Death of a Coupon Queen

by Jenna Harte

  There was only one hotel in Jefferson Grove, so I knew where she was going. “It’s nice. They have free continental breakfast there.”

  As she drove off, I slid from the hood of my car and strode to AJ. Before he could say anything, I jumped into his arms, wrapping mine tight around him and kissing him. He grunted, his arms banding around me as he stepped back from the momentum, hitting the door jam.

  “What’s that about?” He looked surprised but happy at my enthusiasm.

  “Does it matter?”

  He shook his head. “No.” This time he kissed me.

  “You know, you told me I could see you without your shirt whenever I wanted.”

  There was a flash in his blue eyes as he let go of me and whipped off his shirt. Warmth washed through me as my blood heated at the sight of his bare chest. All that work he’d done on the house kept him tone and fit.

  I swallowed as I returned my gaze to his. “I think you might have said something about being willing to walk around without anything else on—”

  Before I could finish, AJ grabbed and pulled me into the house and back toward his room. “You’ll return the favor, right?”

  A thrill ran through me. “If you want.”

  “Oh, I want.”

  As we got to his bedroom, Dutch greeted us. It was as if she could feel the electric charge in the air and wanted to be a part of the excitement.

  “Sorry Dutch. You’ll have to sit this one out.” With that, AJ used his foot to shut the bedroom door.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Agood while later, AJ, Dutch and I went for an evening swim, and then lounged alongside the lake having a picnic dinner of leftover grilled chicken and potato salad Mrs. K had made for AJ.

  I sighed with a contented smile and lay back on the blanket.

  AJ lowered himself on his side next to me propping himself up with his elbow. “Are you happy, Sophie?”

  “I think the right word is blissful.”

  “It’s because of me, right?” He flashed me a cocky grin.

  “I’d say you’ve contributed.”

  He gave me a quick kiss.

  “This is certainly a better ending than the beginning of my day.”

  “Oh. Something happen?”

  I realized in all my lust and afterglow and beach bathing, I hadn’t told AJ about Junior Junior and Vivie. I remained relaxed, laying on my back with my eyes closed, as I recounted my day.

  “What were you doing at your friend’s house in the first place?” AJ’s tone had an edge of annoyance. I peeked open my eyes to see if his expression matched his tone. Yep, it did.

  “I was going to offer my condolences to her husband.”

  AJ pursed his lips in an expression that told me he didn’t believe me. “You’re looking into the murder, aren’t you? I thought you weren’t going to do that. You can’t be getting involved Sophie”

  I didn’t think I was poking my nose in like I did with Mr. Cullen’s murder. Even if I was, it wasn’t AJ’s business. “Are you telling me what to do? Because you’re not the boss of me, AJ Devlin.”

  He exhaled a frustrated breath. “I’m not bossing. But Sophie, you’re not a trained detective. You were nearly killed last time.”

  “So were you.” I sat up, the blissful feeling fading away into irritation.

  “Right. I’m not trained either. The only reason we were involved last time is that we were suspects. You’re not a suspect, are you?”

  “No. I’m a witness.” Surely that gave me a right to be curious.

  “That’s because you keep being where you shouldn’t be.”

  “I don’t set out to get involved. Vivie isn’t a very good person, but I don’t think she killed Marla or attacked Junior Junior.”

  “If that’s the case, the sheriff’s investigators will figure that out. They’re trained for that Sophie. You’re not.”

  Inside my emotions were cluttered and I couldn’t quite sort them out. I looked out over the lake trying to figure out why AJ’s attitude bothered me as much as it did.

  “I just want to keep you safe.”

  With his words, came clarity. “It’s not your job to look after me. I know I was sheltered growing up and maybe I’m not as worldly wise as I should be, but I’m not inept. I can take care of myself.”

  “This isn’t about whether or not you can take care of yourself.

  I shook my head. “I know what you and everyone else thinks about me.”

  His head jerked back. “What do I think?”

