The Full Cup of Murder: Cozy Murder Mystery (Full Cup Mysteries Book 1)

by Ruby Jones

  “Hungry?” He asked me.

  “I am actually.” I went up behind him and wrapped my arms around him. He stopped and put the knife down and grasped both of my hands. “This is the first time in days that I have felt relaxed.” He released my hands and spun around to face me.

  “I believe that is the point, Ali. “ He pulled me to him. His heartbeat felt soothing and gentle on my cheek. “I don’t know how this happened. Us, I mean. I never in a life time thought that you and I would even be anything but close friends.” I pulled away, went to the island bar, and sat down while he continued his work.

  “I agree. I will say I hardly ever thought you would be a cop when we were kids. I mean I know you are ten years older than me but I saw you a lot more then you think.”

  “Oh? “ He turned around and smiled. “Thought about me, did you?” I laughed. It felt so good to laugh again.

  “Yes but not like you think. I mean a decade between us.”

  “Do you think it may be an issue?”

  “No. Not now of course. We are adults. “I smiled as I looked at him over my glass. “Consenting ones at that.” He put the knife down again and walked over to me. The thrilling sensations that I felt rush through my body just watching him approach was over whelming me. He scooped me up and brought me over to the couch. His kisses felt urgent, needy but soft and touching. We made the most passionate love that I had ever experienced in my life. It left me dizzy and content at the same time.

  “Well, you must have an appetite now.” We both laughed. He walked over to the hall closet, grabbed a blanket and pillow, and brought it over to the couch. He covered me gently with the blanket and placed the pillow under my head. “You are beautiful Alison. The kind of beautiful that radiates all that is around you.” He walked into the kitchen and I could hear him getting plates together. I felt so lucky. So loved. I even felt desired and for a small town girl like me. Feeling loved was like the feeling when a baked pie brought over by a nice neighbor.

  Suddenly we heard the crashing of broken glass. I screamed as Jason came running from the kitchen.

  “Alison are you ok?” He cried.

  “Yes” Yelled from under the blanket that had thrown over my head at the first initial shock of the crash. Jason came over to me, kissed my forehead, and told me to stay put. I could feel my whole entire body shivering with fright. Jason came back in carrying a huge rock. A note was tied to it. “What is that?” I knew but I guess I had to hear it.

  “They found us Alison. I called the FBI. They are on their way.” He came to me, sat down, and pulled me to him. I yanked myself away and stood up with the blanket wrapped around me.

  “I can’t do this anymore!” They have murdered someone in my bar. My lively hood where I make money to survive. They killed my cat. They drove Reese away. Actually not that that was a bad thing. They call and threaten me and now this.” I turned and stormed up to the bedroom to get dressed. I closed the door and started to change. I sat on the bed when I got finished and put my head in my hands and cried. I heard him quietly knock. He waited, knocked again and then slowly turned the knob. I did not look up and I could feel him watching me from the doorway. He slowly walked over and sat down and I did not even wait for him to gesture to cuddle up with him I just did it.

  We walked back out into the living room and the FBI showed up again.

  “Ok Ali, it is time to get a little more interactive instead of waiting for these guys to do something.” Linden suggested.

  “Like what?” I asked.

  “Well since Riley approached you…”

  “NO!” Jason said quickly.

  “Jason, “Holbrook started.

  “We cannot put Ali at risk on purpose.”

  “Jason you are a police officer. You understand all of this.”

  “Yes but…”

  “I need this to end.” I said quietly. The men stopped and looked at me. “What do you want me to do?”

  “Ok, call Shanna. Make a lunch date or something that you know that perhaps Riley will show up there.”

  “Ok” I got up, grabbed my cell phone, and called her.

  “Hello.” She answered.

  “Hey Shanna.”

  “Hi Alison!”

  “I was wondering. Would you be interested in going out to lunch maybe tomorrow?”

  “I thought you weren’t even in town?”

  “I am coming back tomorrow for a few hours and getting cash bags done and orders at the Full Cup.”

  “Oh…what?”

  “Shanna?”

  “Sorry it was Riley. Yes, let us meet at the club. I think Riley may meet us there mid way because he has a business meeting there if that is ok.

  “Oh that would be perfect.” We worked out the logistics and I hung up. “There, it is set for one and Riley will be there a little bit after.”

  “Good now the idea here is to get closer to Shanna. Get her to confide in you. Take on the roll of letting Riley be your savior. Get him to trust you.”

  “I am just not comfortable with this.” Jason spoke up.

  “I think I will be safe with the fact that everyone is beginning to realize that I am now dating Jason. He is a cop and people love him in our town. Even Riley has a certain amount of respect for him. “I turned to Jason. “I listen to the rumors at work. Everyone jokes about you Jason but they like you.”

  “Ok.” He hugged me close. “Ok. Let’s get this over with.”

  The following day Jason and I had a great breakfast and then headed back to town. We were both pretty quiet on the ride there.

  “Jason, I will be fine.” I reached over and grasped his hand. He squeezed it gently.

  “I know. Alison, I know we have only been seeing each other for a couple of days but I just feel with everything we have been through over the years that we have been a couple so much longer.”

