Southern Sass and a Battered Bride Read online

  When he took a step forward, Javy put himself between Alex and me before I even registered he’d moved. “Watch yourself, Myers. You’re receiving grace for your tone toward Marygene because of your pain. But I won’t stand for a second offense. She’s recovering from her injuries from her accident. She didn’t cause this.”

  Alex’s gaze flickered from Javier and then to me and back to Javier. He gave a bark of bitter laughter. “I see. Well, partner,” he began with sarcasm heavy in his tone, “I’ll give you the same advice you gave me. Watch yourself. She seems all innocent and sweet. She has a quality that draws men in and then brings out the worst in them. Just ask her ex-husband.” He shook his head in a deliberate fashion and met my direct gaze.

  Astonishment overtook me, and I registered the foul words he spoke and the venomous way he glared at me. Javy’s body tensed and he opened his mouth to speak, but I brushed past them before the waterworks commenced, keeping my stinging eyes wide as I rushed by the front desk, hearing Tonya call after me. I shoved both metal doors open and rushed outside, scurried around the corner of the building, and placed my hands on my knees. How can he be so cruel? So vindictive. Alex knew my deepest, darkest secrets. Including my ex and all the pain I endured. Yet, he alluded to the abuse being my fault. My fault! Despite the falseness of the accusation, turbulent emotions threatened to overwhelm me and make me lose sight of the present. I could hear the echoes of the past within my head. My thoughts were in such a tumult, I scrambled to make sense of them. The dam broke. Tears poured as I took timed breaths and fought for control. The man I’d known my entire life, and loved for most of it, had wounded me in a way only he could. I understood he felt desperate. Still, this behavior was unforgivable.

  “Marygene.” And there he was again.

  I moved down the wall in an attempt to put more space between us. “How could you?” It came out rough and ragged.

  “God, I . . . I didn’t mean that.” He thrust both hands into his hair, fisted, and pulled. “I’m going nuts. I—”

  “I’ll never forgive you,” I managed to get out over gasps. “Ever.”

  “Forget I said that. I’m not thinking straight and . . .” He glanced around wildly. “Marygene, nobody cares. Everyone is just going on with their lives like Lucy never existed.” He slumped against the wall. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you didn’t see her after the rehearsal. She was terrified. Betsy cornered her in the ladies’ room and told her she would never be a Myers and if she walked down the aisle, she’d pay for it.”

  My thoughts became clearer as I continued to work to slow my breathing and turned his words over in my mind. “That doesn’t sound like Betsy, Alex. She’s your cousin, for heaven’s sake. She’s all bark.” My voice started to sound more like my own.

  “Is she? Remember Darnell and the bonfire she made of his belongings.”

  “He cheated on her. And that’s not murder.” I wiped my face with the back of my hand, thankful I hadn’t had a full-blown panic attack.

  Alex took a couple of steps toward me. He seemed to be seeing me clearly now. His face was drawn in what I thought was panic or perhaps pain. “Baby, I—”

  “Don’t call me that,” I bit out. “You can’t call me a monster one second and try to sweet-talk me the next. You said nobody cares. I care.” I pounded my chest with the palm of my hand. “I wanted to be there for you and tried to be, and how did you repay me? You chose the ammunition in your arsenal that would inflict the most damage and used it.” I managed to get myself upright. “Someone tried to kill me too! If it weren’t for Paul, Betsy and I would both be dead. Now your cousin is in there being grilled.”

  Alex’s confused gaze matched my emotions. “What are you talking about? Who tried to kill you?”

  “We don’t know! That’s the point. But they planted a bomb under the van, and it detonated minutes after Betsy and I were dragged from the wreckage. It was close. Too close.”

  He dropped his head but said nothing. Nothing!

  “I don’t know who you are anymore.”

  “You know me better than anyone.”

  “I’m not so sure. The Alex I know would be seeking the truth, no matter how painful it might turn out to be. He also wouldn’t allow his mother to go on some tirade with false declarations regarding his cousin’s guilt. And from what I’m hearing, Lucy had some disgruntled ex-boyfriend hanging around. Maybe you should be hunting him down, instead of blaming the people who actually love you.”

