by Molly Dox
Owen Masters strolled in looking for Libby. She'd pushed off their date for a few days, and he was looking to firm up their plans for the evening. "Morning, Rosemary."
"Hey Owen, how are you this morning?" Rosie was wiping the countertop as he approached.
"Better if I got the chance to see your mama. Is she around?" He smiled sweetly, and settled on one of the counter top stools.
Rosie nodded. "She's next door. Let me get her for you."
Libby brightened up when she heard that Owen was calling on her. With a big grin, she pushed through the door that opened between their home and the restaurant. She purred a more than friendly welcome. "Hi there, good looking."
"There she is, the most beautiful woman in Spring Valley."
Libby pouted. "Only in Spring Valley?"
Owen corrected himself. "Prettiest girl in Pennsylvania."
Libby shook her head. "Try again."
"Most gorgeous girl in the world," he said cautiously.
"Oh, that's much better," she sang and then giggled.
"I was hoping we could do dinner tonight." He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She'd barely looked his way in the past, maybe a casual flirt, but lately she seemed more interested and he wasn't wasting the opportunity.
"I'd love to do dinner this evening," she cooed.
Rosie wasn't sure what had changed. John Patterson was no longer at the top of her mother's list, though she wasn't sure why.
A few more customers straggled in throughout the morning, but it was a slow afternoon. When they closed shop, Rosie made a bee line to Charlie Staggs's smoke house.
She walked around to the side entrance and reluctantly pulled at the door. Her heart lifted as the door opened this time. Entering the building, she stopped in front of Charlie's office and knocked on the doorframe, even though the door was open. "Charlie, do you have a moment?"
"Ms. Sage, what can I do for you?" Charlie stood, as the woman entered.
Two fabric-woven chairs sat perched before his desk. Rosie sat in one of them. "I was hoping we could discuss a few things," she started.
"Surely, I have time for you. What's the topic you'd like to wrangle today? Did you have a problem with one of your orders of meat? Or is this to do with local business?" He settled back into his chair and lifted his long legs up onto the corner of his desk, tipping his chair.
"I was hoping to get your read on a few things. Also, new information came to light." She hesitated and approached the topic carefully. "Charlie, it's come to my attention that Nancy’s been through a -- well, a difficult time with her husband before the divorce. A bit of domestic abuse? I didn't realize. I'm sorry to hear of it. Well, the thing is..." It was harder than she thought to get the words out.
"Spit it out, Ms. Sage," he said, his voice terse. It was as if a suit of armor magically wrapped around him once his sister's name was mentioned. "My sister's affairs are private, Rosemary. We don't discuss them with the public."
"Right, I understand. I apologize for sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong. I'm still trying to unravel all the information.”
"My sister has cancer," Charlie said. Front and center, short and to the point, he spat the words out.
"What? Oh, I'm so sorry.”
“She wasn't here when the murders happened, so you can strike that thought right out of your head," he said, knowing what she was getting at. "I'd sent her out of town to see a specialist. She has a rare form of cancer and I want her seeing the best there is. We were getting recommendations for a big city doctor to work with, an oncologist, and hospital. This is all new, and we're learning what we can, so I'd appreciate if you kept us out of your sleuthing. I don't want to put any unnecessary stress on my sister. She has enough on her plate to deal with. As far as I'm concerned, she's better off without that lousy ex-husband of hers around."
It was obvious, there was no room for discussion. Rosie excused herself and told Charlie that she'd keep Nancy in her thoughts and prayers and hope for a full recovery.
"I won't settle for anything less," he said, his guard coming down.
Chapter 20
Rosie dumped a couple scoops of chocolate ice cream into the blender. She poured a cup of milk in, dropped in two spoons of peanut butter, and hit the on button. Libby reached into the cabinet and pulled out the cat treats. Once everyone was content with a snack, it was time to talk.
Dash nibbled on his treats and then joined the ladies on the sofa. With her milkshake in hand, Rosie took a long sip to put off the inevitable.
