“What other weaknesses do you have, Deputy?” She licked her lips.
“Beautiful women who are strong on the inside, even though they don’t think they are, due to circumstances beyond their control.”
“Oh?” He thought she was strong? His words sent shivers through her and she felt powerful with him… protected. Like he could scare away anything bad that might lurk in the darkness. She played his words over in her mind. He thought she was beautiful? “You’re not so bad yourself.” Like the sexiest cop she’d ever seen. Muscled, square jawline, and hazel gaze that drew her in.
Jarred leaned forward, their lips a breath apart. Instinctively, she half-closed her eyes.
Behind the counter, someone coughed and Lily jerked backward, falling on her butt.
“Excuse me, can I get some help here?” a woman’s nasally voice sounded.
“Of course.” Lily scrambled to stand. There stood Camie, decked out in a white pantsuit and turquoise jewelry.
“I only came in to collect my refund.”
“Pardon?” Lily frowned.
Jarred rose near Lily’s side. “Good to see you, Mrs. Barnes.”
The look of shock on Camie’s face was priceless, and Lily wished she had a camera to capture it. “Uh… Deputy Garza, what are you doing here?”
None of your business. “What can I do for you, Camie?”
“My refund.” Her head snapped so fast to Lily that her bleached blond hair bounced. “I paid a deposit for the ice cream cakes, and since I never received my order, I want my money back.”
She made it sound like Lily’s mother’s death was nothing more than a nuisance. Shoving down the desire to leap over the counter and strangle the woman, Lily stomped to the register. She mashed the buttons, opened the drawer, yanked out the cash and slid it across the counter. “Thank you for your business. I’m sorry my mom being murdered inconvenienced you. And by the way,” she poured sticky syrup into her tone, “you’re no longer welcome in my store.” God that felt good.
Camie gasped and snorted, then she gathered up the cash and darted out the door.
From the encounter, Lily’s bones felt like they’d turned to jello as all the adrenaline and rage flooded out of her. Her mom was dead and being rude to Camie or anyone else wasn’t going to bring her back. Letting out a cry, Lily turned, tears flowing down her face. “Promise me you’ll catch whoever did this.”
“I will.” His defiant voice injected a layer of confidence in him as he enfolded her in his arms.
Chapter Ten
Two days later, Lily clamored to get her phone out of her purse during her anatomy class. Was it her aunts finally? “Sorry.” She rushed out of class and hit answer not even looking at the number. “Hello?”
“Are you okay?” Jarred’s voice came over the line.
“Yes, just got the evil eye from one of my professors. What’s up?” Had they found out something about her mom’s killer? She clutched the phone tighter.
“I wanted to share the findings with you.” His voice was neutral, almost business-like, and a rustling of paper sounded over the line. “Do you want to meet for coffee?”
Her heart hammered against her throat. “Sure.” She started walking to her car in the student parking lot. “Jazzy’s Café is between us. Want to meet there in half an hour?”
“Sounds good. See ya.”
Lily clutched her arms around her. Damn, she’d run out of the classroom without her coat. Oh well, she had a spare jacket in her truck. What had the police found? Did Jarred want to meet with her in person and tell her it was Camie, or even Mr. Griffin, who’d killed her mom? She’d testify or whatever else they needed her to do.
Her truck backfired as she started it, but quickly hummed to life, and she barreled down the road. She made it to the café in fifteen minutes and dug through her glove box for a mint. Hell, she probably looked terrible after not sleeping, and taking Amanda’s sleeping pills didn’t help. She put on some lipstick and dabbed on mascara. The idea of Jarred thinking she was pretty or liking her sent a thrill she didn’t expect surging through her. But he was here for her mom’s case, not to date. Besides, she wasn’t ready to see anyone anyway. At least that’s what she told herself, as she exited her vehicle and ran through the drizzling rain into the café.