  He opened his mouth and closed it a few times before he finally mumbled, reiterating Javy’s earlier point, “We have to go where the case takes us.”

  Strength began to fill me once more, and I closed the distance between us and tilted my head back to meet his gaze. “Right back atcha, buddy. But don’t you forget, you started this.”

  I moved around him and started to storm off when he grabbed my arm. “No. Whoever harmed Lucy started this, and I’m damn well going to finish it.”

  I jerked my arm away. “Just remember, some burned bridges can’t be rebuilt.”

  CHAPTER 13

  After I assured Javy of my well-being, which took a little convincing, I went to check in with Aunt Vi. True to Eddie’s word, Betsy wouldn’t be charged. She’d been rattled but held it together. We all left exhausted, and I went home and baked. It’s how I coped with stress. Something about shoving my hands in a good dough, baking off a fruit loaf with a delicate crumb, or producing a perfectly crunchy batch of chocolate cranberry biscotti simply brought me comfort. I opened the pocket doors and invited the fresh, salty air and the sound of crashing waves inside while I tested a new recipe for chocolate peanut butter muffins, made a loaf of Irish soda bread loaded with dried fruit, nuts, and orange zest, along with two dozen pecan sandies, and finished off with cranberry pistachio biscotti.

  “The kitchen smells dreamy. I wish I could eat one of everything.” Mama inspected the baked goods on the large marble island.

  I poured myself a cup of coffee and dunked a piece of biscotti before taking a bite. When I turned to face her, her painted red lips were pursed.

  “There’s still a darkness around you.” She reached out and stroked my face. “I want to protect you from it.” Her hand dropped and she smiled. “You’re so strong, my beautiful girl. So very strong. You’re growing in ways that astound me.”

  “Thanks.” I attempted a smile. “I don’t feel all that strong at the moment. This darkness, is its last name maybe Thornton or Myers?” I lost my appetite and placed my mug and biscotti on the counter.

  “All I can say is trouble is coming and not only for you. Be careful. I know you’ve learned to be vigilant and are cautious with regards to who you trust. Your father is going to be tested through all of this. Be there for him.”

  Her words terrified me. “I will.” I leaned against the counter and studied Mama, seeking clarity.

  She always looked exactly the same. Every hair in place, her makeup applied to perfection, showing off her high cheekbones and elegant features, and her manicure shined. “Mama, can you see the future? Always see what’s going to happen before it does, the good and the bad? Or are you only privy to what’s going to happen around me?”

  She sat on a bar stool. I knew she was attempting to be casual because she told me before how she no longer had the physical limitations of the living. And when she behaved as a living person, it put me at ease. Aware why she did it, the effect remained the same. Odd how that worked.

  “Some days I’m allowed to just enjoy my girls’ lives. Like when I get to see little Olivia.” She smiled. “Being around for her is a blessing in itself.”

  “Olivia is wonderful.”

  That child had the entire family wrapped around her little finger from the second she graced us with her presence.

  “Um, since she’s able to see you, does that mean she’s susceptible to island spirits? I mean, she isn’t going to have one, is she?”

  Mama shook her head. “I don’t think so.
”

  I let out the breath I’d been holding. “Thank God.”

  “Is having me around so terrible?” Mama folded her dainty hands together. She didn’t seem bothered, simply curious.

  “Other than the deceased wanting my help and being the only one who can see you and taking a risk of being locked away in a mental hospital if I’m ever caught conversing with you in public, not to mention the constant warnings, no. It’s been a dream.”

  “Touché. To answer your question, I do sometimes see what’s coming but not always. It would be torturous to foresee danger ahead of your family and not be able to intervene. Making amends isn’t as easy to achieve with all the limitations on my abilities. I’m able to maneuver certain aspects of life to allow happiness to come to those in my life that I wronged.” Mama had helped her friends when she could while stuck on the island. And putting her reality in perspective the way she just had, I could imagine how hard all of this must be for her.