“Okay, lady. Spill the beans,” Libby demanded. “You’ve avoided the topic for too long.”
“What if I disappoint him? What if he disappoints me? What if we do this, and find out it’s not what we think it is? Then what? Then we turn into two people avoiding an awkward situation who look the other way when we bump into one another. The close friend I had, he’s gone. I’m afraid of that. I like him so much, but I never really thought I wanted a relationship. I’m terrified. The word ‘no’ was perfectly formed, coming out of my mouth, and then I heard myself say ‘yes’ instead. I think it’s a mistake. I don’t know what to do. If I cancel it looks bad, and yet if I follow through and-”
“Holy cow, Rosie, take a breath. You haven’t talked that fast since you were trying to weasel out of the last business council meeting when they wanted you to say a few words.”
“I don’t do well under pressure,” she sniped. “Besides, it’s not like there’s anything important to say. Why would he put me on the spot like that?”
“Man, the way you rambled and got out of that situation almost made me proud,” she added with a laugh. Libby reached over and ran her fingers through Dash’s soft fur.
Ooh, a little to the left, he thought. Dash leaned against Libby and gratefully accepted the attention.
“I said yes.” She tried to slow her pace. “I don’t think it was a good idea.”
Libby sighed. “Rosemary, don’t let my past mistakes hold you back. I know I did a few things that probably left you weary, but it doesn’t mean you’ll end up the same way. I messed up when you were younger. I get that, but I did what I needed to at the time to survive. I was a lonely woman trying to get by. Maybe I brought too many of my ‘friends’ home, and I should have known better, but I am who I am. We’re different people. For once, allow yourself pleasure and take things as they come. Besides, Jeff is nothing like the losers I dated. He’ll treat you with respect and honor.”
Rosie’s shoulders dropped. “Mom, I’m scared because I like him. I like him more than I want to. What if he decides he doesn’t like me anymore? And what if I do something stupid?”
“Things will happen how they’re supposed to. You can’t control them, so take them as they come.”
“You say control like it’s a bad thing. I like to know the outcome of things before I get too far along.”
“Sweetie, relationships don’t work that way. You know that. It’s not like it’s your first…”
“Don’t, please. I don’t want to talk about it.”
“His cheating had nothing to do with you. You did nothing wrong. You’ve had a lot of bad experiences, I know. Try being open to joy. I really feel like you and Jeff could be good for each other,” she said, hoping to soothe her daughter.
Rosie nodded quietly.
“Life is short,” Libby added. “Don’t let it pass you by because you’re afraid.”
Dash got up and stretched, then climbed onto Rosie’s lap.
“You’ll always be my number one guy, don’t you worry Dash,” she said, giving him time and plenty of petting.
“Meow.”
Chapter 21
There was no time to react. She stepped into the street, her head down as she texted a message in reply. The car laid on the horn, but it was too late. Everything was a blur, and then there was blackness. She heard sirens. Maybe her name. Was that her name? Was she dreaming it? Was somebody talking to her?
Alyssa opened her
eyes. Nothing was clear, it was simply a jumble of lights, people, and noises. Everything hurt. She couldn’t move. She closed her eyes and opened them again, trying to make sense of the words people were saying. An ambulance. It was moving. She blinked and the figure above her came a little more into focus.
“Hey, don’t try to move. You were in an accident. We’re on the way to the hospital. You’re going to be okay. Is there anybody we should notify?”
Alyssa tried to speak, but the word came out like a whisper.
The paramedic leaned in closer. “Try again.”
“Rosie,” she said. “I need Rosie.”
She couldn’t remember details, but was now in a hospital bed. She didn’t hurt, but hurt earlier. Trying to focus, she saw the IV drip. Pain medication was probably keeping her comfortable. She looked at her body. It felt foreign. Her mother was sleeping in the chair by her bed. Her mother of all people. She asked for Rosie, right? That much she remembered. Her mother was the last person she wanted to see.
A nurse came in to check on her. Alyssa watched her work. She took her vitals, checked her fluids, and told her a friend stopped by earlier to see her. “You’ve been sleeping quite a bit, but should get to go home in a few days. The sooner you’re up and moving again, the better.”
