Sweet Tea and Secrets

by Nancy Naigle

“What?” Now this was the Becky she expected.

  “Garrett, of course. You know we’ve been going out, right?”

  Jill felt a rogue pang of jealousy. “Oh, well…no I didn’t. But then it’s none of my business.”

  Becky smirked. “That’s for sure. Besides, he’s mine now.” Becky waved to someone across the hall. “So you just have a good old trip back there to Atlanta, or wherever.” Becky shrugged and spirited off into the crowded room.

  “Savannah,” Jill answered. “I was in Savannah.” Some people never change.

  After that, Jill needed air. If one more person hugged and kissed her, she’d bruise from the attention. The courtyard would be the perfect spot. She headed that way and took a seat on one of the benches. Pearl used to sit here and wait until Jill pulled the car around to pick her up. The temperature was always cooler under these big trees. They must be at least a hundred years old.

  Feeling her past wrap around her, she remembered when her parents died. She was only seven then. On that last trip, her parents had been searching for Spanish treasure galleons in the Amazon Jungle of Ecuador. The culture there was so primitive; they’d been missing for weeks before word got back to the States about their deaths. No bodies to bury, just a memorial service. Jill was embarrassed to admit it, but at times she had to remind herself that they’d existed at all. When they never returned from that trip, she’d felt as if someone had just snatched them off the earth, memories and all, in that one day.

  But Pearl, she’d always been there. Every resident in this town had benefited at some point from Pearl’s unsolicited advice, and in most cases even appreciated it. Thank God Pearl had been there when Carolanne’s father took to drinking after her mother died. If it hadn’t been for Pearl, Carolanne wouldn’t have had a safe haven, or the guidance she needed to keep her head held high through the stormy times. Jill and Carolanne had become like sisters from that point forward. Jill hoped she’d have control over her memories of Pearl in a way that she hadn’t for her parents.

  Garrett stepped his long lean leg over the bench, then sat facing her the opposite way. He bumped her shoulder to hers playfully.

  “I didn’t hear you come up.” She bumped him back.

  “I heard Bradley already left,” he said.

  “Yep.”

  “He didn’t stay long.”

  “Nope.”

  “You okay?”

  She bumped him with her shoulder again, and then laid her head his shoulder. “Yep. Fine as I can be.”

  He patted her head. “Good.”

  “Garrett?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Thank you.” She paused, looking for the right words. “For the jacket, the support. Just for being there for me...always...and checking on me now.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “I wanted to jump right in that hole with her,” she admitted.

  He nodded.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “For what?” Garrett leaned back, studying her face.

  “Everything. I’ve treated you awful. You didn’t deserve it.”

  “Yeah. But you were good at it.”

  “I don’t think I want to be known for being good at being awful. Can you forgive me?”

  He raised his brows and shrugged like he just might not be able to, but then laughed and said, “Of course. Done.”

  “You sure?”

  “How can I prove it?” Garrett asked.

  “Will you mow the yard?” she asked, hoping he would say yes.

  “Are you using me for my body?” he teased, straightening tall like he was flattered.

  “Yes, but don’t tell Becky. She already staked her claim on you. She said y’all are dating, and you’re all hers.”

  He rolled his eyes. “You know better than that. She’s dreamin’. I already found my one true love.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek.

  He brushed the tear away with his thumb, then ran his fingers along her swollen lips.

  “A lot’s happened while I’ve been away.”

  “Yeah.” He stripped a leaf from the tree branch that dipped low above their heads. “How’s Clyde?”

  “So far, so good. I’m keeping him well-fed, just in case.”

  “I shouldn’t have left him with you. He’s a good dog, but he’s still a puppy at heart. He can be a handful. I’ll pick him up.”

  “No. I like having him there.”

  “Are you ready to go home? I can give you a lift if you need one.”

  “Macy’ll give me a ride.”

  “You more the limo kind of girl these days?” he teased.

  “No.” She swatted his arm.