  I reached out and took her hand. Something I could only do when she willed it. It took effort, she’d once told me. “Thank you. For all you try and do for me.”

  Mama’s watery gaze held mine for a long moment. “It is my sincere heart’s desire to help you, honey. I’m so thankful we have this time together and yet so regretful it puts you in harm’s way so often.”

  “I’m okay. And I’m glad we have this time too.” I meant it.

  An hour after Mama left, her words remained. All I can say is trouble is coming and not only for you. Be careful. Since the day I agreed to cater Alex’s and Lucy’s wedding, I’d had an odd feeling. Then I’d chalked it up to the uncomfortable situation. Now, I wondered. I picked up the phone and called the credit union where Lucy had worked with her maid of honor, Trixie. A lady took the message and a few minutes later, Trixie called me back. After a few minutes of chitchat, I got right to my questions after she gladly retold the story of catching the biker kissing Lucy.

  “So you’re saying Lucy seemed happy to get married? She wasn’t torn between her ex and Alex?” I took a bite of a pecan sandie.

  “She said it was over with him and he was having a hard time letting go. Well, she did complain about how old and dated Alex’s little house was. She couldn’t imagine herself living there. She said a woman like her deserved beach-front property. She called Alex a loser without an ounce of ambition a couple of times.”

  I nearly choked on the cookie and coughed. “You’re kidding me?”

  “Nope.” Trixie laughed. “She could be a bitch. Excuse my French, but I liked her okay. We had a lot in common. You know, fashion and such.” A lot of background noise sounded. “One more thing before I have to run.”

  I listened intently.

  “You didn’t hear this from me, but I overheard her on the phone talking to a David. I think he’s another ex or maybe that’s the biker’s name. I don’t know. But she was giggly and promised him treats if he did as he was told. Didn’t sound so over if you ask me.”

  My mouth gaped open.

  “She caught me listening and shut up. Still boggles my mind why she wanted to marry Alex anyway, no offense. I know you had it bad for him for years.”

  “No, none taken. I can’t believe she behaved that way. Why would she go through with the wedding if she was so unhappy?”

  “Well, Lucy could be super moody. I’m talking like crazy moody. She even took some meds to help level out her moods.” More background noises. “Yeah, I’m coming! Sheesh, can’t a gal take a coffee break? Two minutes. Sorry about that. You wouldn’t believe the BS I have to put up with at this dead-end job.”

  “Sorry to keep you so long. One last question if I may?”

  She popped her gum loudly. “Shoot.”

  “Did you happen to get a look at the prescription bottle?”

  “It was in one of those little days-of-the-week pill containers. She said they were for her raging PMS.”

  “Okay. Thanks for talking to me.” I was so glad I’d made this phone call.

  “No prob. See ya.”

  Maybe we’d all had it wrong and Alex had it right to question his bride’s demise. It hadn’t made any sense to me before but now, recalling Paul’s declaration that Lucy liked death spreads, perhaps she got cold feet. If she was as unhinged as Trixie made out, she could’ve used the elaborate wedding mystery to her advantage. No one would bat an eye at the bride in the parking lot, or maybe she had help. She must’ve.

  My next call was to the Blue Bird Inn. Nate Palmer and his siblings were cousins from Mama’s side of the family. They owned and operated the Blue Bird Inn on the island. When development began, they assumed they’d be out of business with all the beach-front property available to rent. To their surprise, folks liked renting inland just as much. It was a lovely little place with a nice pond and large gazebo. We’d catered small weddings there from time to time. They had a large party checking in, and I’d been forced to leave a message with the front desk. If he didn’t call me back, I’d ride over there.

  Mr. Wrigley curled up on the sofa next to me. I plunged my fingers into his soft, gray fur. “Could Lucy have been so devious to have had someone make pipe bombs and plant them? What do you think?”

  Mr. Wrigley purred loudly.

  “Hmm. Well, she surely hated me enough to want me dead.”

  My little friend cracked open an eye as if to say, “Say what?”