  “I do understand. Kind of feels weird doesn’t it.”

  “Yes. “ He looked straight at the road and for the first time I sensed a little bit of hesitation.

  “Jason?”

  “I don’t want to scare you or make you feel like I am rushing things.”

  “I don’t feel that way.”

  “Well I mean with everything going on right now. I just don’t want you to make the mistake and think that leaning on me means needing me.”

  “Jason!” I yelled. He pulled over.

  “What?” I moved closer to him and touched his arm.

  “Look at me.” He did. I could see the confusion in his eyes. I knew a lot of it had to do with what happened with his ex-wife. I also knew he was not comparing anything or me like that but I also know it has been a long time since Jason has been involved with anyone. Not that I was any huge dater. I dated a guy for about three years. He wound up moving away. Then about two years later, I met Reese and that only lasted three months. I knew Jason knew all of this and he knew I knew his history as well. “I have always depended on you to keep me safe. To keep order in my bar when needed. As kids, we would run into each other and you were one of the rare older kids who did not pick on me. I think knowing each other the way we do that this not something to take lightly with what is going on in between us but I don’t think we have to take it so seriously and question everything. Do I have feelings for you other than so much deep appreciation for helping me get through this, yes I do. What are they? I am not sure. I care about you. I am attracted to you. You make me smile so much I sometimes feel like my face aches for days. You make my body feel things that I never thought was possible.” I kissed him gently on the cheek. I leaned towards his ear and whispered. “I am pretty sure I am at least falling in love with you.” He turned his head and smiled at me and in moments his lips where on mine.

  Suddenly we were hit with such force by another car we got pushed down the road about fifteen feet and up against the guardrail. I remember screaming Jason’s name, looking forward and seeing a huge black truck but I could not see the driver just pushing us sidewa
ys. I blacked out.

  “Alison.” I heard a woman’s voice. I slowly opened my eyes. The lights were so bright it took me a minute to understand what was going on. I kept thinking these were the white bright lights. Maybe I was dead. “Alison. It is me Lisa.” I finally was able to open my eyes and focus.

  “Lisa.”

  “Yes! Doctor, she is up.” I could hear Lisa calling. Suddenly I saw Jenna, Jim, Shanna and even Riley. I saw Jim glaring at Riley not quite sure how to act.

  “What is going on?” I tried to sit up but I felt something heavy on my chest.

  “Easy Alison.” I saw my doctor, Dr. Burns standing next to me. I felt much better and relaxed.

  “Dr. Burns.” I whispered and I felt myself slip back to sleep. When I opened my eyes, again it was dark in the room with very little light. Thankfully, I saw Jason sitting on the edge of my bed. He had his left arm in a sling but other than a few bruises, he looked good. I guess I got the worst of whatever happened. “Jason.”

  “Alison!” He sat up and hugged me. I could feel the tears on his cheeks. “Alison. Thank god. Thank god!”

  “What happened Jason?”

  “We got side swiped by a big black truck. We have no idea who the driver is. He or she left the scene as soon as they pushed into the guardrail. They hit your side of the truck Alison. That is why you are hurt so badly.”

  “What is wrong with me?” I asked.

  “You have a severe broken rib cage. All of the bones are broken but thank god, none of them punctured a hole in any vital organs. You have a torso cast on.”

  “Am I…” I could not even say it.

  “No…” Jason hugged me again. “No but you can’t use your legs due to the damage in your upper part of your body.” I looked at him. I could not even believe he was saying what he was saying.

  “Jason.”

  “You will be fine Alison. You know I am here to help you darling.” I smiled. It was the first time he had used any kind of term of endearment towards me. “What?’ When he saw me smiling.

  “Nothing Jason. Trust me. I am smiling and I am in severe pain.”

  “Let me get the Dr for you.” He leaned down and kissed me on the forehead again. I loved that so much. He left the room. He came back shortly with Dr. Burns. I think I had fallen back asleep again.

  “Alison.” Dr Burns said smiling. “Welcome back to the real world”

  “So what is going on?” I asked.

  “Always quick to the point.” He smiled and looked at Jason. “Ok. As you know you got hit by a truck. It pushed the door into your side but you somehow turned and it crushed you up against the dashboard. It broke your rib cage and damaged your sternum. Your right lung was crushed but not bad enough thank god to cause anymore than bruising. You will not be able to walk for a few weeks as your spine has water on it and it has to naturally drain to relieve the pressure.”

  “So I can expect a full recovery but a lot of work ahead of me.” I asked. Both Jason and Dr. Burns looked at each other and laughed.

  “You have to give your body time to heal, Alison. You can’t rush anything.”

  “Ok so in the mean time I have someone out there that wants me dead and if he or she comes my way I have not a chance in hell to escape.”

  “I am hiring you a full time private duty nurse.” Jason said.

  “Jason.”

  “Ok I believe that is my queue to leave.” Dr. Burns said. “Alison, you will be in the hospital for another week. The FBI has the local police taking shifts.”

  “Yes we are. Two officers twelve hour shifts. I still have time off so I will be here as well.” Jason said. “When you come home we will have the home nurse there so you will not be alone.”