  “I just saw Macy take old man Piper and Miss Holly back to the seniors home, she’ll be a while. I’d be happy to take you back now.”

  She wrestled with her feelings for a moment. Why was she hell-bent on rejecting Garrett’s attempts to be nice? Pearl would hate that. After all, Pearl had been Garrett Malloy’s biggest fan.

  “You know what, I think I’ll take you up on that ride,” she finally agreed.

  “Great. Let’s go.” He extended his hand to help her up. They walked in silence to Garrett’s truck, and then he held the door as she climbed up into the cab.

  As they pulled in front of the house, Garrett pointed to the backyard. “Someone’s happy to see us.” Clyde bounced up and down along the fence, finally coming to a stop with one huge paw hung over the top of it like he was waiting on them to visit.

  “No.” Jill sat tall and grabbed for Garrett’s arm.

  She could barely get the words out fast enough. Adrenaline flooded her speech.

  “Wait. Something’s wrong. Clyde was in the house when I left this morning.”

  He patted her leg. “Slow down. It’s been a hectic day. Maybe you just forgot you put him out.”

  “No. I know I left him in,” she insisted. “I remember, because I didn’t know if I was going to come straight back or not. I was afraid to leave him out in case it rained.”

  Garrett didn’t respond, but she could tell he doubted her recall.

  “I’m serious. I remember distinctly.”

  He dropped open the glove compartment and grabbed a gun. “Wait here.”

  Her stomach did a somersault. “You have a handgun?” He was a hunter, so seeing him with a shotgun or a rifle was nothing, but never a handgun. “Since when do you carry pistols around?”

  “Don’t panic. Just wait here.” He stuffed the gun into the back of his pants and sprinted to the front door.

  Jill was at his side before he made it to the top step.

  He swung around to meet her eye-to-eye. “You don’t listen very well.”

  “And you’re surprised?”

  He shook his head. “I shouldn’t be. Some things never change.”

  She grabbed the back of his arm with her two hands, tucking behind him like a shadow.

  The front door was slightly ajar. Garrett pushed it open. He crouched, moving slowly, listening for any hint someone might still be there.

  Hiccup. Jill’s brows shot up and she slapped her hands over her mouth.

  He straightened, and walked on in. “Well, if anyone was here they know we’re onto them.”

  “Sorry. You know I can’t help it.” Hiccup.

  “How could I forget that?” Garrett took a step forward, then tugged Jill behind him. Just beyond the living room he could see papers spilling into the hallway.

  “What?” She tried to peek around him.

  “Shh.” Garrett checked the office and the other rooms carefully, then turned and relaxed a bit. “Whoever was here is gone now.”

  “What a mess.” Jill lifted her legs high to clear the mounds of books and papers. “Why would someone do this? Again. I just finished cleaning up from the first time.” Hic-

  Garrett hesitated, measuring her and the situation for a moment. “I don’t know. You better call the sheriff.”

  Jill let Clyde in, got som
e water to cure her hiccups, then called the Sheriff’s office. She shuffled through the mess. Something was missing this time—her suitcase.

  Garrett was at her side when she noticed the broken picture on the hearth. The glass in tiny pieces. The frame held the picture of Jill and Garrett that she’d just reminisced over yesterday.

  “Probably knocked over by accident,” he reasoned.

  Jill turned her attention to Clyde. “Clyde. What? Did you take the day off?” She sat down on the couch and Clyde plopped down in front of her. “Some watchdog you are.”

  Clyde thumped his tail, happy to hear his name.

  She patted his head. “I hope you at least drooled on them.”

  A car door slammed out front. She looked out the window to see her high school buddy, Scott Calvin, walking toward the house.

  Jill and Garrett met him on the porch.

  “Does that badge say sheriff on it?” Jill asked.

  Scott smiled broadly. “Sure does.”

  “I hadn’t heard. Congratulations.” Jill reached up and hugged him. “I bet Ruth was thrilled with your promotion.”

  He shrugged.