Moving. She wanted to tell Rosie she’d changed her mind about moving. She’d met someone, somebody really nice at a local tavern the next town over, and was thinking about sticking around. What was his name again? She hated how her memory was sketchy, but figured the medication was doing that. Matt, right? Matt something or other, Anderson, no Adams. Matt Adams. He was a little older than her, but they’d really hit it off the other night. Funny how those things happen. Only a night after she thought of moving, she met the man that could very well be her Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Right Now. He was a businessman with so many adventurous stories and made her laugh like she hadn’t laughed in ages. And when he kissed her, only after asking her permission, she about melted right on the spot.
Alyssa fell asleep again, drifting on dreams of her new love interest.
Rosie stopped in the room, but found Alyssa sleeping. She left a note on her bedside table. Thankfully, Alyssa’s mother was sleeping too. She wasn’t interested in polite conversation, not today.
Alyssa was lucky to be alive. Rosie’s heart plummeted to her stomach on hearing the news of the accident. Of all the people in the world, Alyssa was her best friend. Not much went on in their lives without the other knowing about it. She’d miss her when she left town. She wanted her to stay to keep her company, but knew it was selfish. She’d send her off into the world with a smile. That’s what a friend should do, not hold her back.
Outside of the hospital, Rosie sat in her parked car. She was lost in thought when she heard a tap on her driver’s side window. Rosie jumped, startled, and looked out. Her hand shot up over her chest on reflex, trying to hold her heart in place.
She pressed the button to lower her window. “Hey.”
“How is she?”
“She’s on meds, so she’s comfortable, but she’s got a long journey in front of her. A broken leg, a few broken ribs, and there was internal bleeding, but they got it under control. Your wife, umm, Alyssa’s mother is there.”
He swallowed hard. “That’s fine. I’m an adult. Not an adulterer like she is,” he added. “I’m sorry, that was inappropriate.”
“I understand.” It came as a shock when they found out Alyssa’s mother had been having a ten-year affair with one of the local ministers. It only came out recently, and people were still adjusting. Heck, Alyssa’s father only just filed for divorce. It was news to everybody. They’d kept it under wraps so long. That it was revealed, and certainly not on purpose, was a shocking moment. Alyssa felt like she’d been living a lie when the secret came out only a few days ago. Her mother was the last person she wanted sitting in her hospital room.
“There are so many things we take for granted. If you have your chance at happiness, grab it, Rosie.” He shook his head and turned to go inside.
She watched him walk away. She’d known them for so many years. The news shook Alyssa’s family to the core. Rosie wondered if anybody ended happy. Most everyone she knew ended up split up, back stabbed, or now outright killed. Okay, so maybe Nancy or Dora had nothing to do with it, but it circled her back to the same negative vibe.
Rosie headed back to the restaurant. Her mother was holding down the fort while she went to visit Alyssa. Everything felt surreal. Thankfully, her best friend would be okay. On arriving at The Breakfast Nook, she filled in her mom on the latest news of running into Alyssa’s parents. She updated her on her friend’s condition, and wandered to the back.
The earlier words ran through her brain. ‘If you have your chance at happiness, grab it.’ Maybe it was time to stop being afraid of what she might lose, and look at what she might win.
Chapter 22
Owen Masters stopped by the restaurant to see Libby. The couple was talking at the counter when Rosie walked through the door. She was coming from the kitchen with a fresh batch of sweet tea. Rosie set it on the counter, and then emptied the older contents into a container. Once it was ready, she dumped in the tea.
“Ooh, I’d love a glass of that,” Owen said. “Could I get it half and half with lemonade?”
