back and got the tea. You didn’t have a crock pot in your hands. You had to have carried it in earlier, which would have put you at the range at the time of the murder. Bringing your dish to pass early was a good cover for being there, but not a very good way to cover your tracks if anyone had seen you.”
She nodded. “That wasn’t enough to convict me.”
“No, and I might not have thought twice about it until I was here, looking through Clancy’s scrapbook. I noticed a picture of a woman who looked nearly identical to you. A few days later when we came back, after the funeral, the picture was missing. Steve noticed Garth arrived late and made eye contact giving you the heads up. He’d found the picture. But neither of you knew he had copies tucked away in his closet. We searched through boxes and found a copy of the very same picture. But we also found other pictures, one of your mama holding a baby, a baby girl— you. After I saw the picture of your mama holding the fried chicken, it dawned on me what happened.”
She stifled her tears. “I was looking for my mama’s recipe. That’s the most important thing to me. I didn’t realize Clancy had a picture of my mom until Jordina told me there was a picture of me in his scrapbook, or at least someone who looked a lot like me. If I had known on the day of the funeral, I would have grabbed that too, then you would never have seen it.”
“You looked for and found the recipe, which I’m guessing was your mama’s famous recipe, since she won first place in the Southern Fried Chicken Cook-Off back before you were born. You wanted what was rightfully yours, or should have been yours had your mama have lived. You wanted that trophy for your mantle. You wanted it next to the other trophies you have on display there. Is that why you killed him?”
“The day you were at my house, the recipe was on the counter. I hid it. Clancy took credit for my mama’s chicken. It made me angry. Not enough to kill him. I thought about it, but I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in a jail cell.”
“Then why did you do it?”
She swallowed hard. “I kind of figured he was my dad. It made sense. He was a liar and a cheat. He stole a hero’s reward from Jordina’s grandpa, he stole my mother’s chicken recipe. Heaven only knows what else he had done in his lifetime. He never said a word to me about my mother. He pretended he didn’t recognize me—even though I’m identical to my mother. Who does that? I just wanted him to admit he was my father. So, one night, I invited myself out to the cabin and brought a bottle of Jack Daniels and I got him good and drunk. When I asked him about my mother he said he knew I was her daughter the first time he laid eyes on me. Then he admitted he was my dad. I was thrilled. I knew my mom had died under some suspicious circumstances but I guess I couldn’t imagine my father would have anything to do with it. I thought we’d be a family. Don’t get me wrong, I love my adoptive parents. They gave me a good life. They told me who my mom had been and that I still had some family in the area, mainly my uncle Garth. But, I wanted to know my parents.”
She moved the curtain slightly and looked out the window. Not seeing anything, she continued. “Every adopted child wonders what was wrong with them. Aren’t they loveable? Why weren’t they wanted? I was no different. I majored in history in college and traced back my mother’s life. I went through everything I could find. That’s how I found Clancy. When I found out he was my father, I was willing to forgive everything. I didn’t care that he wasn’t reputable, that his character was often the subject of condemning whispers. Then he uttered something I’ll never forget. He laughed and said I should have seen my mother’s face the day he killed her. He killed my mother. The only reason he didn’t kill me is I was with a babysitter.” She started crying. “My father killed my mother.” She pulled the picture out of her pocket and stared at it. “She was beautiful. She was happy.”
Birdie looked at Willow with her big, blue, sorrowful eyes and that out-of-date pixie cut that mirrored her mother’s. “I left, in fact, I ran. I drove home and sobbed. The next day when I had dried the tears and found my resolve, I decided to kill him. I wanted to see his face as he died, just like he watched my mother as he drained the life from her. I wanted him to think of her when he was gasping for breath. I wanted him to see my mother when he looked at me.” She gasped for breath. “I talked Garth into helping me with the electrical work in the back yard. Clancy was the only one who ever went back there to smoke. I knew his schedule. I had watched him. Garth had taken care of the wires the night before the potluck, then he drove out and hid in the woods. He was careful to cut through the woods so he wasn’t caught on camera. I knew the angles of all the video surveillance. I made sure he did too. Garth called me as soon as Clancy stepped out back for his nicotine fix. I was ready to confront him. I wasn’t even certain he’d remember what he told me, he was so drunk.”
She tucked the picture away, back in her pocket. “He had just lit up when I got the phone call. I hugged the building wall so I wouldn’t be seen by the parking lot camera then stepped around the corner. He’d remembered just fine. You know what he said to me? ‘You really are the picture of your mama. Man, when you first showed up I thought you was a ghost coming back to haunt me. Then come to find out you’re the product of me and your mama’s little fling. I didn’t figure I’d ever lay eyes on you again.’ He laughed then he said, ‘You should really go back to where you came from. There ain’t nothin’ for you here. Not unless you want to end up like your mama.’”
She was quiet. Willow wanted to keep her talking. “Is that when you killed him?”