  Jill smacked his shoulder playfully. “Oh don’t play modest with me. I know how proud she was when you became a man of the law and all.” Jill caught the odd look between Scott and Garrett. “What?” She looked back toward Scott. “Did I miss something? What now?”

  Garrett cleared his throat and interjected, “They aren’t seeing each other anymore.”

  Jill took a step back. “No way. You were the perfect couple.”

  Scott nodded. “Yeah, well I always thought you and Malloy were too. I guess we were all wrong.”

  She snapped her mouth shut, figuring shutting up was her best response to that comment.

  Garrett brought Scott up to date on what they’d encountered.

  “Was the door locked?” Scott asked.

  “Jill remembers locking up. The dog was inside when she left. Though he was out when we drove up.”

  “Where is he now?” Scott asked.

  “He’s still out back.”

  “Is he friendly?” Scott ran his hand up and down the jamb and twisted the knob.

  Jill laughed. “Seems to be. Garrett said Clyde loves women, but if you’re a man you’d better watch out. Although, Clyde seems to adore Garrett as much as Pearl did. His bark is probably way worse than his bite.”

  Scott nodded. “There doesn’t appear to be any sign of forced entry.”

  “I didn’t notice anything either,” Garrett said.

  Sheriff Calvin lifted his chin toward Jill. “Do you have a hide-a-key?”

  “Of course,” Garrett chimed in again.

  “Let me guess, the planter box next to the door,” Scott said, leaning out the front door, looking for any other telling signs that might be there.

  “Guilty,” she said.

  “Move the key.” He jotted a note in a tiny notebook. “Nothing of value missing?”

  “Just my suitcase with my clothes, but that wasn’t worth much. I didn’t have anything of any value in it,” Jill said. “Why would anyone take a suitcase? That’s just...” she paused, searching for the right word, “...inconvenient. Not sure about anything else until I clean up the mess.”

  “Probably kids causing a little mischief while everyone was at Pearl’s funeral, but I don’t like it. I’ll stop by the church and check out the registry. Just about everyone was there, but maybe some missing names will shed some light on who may have been responsible for all this.”

  “Thanks,” Jill said.

  “I think you should stay with someone while you’re here, or at least until we figure out what’s going on,” the sheriff said to her.

  “Are you kidding me right now? No way. I’ll be fine staying right here. I’m sure it was just kids, like you said.”

  Scott and Garrett exchanged a glance.

  “I saw that look,” Jill said.

  “I’ll write up a report in case you find anything of value missing and need it for the insurance,” Scott said. “Allison Keller just went to a class in Richmond on dusting for prints. She’s doing dispatch part-time and working some cases now. I know she’d be thrilled to use that stuff. I’ll send her over if you don’t mind. It’ll be good practice.”

  Garrett nodded. “Thanks Scott.”

  Scott waved as he got back in the car and drove off.

  Jill sat on the couch, picking long dog hair off her black skirt, too tired to do anything else.

  Garrett came back in and sat next to her. “It’s getting late. Why don’t you stay at my place tonight?”

  “No. I’m not going to be run out of my house just because some kids made a mess of it. I have Clyde. I’ll be fine.”

  “You sure? I have a nice guest room. This girl I used to date, she decorated it real nice.” He paused, giving her a chance to change her mind. “I could show you my latest designs.”

  “That sounds more dangerous,” she teased. “I think I’ll pass. I’ll be awake half the night cleaning this up anyway.”

  “I’ll stay and help then.” Garrett shot her an exaggerated wink that made her giggle, then started righting chairs and stacking books.

  Jill went into the kitchen and got a trash bag. She stooped to pick up the pieces of a ceramic bowl she’d made for Pearl years ago to hold potpourri that was now scattered everywhere. Her childhood artwork was in a dozen pieces now. She swept the flower petals and herbs into a pile and then scooped them up with one of the larger shards. Broken pieces, like her heart. Like her life.

  She sat back on her heels, and pushed the bag and its contents away.