She ordered a hot green tea with honey and picked a table near the back. Cops liked to sit in the back of places, didn’t they? So they could watch the people coming and going and not have their back to the door? Taking a seat diagonal from the entryway, she sipped her tea. A few minutes later, Jarred walked in wearing a raincoat, with his dark hair was matted to his head.
After he ordered, he sat down next to her, his back to the wall.
“Hi. How are you?” he asked.
“I’m good.” She stirred her drink.
“You’re dry. So you must have missed the downpour.” He nodded toward the window which revealed sheets of rain pounding against the street.
“Thanks for helping me the other day…you know when my mom—”
“Any time.” He smiled.
Now that she’d gotten some sleep and the initial shock of her mom’s death not as raw and cutting, she looked at him. His face was unfamiliar. Surely she’d have seen him around town. “Sorry are you new here?” Her face burned. “I mean, I don’t think I’ve seen you before...”
He chuckled. “No, I transferred here from Chicago. Got into a motorcycle accident while pursuing a suspect.” He held up his pant leg showing a white jagged scar down his calf. “I was lucky. But decided to leave the city and find a nice small town and here I am.”
“Welcome then. I wish we could’ve met on better circumstances.”
“It’s okay.” He took a drink.
Underneath the table, her foot tapped restlessly. “You said you had news?”
“Yes.” He gave her a half smile and took her hand in his. “We ruled you out as a suspect yesterday.”
She stiffened and let go of his hand. “I didn’t know I was still as a suspect after our meeting with Wells.”
“We can’t play favorites and had to check out everyone’s story.” He shifted, his expression softening. “Especially since you called the Sherriff saying for them to go to the shop and check on your mom.”
What could she say? He wouldn’t believe she’d had dreams and later a vision. “When I couldn’t get ahold of her, I called the police. It was just a bad feeling I had. Like I said before.”
He nodded. “We’ve interviewed the two individuals you suggested, as well as anyone we could find who might have been in the area at the time of the murder.”
“Have you had any luck locating my aunts?” Ever since her mom’s death, she’d been worried about them. What if something had happened to them?
“No.” He frowned, reservation filling his voice. “Are you sure they went to the Bahamas?”
“Yes. Well, that’s what they told us, and where they go every year.”
“Have you ever not been able to get ahold of them during one of their trips? How long do they stay gone?”
She bit her lip, thinking. Had her or her mom ever spoken with them while they were on vacation? She hadn’t, but she wasn’t sure if her mom had or not. “I’m not sure. There’s never been a time when I needed to contact them until now.” She shook her head. “My mom never mentioned talking with them, but I don’t know that she didn’t. They leave every October and don’t return until February.”
Disbelief and shock radiated across his face before he schooled his features. “Hopefully they’ll check-in soon.” He reached out and touched her hand. His wide palm and long fingers engulfing hers and a pleasure filled her chest. “I know you’re worried about them.”
He’d wanted to meet her because of the case, not her aunts. “Have you found out anything more about my mom’s murder?” She leaned forward, her hands clasped in front of her on the table. Had they discovered who had done this? His face was serious, his brow furrowed. Was it some
one she knew, or a complete stranger? Had the murder been one of their regular customers, down on his or her luck?
Clearing his throat, he placed his hand over hers. “I’m sorry, but they’re ruling this as a burglary, saying your mom surprised the thief shortly after he or she took the money.” His tone was sympathetic, but she pulled away.
Her gut wrenched. No, someone had done this. And the idea that it was a thief didn’t make sense. “My mom would’ve given the guy the money. She wouldn’t have fought him.”
“Are you sure?” He frowned. “What if the guy surprised her, or vice versa, and she stumbled, falling into the glass display?”
Maybe. Her gut squeezed. “I-I just can’t believe that. I don’t know why. What about Camie?” Surely that woman was guilty of more than just being a bitch.
“She was getting a manicure and pedicure at the time of the murder. The salon owner and workers confirmed her story.”
“Or she paid them to.” The woman had enough money, she guessed.