Birdie jumped. She’d been in her own little world of hurt and heartache. “Most of the live wire was buried. Just the end was sticking up through the weeds. One good push and he stepped right back on it. Those cowboy boots he loved were perfect. I had to research those to make sure they would do the trick. All he had to do was step back and that metal bar in the heel caused him to light up like a Christmas tree. I stared at him and grinned. I did it. He would never hurt anyone again. Ever.”
Birdie turned toward Jordina. “Now, I’ll have his fortune and that is the best part of him. The best is yet to come.”
Willow watched as Birdie undid Jordina’s hands.
“Why don’t you untie her legs too? She never did anything to you.”
Birdie nearly screamed. “She stole my inheritance!”
Willow tried to calm her down. “Birdie, she didn’t know you existed. And she didn’t know that Clancy was leaving her anything. This isn’t her fault. You already got the guy who hurt you— who hurt your mama.”
Birdie paused for a few seconds, thinking. “If she doesn’t die then what point is signing the will?”
Willow’s heart sank.
Birdie stood behind Jordina who was openly crying, then handed her a pen and a clipboard. “This is your destiny. Now sign the will.”
Jordina dropped the pen, not in rebellion but because her hands were shaking so terribly. Birdie slapped her.
Willow started to intervene but Birdie stepped back and pointed the gun at Willow. “Don’t do it. You have no part of this. I have no reason to kill you but I will.” Willow stepped back and put up her hands in submission. She noticed Steve who had come in through the back door. She didn’t look his way again. She didn’t want to give his presence up.
As Birdie bent down and picked up the pen, Steve crossed the room in three strides and knocked her to the ground. She struggled with him for control of the gun and there was a loud bang in the small confines of the cabin. Everyone was still, wondering who, if anyone, was hit.
Willow looked up from her ground position. Blood was pooling on the wood floor under Birdie. She yelled out, “Steve!” then ran to the tangled duo.
Steve lifted his head then rolled off the dead woman. He lay there, without moving, stunned at the events that just took place.
Willow ran to his side. “Are you OK? Are you hurt?”
He nodded then pointed to Jordina. Willow quickly removed the sock from her mouth. She was screaming so Willow held her close. “Stop. You’re all right, everything’s OK now. .”
They could hear sirens. Steve had called in back up before coming in the cabin. He was sure to hear about sending Willow in the cabin. Unfortunately, his superiors didn’t know Willow. As if he had a choice.
The medical examiner removed Birdie’s body for autopsy. Jordina was huddled in a corner talking with a detective. Steve was still covered in Birdie’s blood and remained silent as he waited to leave. He’d already explained what happened.
Willow just wanted to get her man home and cleaned up. Her man? Where did that come from? She squeezed his hand. She heard a commotion at the door then saw Jordina stand up and start crying all over again. Jason ran to her. Willow watched them huddle together, he had his arms protectively around her. A few minutes later, the officer allowed her to leave.
Jordina stepped up to Willow. “Thank you.” She looked to Steve. “Thank you both. Without you I’d be dead. I’m certain of it. You saved my life.” She paused. “And thank you for saving my grandfather.
He nodded. “I’m glad you’re OK. And as for your grandfather, you can thank Willow. She’s the one who insisted he was innocent.”
Jordina did as he instructed then told them both goodbye. Jason helped her through the door.
Steve stoked Willow’s cheek. “You did good, real good. But I’ve never been so scared in my life. The thought of something happening to you.” He broke down in tears. Willow wrapped her arms around him and just held him.
Chapter 18
Willow watched the bride as she walked down the aisle. Jordina was stunning, absolutely beautiful. She and Jason had decided they didn’t want to wait. Life was too short and they wanted to make the most of all the time they had left.
Steve rested his hand on her knee then leaned over and whispered, “Before you know it, this will be Embry.”
“Don’t I know it? So much to do!” She shushed him. Willow looked around the church. It was filled. The fact surprised Willow. Usually a spur of the moment wedding wouldn’t fill up a church. This one sure did. Of course, many of the attendees were Abel’s buddies, all in uniform too. So many uniformed men and women were seated all throughout the church. Both old and young due to Abel’s past service and Jason being in the Air Force. “We have so much to do but I guess it’ll work out. Look at how well this one turned out and on such short notice.”
An older lady turned around and gave her a stern warning look.
“Sorry,” Willow whispered. She felt like she was in the library all over again. That was twice in the course of a couple of weeks she was told to be quiet.
Willow studied the bride as the pastor performed the ceremony. Her dress perfectly contrasted with her glistening mocha skin. Her make-up was flawlessly applied and she was just the perfect height to kiss her husband when they were pronounced man and wife. Willow had the order of the service memorized. Perhaps someday, she would be the leading lady. She looked at Steve and smiled.
Just when the kiss was supposed to happen, Jason and Jordina turned to the guests. “We have a very special surprise for you today.” Jason passed the microphone to his bride.