  “Why?” she whispered and bowed her head. It wasn’t just a bowl. It was Pearl. It was everything falling apart. Things she counted on being safe forever, were suddenly gone or had been shaken. She drew in a staggered breath. Hiccup.

  “I’ll get you a glass of water.” Garrett went to the kitchen and got her a glass of water.

  She sipped it backwards. It was the only thing that ever worked. Garrett squatted next to her and drew her close.

  “You’re going to be okay. It’ll get better.” He dipped his head, and pressed his lips against her forehead. He moved slow, cautious this time. He caught her lip and pulled it in softly, then dropped a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. “You okay?”

  She nodded and answered by returning his kiss this time. The strength of his body, even the rough stubble of his chin, was welcome against her cheek.

  He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  “I just want to hold you.” He laid her down on the bed and crawled next to her, still fully clothed. “Don’t say a word.”

  His long body aligned against her own smaller form, her head in the crook of his arm, tears puddling on his skin. “It’s been a long day.” He walked his fingers through her hair.

  “It’s been a long year.” She hugged his other arm to her chest, wishing she could roll back the last year and never have left this town, or Pearl.

  Chapter Seven

  Jill rolled over and squeezed her eyes tight in hopes she was dreaming and morning wasn’t really here. She wasn’t ready to face the day or Garrett for that matter. She never should’ve let him stay the night. Pearl was probably doing cartwheels and handsprings in heaven claiming victory. He’d caught her in a weak moment last night. Comfort when she needed it most. She’d have to set things straight with him today.

  She opened her eyes, and did a cat-like stretch. Then she screamed and scrambled toward the headboard. The sight of Clyde’s huge tri-colored head staring at her from the side of the bed sent her scooching backwards like a crab until her mind put all the pieces together.

  “Clyde,” she yelled.

  The dog thumped his huge tail at the sound of his name.

  Hiccup.

  Clyde retreated to the doorway with his head low and tail slung between his legs.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you, but you scared me fi
rst.” Hic-cup The quilt was damp from his hot breath and slobber. “Eewwww, Clyde, why do you always have to be so drooly?”

  His mouth dropped open, and his tongue hung long as he panted. He looked downright amused.

  “That wasn’t a compliment.” She patted the bed twice. “Fine. Come on.”

  Clyde made the easy leap to the bed, and edged close to her. He took up as much room as Garrett had the night before. She swept her hand across the cool pillow where Garrett had slept, then snuggled against Clyde rubbing his soft ears.

  She didn’t feel like getting up, and why should she? She didn’t have anyone to answer to today. But every time she’d start to drift off, the phone rang. The sound was driving her nuts. She dragged herself out from under the covers and answered the phone, just to silence the darn thing.

  “Hello,” she said, way too loud.

  “I thought I’d hear from you last night.”

  “Bradley?” Jill rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Why are you calling me on Pearl’s number?”

  “I’ve been trying your cell. Did your battery die?”

  “Probably. The last twenty-four hours have been grueling.” Jill carried the old princess phone from the hall to the edge of living room like she had for all the years she’d lived there. Why hadn’t she ever thought to buy Pearl a cordless phone? The twenty foot cord was a hazard.

  “I’m sorry,” Bradley said. “I know I didn’t help things either.”

  “You got that right.” Too tired to even get into this conversation right now, she regretted saying the words as soon as they slipped from her mouth.

  “I don’t know what got into me. I guess I let my own jealousy cloud my thoughts. I wish I’d reacted differently. I wish I’d been there for you.”

  Jill leaned against the door jamb. “I wish you had too. It was a horrible day. The worst in my life.” She pushed her hair behind her ear, then balanced the phone between her shoulder and chin so she could pet Clyde who’d decided to get up, too.

  “I’m sorry, baby doll. Really. I’ll make it up to you,” he said.

  “I don’t want to talk about that. The truth is, you didn’t help me any, but nothing in the world could make me feel better right now short of bringing Pearl back. Think you can do that?”