He shook his head. “No, we checked the security cameras in the area. It shows her walking into the building before her appointment and not leaving for over an hour afterward.”
“Is there a back alley? Maybe she ducked out, ran down the street, killed my mom and returned.”
“It’ll take time to process.”
“You’re just giving up?” Her fingernails dug into her palms.
“Listen,” his voice full of concern, “I know this is hard, but that’s what all the evidence points too.”
“What about your promise? You said you’d find who killed her.” She knew she was being dramatic, but she couldn’t stop herself.
He winced as if she slapped him. “I know. I’m still looking, but I’m trying to find an invisible straw in a haystack.”
“What about searching the traffic light cameras? Find everyone who drove by that day. Question them.”
“This is hard to accept. Maybe you could talk to your college counselor, or a private practice. Talk about your feelings. Grieve and heal.”
She swallowed against the lump in her throat, unease settling in her gut. She’d never be able to accept this. Ever. Her mom had been a good person. Caring, hard-working. It wasn’t fair, and Lily would find whoever did this and somehow get retribution.
***
So if Camie was innocent, which still didn’t mean that Lily would strike her name off her guilty list anytime soon, what about Mr. Griffin? He was right next door. It wouldn’t have taken him much time to sneak over, kill her mom, make it look like a robbery, and dash back. Right now, she pictured everyone as a suspect. Lily’s shoe scuffed a crack in the sidewalk as she weaved through the crowd.
Time to question Mr. Griffin herself. She bustled down the strip mall, passing the clothing store on the end and waving to Mrs. Beatrice, the lady who had owned her store for fifty years and had recently sold the spot. Boxes filled her shop as she packed and customers rushed in to buy the discounted merchandise.
A figure leaned against the outside of the ice cream shop, but with the sun shining in her eyes, it was hard to make out who it was. Michael stepped forward, blocking the blinding light.
“Hey, Lil.”
She skidded to a halt. “Michael?” What was he doing here?
“I heard what happened.” He stuffed his hands into the front of his jeans. “I’m so sorry, Lil.”
“Thanks.” She really needed to speak with Mr. Griffin. See for herself his expression when she asked him about her mom. “How long are you in town for?”
“A few days. Actually, my car broke down and Amanda spotted me walking to the gas station. She’s around the corner getting us coffee.”
Amanda had always had a crush on Michael. She’d tried to keep it hidden when he and Lily were dating, but she would give him forlorn looks whenever she didn’t think Lily was watching. “Come inside the shop. You can have an ice cream on the house if you want.”
“Lily!” Amanda shouted while walking over with two cups of coffee in her hands. “We wondered where you were.”
The three entered the shop and Lily flipped on the lights and open sign. Then she joined them at the table.
“Want to go to a movie after I get off work?” Lily asked them both.
“Sorry.” Amanda’s cheeks reddened. “I’m helping Michael with his haunted house tonight. You should stop by.”
“Okay.” She scooted her chair closer to the table. Without her mom and aunts here, it was too quiet. When she went to the store, she’d pick up a radio or something to play music during the shop’s slow times.
“Have you heard from your aunts?” Amanda asked.
“No.” In case she had, she checked her cell. Only one new message from an unknown number. She clicked it and scrolled down.
Lily, it’s Jarred Garza. I really enjoyed spending time with you and can’t stop thinking about you. I’m on a case right now, but would love to meet you for coffee again some time.
She brightened. So, the growing feelings were mutual.
“Anything?” Amanda sipped her coffee.
“No. Just the deputy.”
Amanda cocked her eyebrow. “Oh? I thought the case was closed. That they said it was a burglary and accident.”
Her gut told her that wasn’t true. “Yeah, but I-I have this feeling they missed something. I know it’s silly, but I want to do my own investigation.” Besides the dream had warned her, so it had to mean something, right?
Michael cleared his throat and he and Amanda exchanged a look.
“What?” she asked looking between them.