“Most of you know my grandfather, Abel White. His strong arm escorted me down the aisle today. My grandfather has always been a hero to me. Today, the world is going to recognize him for the hero he truly is.” She glanced at her grandfather who was sitting on the front row. “Grandpa, would you join us up here on the platform, please?”
He adamantly shook his head.
“Grandpa, we need you up here. Please come.” The entire church started clapping.
He hesitantly stood up and looked around. He wasn’t used to being in the limelight or being recognized for anything and his face showed it. He joined his granddaughter and new son-in-law on the platform, looking extremely uncomfortable.
The pastor walked off the platform and an elderly man in uniform walked on the stage. Every singled man and woman in uniform immediately stood at attention with a salute at the sight of him. “At ease.” Then he added. “Please, be seated.”
Everyone sat down and waited. From her seat, she couldn’t see Abel’s face, but she did watch as Jordina’s maid of honor handed him a tissue.
The man who gained the platform began speaking. “We are here today to address a grave injustice. During the course of war, many errors are made. Grievous errors. This isn’t the first and it certainly won’t be the last. I’m not here to correct the error, because that happens to be the president’s job. I’m simply here to extend an invitation to Abel White to Washington D.C. to receive the Medal of Honor for his exemplary service in the United States Army. His bravery and action on the battlefield go above and beyond any call of duty. His actions on that day saved the lives of 12 of his fellow servicemen. We are here to honor you today.” He saluted Abel White who promptly saluted back. Once again, the whole place was on their feet. All the service men and women saluted, all the civilians clapped. Once the church was quiet again, Abel returned to his seat, as did his commanding officer.
The pastor returned to the platform. “This very well may be the best wedding I have ever been asked to officiate. It’s not every day you get to meet a true hero. Jason and Jordina wanted to start their life together honoring the man who raised her as his own, oftentimes denying himself in the process. They wanted to start their lives out right.” He smiled at Abel. “And I believe they have done just that.” He looked out at the guests. “Now, for the moment you all have been waiting for. Jason, you may now kiss your bride.”
Chapter 19
Willow loved the fair at night. All the lights dancing across the sky, the sounds of children laughing, and the sight of lovers walking hand in hand, all of it brought a smile to her lips. This time was special. It wasn’t like the nights spent at the fair as a child, wonderment and awe in her eyes for the lights and prizes. Tonight she was enchanted for another reason. She looked at the man walking next to her. “Thanks for taking me to the fair.” She hugged her stuffed animal to her chest, smiling with her eyes closed. “And thank you for winning me this bear.” The slightly rugged brown bear was something she was going to proudly display in her house, leaned up against her decorative couch pillows. I’m going to have to talk to Clover about this bear!
“You are welcome. I can’t imagine being anywhere else… or being with anyone else.”
Her heart leapt in her chest at his words. It was something she loved about him, his directness.
“Besides, do you really think I’d miss out on funnel cake?” He stepped up to a vendor booth and bought one of the sweet treats, as he remembered her romantic description of her date at the fair.
Willow watched Steve as he waited for the funnel cakes. He was dressed simply: dark jeans, a T-shirt, and work boots. She gazed at him as if he wa
s the most handsome man she’d ever seen. She playfully swatted at him as he returned with the sweet treat. “All right, Mister, why do you think I invited you? It’s kind of creepy seeing a 44 year old woman alone at the fair just so she can eat funnel cake.” Unable to resist the temptation any longer, she winked at him then took a bite. “Delicious.” Once again, Willows eyes closed as she savored the sweet dessert in her mouth, the dough nearly melting upon contact.
Her eyes opened slowly as Steve bent down and kissed the powdered sugar off her lips. “Mmm, you taste as good as the funnel cake.” She smiled.
They saved the Ferris wheel until last. The line had dwindled down as the night drew darker. Love struck teenagers giggled in front of them. Willow could still make out the blush on the girls’ cheeks, even in the darkness. Finally it was their turn to get on the ride. Steve and Willow had a car to themselves, not that Willow would have stood for sharing with anyone. He draped his arm around her as they slowly made their way to the top, the car stopping every minute or so to allow someone off, then to re-load. Willow felt like those blushing teenagers in line. How long has it been since I’ve felt like this?
Steve interrupted her introspection. “I think this might be the most alone you and I have ever been… here at the top of the world. Or at least close.”
That didn’t help her nerves at all. Her hands clammed up a little. It had been a long time since she’d felt this way about any man. Willow was not one to be scared off by fear. She leaned into him, settled in, and stared at the dark sky. “It’s beautiful. This is beautiful.” She pointed out the constellations, at least the easy ones she’d known since childhood. “There’s the big dipper and little dipper.”
Steve reached up and laid his hand over hers in the air, guiding her hand to other constellations, ones she wasn’t so familiar with. “Living in the country has its advantages. Much easier to see without the city lights getting in the way. I used to spend my nights as a young boy staring at the stars with my father. He taught me different constellations. I’ve never forgotten them. Some things just stick with you, ya know?” Steve lowered his hand, guiding hers down with his, and laced their fingers together.