  I shook my head, as I found a rock and pitched into the lake. Dutch watched, but decided not to chase after it, and instead lowered her head back down to rest.

  AJ levered up next to me. “Tell me, Sophie. What do I think about you?”

  “Y’all think I’m naïve and don’t have basic life skills.” I supposed that wasn’t completely wrong. At least about the life skills. I had yet to master couponing after all.

  “Why would you believe that’s what I think?” His face contorted into an expression that suggested I was being unreasonable. Maybe I was.

  “Do you know how many people keep telling me to stay out of trouble? As if I set out to find it. I can’t get a real job, at least not a full time one. I can hardly figure out my coupons. If it wasn’t for Aunt Rose, who knows where I’d be.”

  “I don’t think that.” His voice was clipped, as if he was offended. He turned away, picking up a twig using it to poke at the sand.

  “I don’t blame you. You’re not wrong.” The energy from being annoyed waned into resignation. Truth was, I wasn’t quite the master of my universe. “I can’t learn those things if you and everybody else keep telling me what do to.”

  “When have I ever told you what to do, outside of suggesting that you don’t get in the path of a murderer.” His stormy blue eyes bore down on me as he waited for my response.

  When I had no answer, he turned his gaze back toward the water. “I thought so.”

  I was beginning to have that ut-oh feeling again that our relationship was heading into stormy waters.

  He returned his attention back to me. “The truth is, I’m proud of you Sophie. You came back to a town that you knew would treat you differently after your family went to jail, and you got a job . . . two jobs actually. You moved in with your Aunt Rose, something no one in town would be brave enough to do. And yes, you helped solve the Cullen murder, showing you’re smart and brave, which I already knew you were. You’re carving out your own life despite hardships, with grace and dignity and humor. That’s what I think.”

  I blew out a breath, feeling like a complete ingrate.

  “As far as your friend’s murder,” he continued. “The reason I’m asking, not telling, you to stay out of it is because I just got the opportunity to tell you and show you that I love you. I’d like to be able to keep doing that.”

  Several months ago, I was called out by Mrs. Wayland for thinking the town hated me, when in fact it was my own fear and anger at my family that clouded my opinion. After AJ’s statement, I was pretty sure the same thing was going on. I was projecting my insecurity and feelings of ineptitude onto others.

  There was only one thing left to do. I stood and walked back up the hill toward his house.

  “Sophie. Where you going?”

  I looked at him over my shoulder. “You just said you wanted to keep showing me you love me.” I nodded toward his house. “Are you coming?”

  It took him a millisecond to understand what I was saying. Within the next seconds he was up, scooping me into his arms, and whisking me into his house.

  I woke the next morning having a delicious dream about AJ. I panicked when I thought I’d fallen asleep and stayed the night at his home. A quick look around confirmed I was home in my own bed. Whew. Aunt Rose was okay with me seeing AJ, but I’m pre
tty sure she wouldn’t be supportive of my staying the night.

  I got ready to start the day, getting dressed, picking up my room, and then heading out for breakfast.

  “You were out late last night Sophie,” Aunt Rose said by greeting. She sat at the 1950s yellow Formica table with her coffee and an entertainment magazine.

  “I’m sorry. I lost track of time.”

  She turned to look at me. “I know AJ is a nice enough boy, but he is a Devlin and you don’t want the town thinking you and he are doing things you shouldn’t be.”

  I wanted to tell her it wasn’t anyone’s business, but why bother?

  “This town is filled with people just waiting to think the worst of you—”

  “Me?”

  “Of everyone. It’s always best to not give ‘em anything to talk about.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Speaking of talking about you, what’s this I hear you and that Danner woman whacking Junior Junior Mason with a shovel?”

  “I didn’t—”

  Aunt Rose held up her index finger. “Not that Junior Junior couldn’t use a smack upside the head, but not with a shovel.”

  “Someone attacked him. Not me, and I don’t think it was Vivie either.”

