Page 15 of Merry Murder Season
Greg chuckled. “You’re going to give her a complex about Lille.”
“Exactly my plan. She seemed a little chummy with my dog on Thanksgiving.” I glanced at my watch for the weather. “I don’t think I need a jacket, do you?”
“Changing the subject won’t help you.” He threw me my light jacket. “If you don’t take it, you’ll complain. Come on, it’s time to hang with the family. I know you’re on the hook all day with them and I appreciate you taking the time.”
“It was supposed to be us, but I get it. You didn’t kill Chip. So whodoI blame for this?” I locked the kitchen door and headed out tomeet the gang on the porch. Emma followed and I had to tell her she wasn’t going with us. Again. Somehow, dogs haveshort memories.
At the diner, Carrie waved us over to her section. “Greg, I’ve got a bone to pick with you. Tell me you didn’t question Dominic. Lille is going crazy. And when Lille’s not happy, no one’s happy.”
“Sorry, but everyone who was at the bar after midnight is getting questioned. You and Doc went home before that, right after you got kicked out of the tournament. As did a lot of people.” Greg sat down and opened the menu. “Can you bring us all coffee andorange juice?”
“And I’ve been dismissed.” Carrie smiled at me. “Is your husband ordering for you?”
“I’ll let him order the drinks.” I glanced at the other three, who nodded. “Thanks, Carrie.”
After she left the table, Greg groaned and set down the menu. “Sorry. I’ll apologize to Carrie. Everyone just wants to know what happened to Chip but no one wants to talk about where they were that night. I’m just trying to eliminate suspects as quickly as possible. Instead, people are thinking I’m ready to throw anyone I talk toin the clink.”
“I don’t think anyone calls it the clink anymore, dear.” Amanda patted Greg’s shoulder. “They know you’re doing thebest you can.”
“I hope so.” Greg hugged his mother. “I’m glad you came for Thanksgiving. I know it was a longtrip for you.”
“We don’t have jobs where they could call us back at any time.” Beth studied her menu. “And besides, beach.”
“I think that’s the answer to any question,” I teased. “Beach time always wins.”
We got through breakfast without anyone else grilling Greg on what was happening with the investigation, including me. Beth and Jim had seemed to come to some sort of detente for now. As we walked back to the house, Beth pulled me aside.
“I have a favor to ask.” Beth lowered her voice and slowed her pace. “Can I stay at your place for a couple of weeks?”
“Sure!” I loved hanging out with my soon-to-be sister-in-law. “When do you wantto come back?”
“I’m not going home to Nebraska tomorrow. I need a week or so to make some decisions. Jim’s doing the same. We’ve decided to take some time apart to figure out what’s important. I need to get my application in for the teaching assistantship before the fifteenth, so I’ll be at the library or tucked in the guest room writing most of the time.” Beth didn’t look at me while she was talking. Instead, she staredat Jim’s back.
“Not a problem. In fact, you’ll probably be doing me a favor since I won’t be alone and getting myself into trouble while Greg’s working on this investigation.” I hugged her. “I hate why you’re visiting, but I love having you.”
Beth smiled at me. “You may feel differently in a week.”
“No way that’s happening.” I nodded toward Greg. “I take it that’s what the family is talking about up there.”
“Amanda’s not happy with Jim,” Beth pointed out. “We’ll be fine. I feel it. God wouldn’t have brought the guy into my life just for my passion to be the reason we can’t be together.”
I wasn’t quite sure that was the way things worked, but this was between Jim and Beth. I was just happy that she was going to be hanging out for a few more weeks. Especially since Greg sometimes got touchy about me running with Emma alone during investigations. Now, I’d have a partner in crime. So to speak.
“The guest room’s all ready for you. I have to work tomorrow morning, but I’ll be at the house until six.” I smiled. “Emma will love having someone home while I’m gone.”
“I’m riding to the airport with them and then bringing back the rental. We extended it so I’d have something to drive here. I’ll park the car at your house and walk up to the bookstore if I get here before you get home from your shift. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” She paused, then changed her wording. “To us.”
Back home, Greg pulled me aside before he walked back into town and the station. “You’re okay with Beth staying around?”
“I’m ecstatic about it. Having her here while you’re busy will be fun. She’s not as high maintenance as your mom.” I laughed at the surprised look on his face. “All I meant was Beth has things to keep her busy. Your mom likes to play tourist and that’s notas fun alone.”
He kissed me. “I get that. Just don’t say it in front of Mom. Have a fun day. Jim’s promised to be on his best behavior. My prediction is he’ll be begging her to come home with any conditions in less than a week.”
I shrugged. “You King boys can be stubborn.”
He laughed as he stepped off the front porch where we’d been talking. “You know it. See you soon, wife.”
“See you soon, husband.” I watched as he jogged up the hill and back into town. As he left, I said a prayer for his safety. I’d always thought it, but since we’d been married, it was something I spoke out of habit when he went to work. Just in case.