  “Thank you Dr. Burns” I said. I turned my head away from them. I just needed to get back into my headspace. I heard them both quietly walk out. Tears streamed down my face. I could not even move to wipe them away. I know I fell asleep. I heard the doctors and nurses come in from time to time but I basically just slept. I knew Jason was there most of the time. I just did not have the energy to stay awake. I did not even stir that much when they decided to move me into a regular room.

  When I did finally wake up, I was happy to see Jenna by my side.

  “Alison” She hugged me. “Jason went with my husband to grab something to eat.”

  “How long have you been sitting there.”

  “You have been in this room for three days. I have been here twice.”

  “Three days!”

  “It is ok Ali. They induced a medical coma so they could attempt to go in and get the fluid out of the pocket in your lower spine area.”

  “Am I ok?”

  “Yes actually. Jason said that Dr. Burns thinks you may be able to move your legs and arms very soon.” She leaned closer to me. “I ran into Reese.”

  “You did.”

  “He didn’t even ask about you.” She frowned.

  “Well he doesn’t have to, Jenna. We aren’t together and I am pretty sure he knows about Jason by now.”

  “Ya Jason.” She smiled. “What is up with you and Jason?”

  “He is amazing.” I smiled. “I cannot even begin to tell you Jenna.”

  “I would have never thought. On either side.” She smiled again. “I like it though. Jason has always been a great guy. He comes from a great family too.”

  “Ya, he is amazing.”

  “Who is amazing?” Jason asked as he came through the door. “Your husband is waiting in the car. He sends his love to you Ali. He has to get back to the bank.”

  “Work work work. That is all he knows.” Jenna stood up but then she smiled. “I guess I can’t complain. I like to use it too.” She came over and hugged me. “I will come and see you again soon Alison. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Jenna.” She hugged Jason and said her good byes. “I am glad you ate and got out of here. I didn’t realize I have been in a coma for three days.”

  “The fluid was building up Ali. They did not dare to let it go any further. I have called your Uncle Junior.” He quickly said.

  “What? Why?”

  “Alison, he is the only family you have left.”

  “Junior has never cared about me. He was so upset when the family left me the Full Cup and not him. He ran off with the hundred thousand I loaned him and you know what? I do not even care about that. To be upset like this and to take it out on me. It wasn’t like grandpa would leave anything to him when he ran off years ago and never even bothered to keep in touch.” I was upset.

  “Alison.”

  “Jason I don’t want to be upset with you but you over stepped even though you meant well…unless…”

  “Yes there was a chance you were not going to make it through the surgery.”

  “Are you telling me Junior was the one who approved the operation?”

  “Yes Ali. A next to kin had to decide. I am not next to kin. Junior is the only one.”

  “I was that bad?”

  “Yes.” There was a knock at the door. When it opened, it was Shanna and Riley. I saw Jason stiffen immediately. I grew a little tense too.

  “Alison.” Shanna came over to me.

  “Hello Shanna. Riley.” I forced a smile. “How nice of you to come and see me. Isn’t it Jason?”

  “Yes of course.” He went over and shook Riley’s hand. I knew that took everything in him to do so. After all, there was a possibility that Riley may be behind all of this.

  “Is there anything we can do?” Shanna asked.

  “No I think Jason is taking care of everything for me.”

  “Well if there is anything we can do Alison all you need to do is ask.” Riley spoke up. I smiled at him. I realized the two of them were dressed up. “Where are you going?” I asked.

  “They are laying Ray to rest this afternoon.”

  “Oh that is right. I wish I could so be there.” I said sadly. Shanna started to fill us in on details of what was supposed to happen there today
. I could see that Riley was a little uncomfortable. “I am glad you are taking her Riley. We have all known Ray since he was a young boy. It is a very sad loss to our town.”

  “Ummm…yes, of course it is. Whenever we lose a young person who contributes so much to the community it is a town’s loss.” He shifted on his feet. I had never seen Riley Malanta look so uncomfortable. I looked over at Jason who was noticing too. Shanna was blind to it as she rambled on about some of the town gossip. “Shanna, we should go dear.”

  “Oh. Yes, yes Riley, you are right and Alison should get some rest. I am going to come in here free of charge when they get ready to discharge you and do your hair and get you feeling good about yourself again Alison.” She hugged me.

  “Thank you Shanna. “ They left and I looked at Jason. “Oh he has something to do with it. I have no doubt.”

  “Yes.” Jason agreed. “I don’t think he did anything I think he hired someone. He did not seem to really understand a lot of what was being said. I need to go call Linden and Holbrook.” He stood up. “Are you going to be ok?”

  “Go ahead.” Jason had been a great buffer between the FBI and I. Dr. Burns wanted me to stay completely de-stressed so Jason has been handling informing them of everything and bringing me back information as well.

  Building All Over Again

  Over the next few days, they removed the torso cast. I had a hard time breathing but it felt so good to get all of that pressure off of my chest. They brought in a breathing machine for me, which helped a lot. It actually made me tired just to breathe. They brought a physical therapist in as well but I still was not moving well.