  “You sure?” Her whole face drew in as she gave me stern look.

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “You never took up with him, did you? He gets around you know.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “I guess your mother did, huh.”

  I believed she had with Junior Junior’s father, but I had no idea about Junior Junior. I wouldn’t be surprised. My mother ran off with her personal trainer after all. “I don’t know.”

  “You’re a good girl, Sophie. Keep it that way.”

  “I will.” I suspected Aunt Rose wouldn’t approve of my liaison with AJ. What she didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.

  “What are you doing today? The ladies are coming over.”

  “I don’t have plans. I can get out of your way if you want. I just have coupon group tonight.” I poured myself a cup of coffee.

  “I don’t know why you bother with that.”

  Sometimes I didn’t know either. Aunt Rose went back to her magazine, which was my cue that our conversation was over. I took my coffee back to my room to organize my coupons, separating out the ones I’d trade at the group. I wondered if Vivie would be at group or if she’d been arrested.

  I pushed the thought away. AJ was right. I had no business getting involved in Marla’s murder. I was curious, but Sergeant Scowl would figure it out.

  My phone rang with the theme to Top Gun as I was putting my binder away. I was grinning even before I swiped the video call.

  “Hey beautiful.” AJ’s face smiled at me through the phone.

  “Hey handsome.” My cheeks flushed, remembering our evening together yesterday. Was he calling for a replay?

  “You doing anything this afternoon?”

  “I don’t have plans.”

  “My sister is coming into town before she’s deployed to the Middle East. I’ll be busy a few days with her and my mother. I’d like to see you before she comes and I get busy with family.”

  “How nice. How long has it been since you’ve seen her?”

  “Six months or so. It’s going to be hard on my mom so I need to be available.” AJ didn’t have to explain to me. His mother’s quirks were well-known around town. I didn’t know if she had trouble because of mental illness or what, but she was unpredictable and AJ arranged to have her live in an assisted living community so there was someone always keeping an eye on her. It seemed to have been working. Then again, I’m not sure any of her antics would be known here now that she was in Charlottesville.

  “Yes, of course. I understand.”

  “I can come by or maybe . . . you could come here.” He waggled his brows suggestively. It made my whole body tingle.

  “I can come by.”

  That night I tried to walk into the coupon group at Gwen’s apartment looking normal. It was hard, because I was flying high with love and the afterglow of an afternoon with AJ. There was no way it wasn’t showing on my face.

  One of Lani’s brows arched high when she saw me. “I guess all is okay with AJ?

  I was grinning like a loon. “Oh yeah.”

  Her second brow joined the first one and her mouth formed an “Oh.”

  Gwen looked up from her coupons and stared at Lani and then me. Her face contorted as if she was trying to decipher what was up and then she grinned. “Oh yeah, you and AJ did the deed.”

  Heat flushed my cheeks.

  “What deed?” Aggie entered from the kitchen carrying a drink.

  “The dirty deed.” Gwen waggled her brows.

  Aggie frowned and then looked at me.

  I shrugged. “It wasn’t dirty.” Creative, maybe, but definitely not dirty.

  Aggie shook her head. “I keep forgetting all y’all are grown women. You know how to take care of yourselves.”

  “You’re not worried about Rose?” Lani asked.

  I sat next to Lani. “You won’t believe this, I came home the other day to find Aunt Rose and AJ playing rummy, and then she invited him to stay for dinner.”

  “Pigs flew and I missed it?” Aggie laughed.

  I nodded and held my right hand up like I did when I was in court during my dad’s trial. “Swear to God.”

  “Well I’m glad someone is happy.” Tracy’s voice was laced with disdain directed at me as she entered the dining area.

  “Is it true then?” Gwen asked. “Is Vivie in jail again?”

  “She’s been arrested, no thanks to you, Sophie.”

  “What did I do?”

  “Oh please. You’re not a little princess Sophie. You told them Vivie took Marla’s coupons.”