“You’re emotional right now, after all that’s happened.” Amanda squeezed her hand. “But we’ll do anything to help you find closure. Even if it’s slapping Camie Barnes, or whoever you want.”
Lily laughed and shook her head. “No, hopefully it won’t come to that. I was going to talk to Mr. Griffin next door. Find out if he heard anything unusual. Or saw something.” And to see if guilt flickered in his eyes when she mentioned her mom’s death.
“Well, come on.” Amanda stood and adjusted her purse strap. “Let’s go.”
As they left, Lily put up the be-right-back sign and turned it to fifteen minutes from now. Anxiety poured through her by the bucketful. She had to find whoever was guilty, and see justice. It was the only way to release the constant pressure that sat on her chest, like she couldn’t take a deep enough breath. But if Mr. Griffin had killed her mom and she confronted him, she was glad Michael and Amanda were with her as witnesses and also protection. Who knows what he would do to keep his secret safe.
She pushed open the glass door, and the scent of grease and metal permeated the air. Her friend gave her a thumbs up and Lily took a breath. She could do this.
“How can I help you?” Griffin called out from the back of the store.
“Hi, Mr. G.” Lily stepped toward his counter. “I was wondering if you heard anything… the other day… when my mom—”
“Already talked to the cops and those deputies.” His bushy eyebrows furrowed. “That young one twice.”
Warmth spread through her. Jarred had questioned him multiple times? Did that mean her instinct was right, and Griffin had been involved in her mom’s murder or responsible? “I was thinking, maybe you could tell me what you told them. Maybe talking about that day among neighbors might spark something that might help.”
“Only spark around here are spark plugs.” He pointed, his glare growing. “If you ain’t gonna buy anything, then get out. I don’t like wasting my time.”
Michael took something off a display and placed it on the counter. “Hey, Mr. G. Can I get these? You’ve got the best selection and pricing in town.”
The old man beamed. He actually smiled. Lily shook her head, disbelieving.
“Of course, I do. You think I try and cheat people?”
No, but maybe he gets angry and loses control and kills people. “Please, if you could just—”
He cleared his t
hroat. “A damn shame what happened to your mother. She was a good, kind woman.” The sincerity in his voice struck her heart. Either he was an excellent liar or he wasn’t guilty. “But I can’t help you. You should do what I’m doing. Sell your place and retire.”
He was selling? Last she heard, he wanted to expand. Had the murder made him want to leave? “Why are you retiring now? You’re still young.” Maybe if she placated him, he’d answer her questions.
“Bah.” He waved a hand. “Flattery’s never worked on me.”
Michael took his purchase from Mr. Griffin. “So you didn’t see or hear anything when Lily’s mom died?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I was out back taking a delivery. The truck is loud and I couldn’t hear a blasted thing over it. I shouted for the guy to turn off his engine, but he wanted to unload and go.” Mr. Griffin blinked like he was coming out of a trance, then faced Lily, his voice softening. “Sorry, I didn’t know until the cops showed up that anything was amiss. If I’d heard anything, I’d have taken my sledgehammer over and dealt with the intruder.”
“Thank you,” Lily said. His conviction made her certain that he was telling the truth.
“Ready?” Amanda asked by her side.
“Yes. Goodbye, Mr. Griffin. Good luck with your retirement.” She left.
Outside, Amanda gave her a hug. “Hey, are you all right? Maybe it’s not good to be pursuing suspects like this.”
“You’re probably right.” But deep down, Lily knew that she wouldn’t be able to stop. She had to find the killer.
“Call me later. I’ve got to run some urgent errands.”
“See ya later.” Lily gave Amanda a hug.
Michael gave Amanda an awkward hug, then followed Lily into the ice cream shop.
“Listen, thanks for your help, but I really need time alone.” Like to figure out what to do next. And she needed to call and make funeral arrangements.
“Hey,” he said clapping her hand in his, sincerity etched in his face, “I'm here if you need anything. I know we made better buddies than dating, but that doesn't mean I don't care about you.”
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