Page 90 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Evidently feeling her presence, Tony, grim-faced, glanced in her direction but didn’t say a word. She mouthed, “Hi,” but he simply returned to his paperwork. Knowing she shouldn’t interrupt, Alex felt antsy and wondered how long the report would take. Guilt overcame her. A woman had just died. A woman who Tony thought highly of and took it upon himself to rescue, albeit for minor theft, many times over the years.

As Alex trudged through the aisles pretending to shop, she spotted a humongous black purse on the floor. She chuckled remembering how Tony often said Mrs. Magilicutty had carried a purse as big as a raccoon. No one seemed interested in the bag. Alex kept her eye on it but didn’t want to touch it, not because of the germs for once, but because it likely belonged to the dead woman.

She approached Tony but didn’t want anyone to know he was her boyfriend. “Sorry to interrupt, er, Lt. Montgomery, but—” She pointed. “—is that the deceased woman’s purse?”

Glancing toward the floor where Alex indicated, Tony said, “I suppose it is since no one else has claimed it. I haven’t gotten that far.” He narrowed his eyes and fixated on the young teen whose chin quivered. “Feeling bad about scaring the old woman to death now, son? Literally to fucking death?”

While staring at his dirty tennis shoes, Alex noticed the young man’s ears turned fire-engine red as he avoided the officer’s gaze.

Tony turned back to Alex. “Why don’t you pick up the purse and bring it over here? Maybe we can find out if Mrs. Magilicutty has any family members I can contact.”

Nodding, Alex strode toward the purse and immediately thought about all of the germs on the bottom of the bag but forced herself to grab the handle. She shuddered as she plunked it beside Tony. “Should I go through it?”

“Yeah. See if you can find contact info while I deal with this punk.”

Reaching for the handle as the teen boy’s chin quivered again, Alex said, “I’ll go through it in my car.”There’s no way I’m going to sit in the germ-laden pharmacy chairs. I could catch some hideous disease.

“Fine. I’ll be done soon.” He glanced at the kid. “Maybe.”

When she stepped outside, she moved her car to a shady area, laid tissues on the passenger seat, and placed Mrs. Magilicutty’s purse on top. Taking a deep breath, she sorted the usual pens, compact, lipstick, a glasses case, wallet, keys, and antibacterial gel—which she helped herself to. Keeping the wallet and cell phone out to search for family member clues, she began placing the items back inside when a yellowed, crumpled piece of paper caught her eye. The page was at the bottom of the bag.This has been in here a while.

Carefully unfolding the worn, wrinkled paper, Alex noticed it was written on an attorney’s letterhead. A navy, raised logo was emblazoned at the top: SULLIVAN, AGEE & FREEMAN. After skimming past the legal jargon, she flipped over to the second page. Scanning the final two paragraphs, she gasped. “No way.”

Chapter 81

Rubbing her throbbing temples, Alex thought about Mrs. Magilicutty’s untimely death, Tony’s grief, and the immature kid at Walgreens who had likely caused her heart attack. Her confusion about Gage had to be put on the back burner. Way back.

Hands trembling, she smoothed the crease in the paper and studied the recap of the will. Apparently, the old woman was rich.Veryrich. Alex absentmindedly chewed on her bottom lip as she reread the will a second time. Not only was Mrs. Magilicutty wealthy, she had left everything to Tony! There didn’t appear to be any heirs. Lt. Tony Montgomery was listed as her sole beneficiary. Drawing in her breath, Alex stared out the window. Everyone and everything blurred.He’ll never believable this. Never.Her stomach churned as she waited for Tony to exit the store.

Alex jumped when Tony eventually appeared at her car. Motioning for her to unlock the door, she moved the woman’s purse, tissues and all, to the back seat. Once inside, he slammed his fist on the dashboard. “Damn that punk. What an asshole. She was a good woman.”

“I’m sure she was. But try not to take it out on my car. I kind of like my Mustang.”

Only focused on one thing, Tony continued. “That little bastard killed her. She was a poor old woman who couldn’t afford little pleasures.” Blowing out his breath, Tony shook his head. “The little prick was trying to be a big shot. Now she’s dead.”

“I’m sorry, Tony. I know you thought highly of her. This is unbelievably sad.” Alex rubbed his arm. “What can I do?”

His voice caught, which was a first. Tony always kept his emotions intact unless it had to do with little Joey. Rubbing the back of his neck, he stared ahead. “I really liked her. Don’t ask me why other than the fact that she reminded me of my grandmother. The managers knew to call me every time she shoplifted, which was usually weekly.” A chuckle escaped. “She simply enjoyed items like ridiculous purple lipstick.” His jaw tightened. “The employees all knew I’d pay for her purchases. That damn new kid—”

Alex placed her hand over his clenched fist. “It’s tragic. What are you going to do about the kid?”

Shrugging, Tony said, “I can’t very well arrest him for spooking someone. She was old so I can’t prove he caused the heart attack. I just wanted to put the fear of God in that asswipe. Maybe he’ll think twice before he picks on the elderly.” Leaning against the headrest, Tony said, “Let’s get out of here. I could use a beer.”

“Say no more.” Alex pulled out of the lot and headed to Coconuts.He’s too upset to comprehend the will. I’ll wait until he calms down.

Chapter 82

After Gus brought their drinks, Alex reached for Tony’s hand. “I’m sorry this happened, but there’s more you should know.”

“More?” Confusion crossed his already miserable face.

“A lot more.” Sipping a chardonnay, she ordered chips and salsa. “Drink part of your beer first.”

“I have a feeling I’m not going to like this.” Taking a big gulp, Tony licked foam off his top lip. “Does this have something to do with your finding-yourself trip?” His frown lines became deeper as he slumped back in his chair. “Are you breaking up with me?”

“Not today.” She grinned as he roared. “Made you laugh at least.”If he only knew how close I came.

Tony’s lips curved into a half-smile as he bit into a chip and chased it with a swig of beer. “At least that’s one good thing about today. Where did you go anyway?”

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