  “No, I didn’t. You did.” How quickly they forgot. She was the one that saw the binders and then asked if Vivie had killed Marla.

  Tracy’s head jerked back as if I’d hit her. Then she re-gathered her vigor. “You told them she tried to kill Junior Junior.”

  “No. I told them what I saw and that I didn’t think Vivie did it.”

  “I know Vivie hasn’t always been nice to you, but she never lied.”

  I tried to be calm and understanding, but even I had my limit. “The only thing I’ve lied about is you.”

  “What?” Gwen sat back to watch like we were a live reality show.

  Tracy’s gaze shot to the other women at the table, and then back to me. “You promised.”

  “No, I didn’t. You have a terrible memory Tracy.” Vivie did too if she was telling people I was to blame for her incarceration.

  “Now, now girls,” Aggie said in her teacher’s voice. “Let’s not get ourselves all riled up. Come in and sit down, Tracy. I’ll get you something to drink. Tea?”

  “I can get it, Aggie,” Gwen stood, ready to become the hostess.

  “Sit down. I’m already up.” Aggie waved Gwen back down.

  Tracy gave me the evil eye as she sat at the table. “Thank you, Aggie.” When Aggie left the room, Tracy whirled on me again. “You’ve always had it out for us.”

  I shook my head, not able to wrap my brain around Vivie, and now Tracy’s, dislike of me. “No, I haven’t. I’m not the one to blame for all your and Vivie’s problems.”

  “We never had any problems until you came back. No one wants you here Sophie.”

  A few months ago, those words would have hurt more and likely sent me packing, if I could have afforded it. Today I could only gape at Tracy.

  “That’s not true.” Lani came to my defense.

  I leaned closer to Tracy wishing we were alone so I could remind her that I knew her secret. “I’m not the one who took the binders. I’m also not the one
betraying Vivie.” I shook my head. “Blame me if it makes you feel better, but you and Vivie are your own worst enemies.” Done with the conversation, I started stacking my coupons getting them ready to go into the exchange pile.

  Aggie re-entered the dining area. “Here you go Tracy. Just take a moment. I know it must be difficult with Vivie’s situation.”

  Tracy glared at me but did as Aggie suggested.

  “Now what’s this I hear about Junior Junior?” Aggie asked as she sat at her chair at the table.

  All eyes turned to me, but I wasn’t about to give Tracy more fodder for the fire. Finally, Lani explained that someone had attacked Junior Junior and that Vivie’s prints were found on the shovel used to hit him.

  “Great day in the morning!” Aggie huffed out the southern expression of surprise. “Why would she do that?”

  “Why don’t you ask Sophie?” So much for Tracy taking a moment.

  I groaned inwardly. “I don’t think she hit him.”

  “That’s not what you told Davis.”

  “Actually, Tracy, it is.”

  “Why would Sergeant Davis be talking to you,” Gwen asked me.

  I blew out a breath. “Because I showed up at Marla’s right when Vivie started screaming at finding Junior Junior.”

  “Wait, this was at Marla’s?” Gwen’s brows drew together in confusion. “Why were you guys there?”

  Deciding that we weren’t going to get to exchange our coupons anytime soon, I told them everything I’d learned about Marla, her husband, Junior Junior, and how Vivie fit in.

  “Well goodness.” Aggie sat back when I finished.

  “Why did she tell us she was married?” Lani pondered.

  “Why did she come here after winning the Powerball? And why keep couponing?” Gwen shook her head. “That’s crazier than saying you’re married when you’re not, as far as I’m concerned.”

  “Strange as that may be, it doesn’t explain why someone would kill her,” Aggie said.

  I nodded, because that’s where I was stuck too.

  “Davis doesn’t have any other suspects?” Gwen asked Lani.

  “Not really. He doesn’t seem to think the ex-husband did it.”

  “I don’t know, if my Earl won the Powerball and left me, I’d be mighty mad,” Aggie said.