  “I know. I never did anything to her.” I shook my head as he settled. “It sounds nuts when I say it aloud. Plus, Teddy had been positive she hadn’t a pulse when he checked her. And Lucy was pregnant with Alex’s child.”

  Light bulb! “Ah, the pregnancy.” I jumped and Mr. Wrigley let out a meow in protest. “Sorry. Jena Lynn had major mood swings when she was pregnant with Olivia. I’d bet money the pills Trixie saw were prenatal vitamins.” Hmm. Another brick wall. I sighed and sat back on the sofa, petting my cat, and finished the pecan sandie while I racked my brain. So much for my promise to Teddy about not getting involved. Clearly, I hadn’t a choice in the matter. We had to find Lucy, dead or alive.

  The doorbell rang and, on my stoop, stood Paul. He presented me with a bouquet of flowers the second I opened the door. “Peace offering.” He smiled sheepishly.

  “Come in.” I took the flowers and retrieved a vase from under the sink. “Hey, how often would you say you met with Lucy? To discuss plans for the mystery reception?”

  He scratched his chin. “I’d say maybe half a dozen times. Like every bride, she wanted the mystery to be perfect.”

  Wow, did she get her wish.

  “And you talked about death spreads?” I shivered as the word death fell from my lips.

  He shifted and cocked his head to one side. “Yes.”

  “What about the guy on the Harley, the one who semi-crashed the wedding ceremony. You ever see him around? See him with Lucy, perhaps.”

  Lucy might’ve been careless around someone such as Paul. She wouldn’t have paid him any attention if he weren’t the coordinator for Sunshine.

  He visibly stiffened. “No. I wouldn’t have given it any notice if I had.” He shook his head. “I don’t know. Why are you asking me all this?”

  I gaped at him. “Because she’s missing and lives have been turned upside down, including mine. My best friend has been accused by her aunt of being involved, and Alex, well, he’s struggling and is suspicious of everyone. Some mystery man has eluded everyone, and Lucy, well, that chick had a lot of secrets. And someone tried to kill us, Paul. Kill you. It’s scary! And I need answers.”

  He glowered. “I know it’s scary, and I want whoever made the attempt on our lives brought to justice too. I just don’t have anything more to add. And isn’t it the job of the Peach Cove Sheriff’s Department? It certainly isn’t yours.”

  Ugh. As I turned my back on him and filled the vase with water and began adding the plant food included in the bouquet, from behind, Paul wrapped his arms around my waist and, for a long few moments, we just stood ther
e. I did my best to not tense. I liked Paul, I truly did. Yet, after Alex today, my emotions, like my thoughts, were all jumbled, and I was second-guessing everything.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I reacted the way I did. None of this is your fault, and I had no business taking my bad mood out on you. When we first went out, I knew you were out of my league. You were so outgoing and beautiful.”

  I started to protest, but he cut me off as he released me.

  “Now, we both know it’s true.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say. I like you too.” I’m not sure I like you romantically any longer, I didn’t have the heart to say. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I could trust my current emotions in regards to men.

  He loosened his grip and helped me finish putting the trimmed flowers in the vase. “It isn’t fair for me to ask this, but I’m going to anyway.”

  This conversation was beginning to make me a tad uncomfortable. “Paul, let’s—”

  “I have to get this out. Please.”

  I nodded, and he took my hands in his when I turned to face him. “Okay. I’m listening.” Please don’t let him ask for any commitment. I don’t want to hurt him.

  “What happened with the accident and all has made me take stock of my life. Where I am now and where I want to be in the next ten years or so. At first, I thought about moving back home. I mean, with some crazy nut roaming the island and abducting, or, even worse, likely killing people.”

  “I can understand that. We’ve been through a scary ordeal. And with all the questioning and the body still missing, it makes you feel sort of unstable.”

  He nodded. “Then I thought about not being able to see you regularly, and I knew I couldn’t leave. Crime is everywhere.” He smiled. “And statistically, the crime rate in Peach Cove is massively lower than most cities. I want a family and a couple of kids. I think I can be happy here. We can be happy.”