“I’ll get it for you,” Libby answered, scooping up a bit of ice and adding it to a glass. Libby couldn’t stop smiling. She was happy that Owen came by to see her, even though they already had a date for the following night. He might be somebody special, she needed to remind herself to slow down. She always moved too quickly and burned her bridges behind her. She would do something stupid, have a crazy moment and scare them away, or they’d get too attached and she’d scamper before things could get too serious. This time, she wanted to do things right. A normal relationship, like other people enjoyed. She’d screwed up so many times in the past, she wasn’t sure she trusted herself to keep things on the straight and narrow. She’d at least try. Owen Masters was a catch, and Libby found him a little more attractive, mentally and physically, each and every day.
“So, your mom tells me you’re going on a date with Dr. Tucker,” he started.
Libby spun toward him, her eyes like a deer in headlights. She slowly shook her head and before she could mouth the words ‘no’ Rosie was already on the warpath.
“Really? You couldn’t keep it to yourself for more than a few minutes?”
“Was I not supposed to say anything? I’m sorry,” Own offered.
Libby patted his hand and placed his drink on the counter before him. “It’s okay, it was me. I shouldn’t have spoken of it so soon.”
“Mom…” Rosie bit her lower lip, trying to keep in the flow of words that wanted to fly from her mouth with venom. Instead, she slammed through the kitchen door.
“I need to talk to her. I’ll be a minute, but I’ll be right back. Don’t you go anywhere.” She poured on the charm and a smile before turning to follow her daughter. “I didn’t think…it was in casual conversation on the phone. I’m happy for you, and expressed it. I didn’t realize you wanted to keep it a secret. I’m sorry.”
Rosie shook her head. “Stop talking about my personal life to everybody. Can’t you for once, leave me out of things? There’s all this pressure…”
“Pressure?”
“What if things don’t work out?”
Libby understood this wasn’t about Owen. It was simply about Rosie. She wrapped her arms around her daughter. “Success doesn’t come from being perfect, it comes from trying. There is no right or wrong answer here, sweetheart. What are you afraid of? Really? Don’t give up on yourself, Rosie. You don’t want to grow up to be a bitter old woman because you were afraid of trying things. You have such tight control on your life, don’t you want to have a little fun?”
“I’ve got responsibilities. I can’t go messing around and taking off to do whatever I feel like.” A hot tear welled up in the corner
of Rosie’s eye. She wiped at it, as it rolled down her cheek.
“Daddy left because of our relationship, not because of anything you did. Not all men are bad. A lot of men are amazing, wonderful people. Give Jeff a chance to shower you with love and affection, Rosie. Let him in. He’s a good man. You deserve happiness of your own. All you do is work and worry about me. It’s time to live your life.”
Rosemary nodded. There was nothing left to say. There were so many things inside of her she’d bottled up for so long, she didn’t know how to put them aside. It was time. Time to live. Time to let go of her fears. It was time to remember the strong woman that she knew was inside, the one that didn’t let fear bury her time and time again.
That’s when it hit her. Time. What time did the murders happen? Who would have access? Who should be at work? Who needed to kill two people on two separate days and not on the same day? If one person was going to kill two people, why would they take the chance of doing them an entire day apart? Wouldn’t they want to get it over with? Or – why did they choose to risk exposing themselves two days in a row…unless it wasn’t exposing themselves…and going out for breakfast was a normal part of their day.
Regulars were Gloria, Myrtle, Patsy, and Viola, Matt, and a few others. She knew Myrtle and Gloria went between the two restaurants, wasn’t sure about the other ladies, but she’d look into their morning patterns. And what about Matt? Could he have been at Patterson’s the day Christopher Banks died? He was at the Nook when Peyton was killed.
Rosie scampered to the counter, grabbed a pad and pen and wrote down a couple of notes. She needed to know a few more details, but three people’s schedules were awfully similar to when the men died. Myrtle made a comment that she’d come in after they removed Christopher, but could she be saying it aloud, hoping to make it an alibi? And where exactly was Gloria?
Myrtle found her way to The Nook. She was usually a breakfast regular, but something was different today. Gloria, her usual eating companion was nowhere to be found, and she was flushed with color. Pink and red blotches covered her ivory complexion. Myrtle looked through Libby. She drew a deep breath and asked if Rosie was there.
