MILL

ANTIQUES

Episode One: Moving Day Mayhem

Carolina Mac  

Copyright © 2025 by Carolina Mac

MILL ANTIQUES: One - 1st ed.

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CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter One

Moving Day

Friday, April 4th.

BRIARWOOD ESTATES

The Perfect Retirement Community.

Two- or three-bedroom modular homes with all amenities on two-acre wooded lots on the Colorado River five minutes from the town of La Grange. At a price you cannot afford to miss, pick your perfect home from the models already constructed.

“The gates are nice, Annie.”

“It’s all quite lovely, sugar. I came over a couple of times with Mom to check on her house. I think she and Rafe will like it here.”

“Is it gonna be all old people? Like in every house?”

Annie giggled. “They don’t have to be old. You can retire at any age if you can afford to quit working.”

“I guess that’s true. I ain’t worked much yet. Trace made me go to school every day until I graduated.”

“He wasn’t wrong wanting you to have the education he never had. Your brother loved you, Jimmy.”

“He was only my half-brother, but I never thought of him that way, Annie. He was the only brother I had, and I miss him every day.”

Annie reached across the console and patted his arm. “Sorrow for the ones we’ve lost lasts forever, honey. People say time helps heal the loss, but it doesn’t help much.”

“Is Rafe going to quit being the county sheriff after today and be retired?”

“No. He can’t do that. He’s the sheriff for this county until the November election. Can’t change that, but Mom didn’t want to miss getting one of these modular homes.”

“Why?” asked Jimmy.

“Not sure, sugar pop. She just loves this location with the woods and the river n’all.”

“It is pretty in here. Look at all the moving trucks. Is everybody moving in today?”

“That’s what she said. Kind of weird but that’s what the property management people insisted on.”

“Shouldn’t you be able to move in when you’re ready?”

Annie pointed and Jimmy pulled the dark green Mill Antique delivery truck into the driveway of Twenty-seven Highland Lane.

They went inside and Grace was unpacking a box of dishes in the kitchen. “Hi, Mom. Jimmy and I are here to help you get settled in.”

“Wonderful. I could use a hand. It doesn’t look much like the model home I picked, does it? The model was all done up by a decorator and looked so picture-perfect. I’m not sure I’ll be able to achieve that look again.”

“Sure you will, Mom. I’ll help you get there, but it might not happen today.”

“I toured all the models twice to make sure I was picking my absolute favorite, but down to the bare walls it doesn’t look like I remember it.”

“When was that, Gramma Grace?” asked Jimmy. “How long ago did you pick this house?”

“That was back in October of last year, and here it is April, and the houses are finished, and all of the lucky homeowners are moving in.”

“Stop worrying, Mom,” said Annie. “Moving day is tiring and it’s getting you down a little. This is the model you picked and it’s beautiful. You still have a big open living space, two bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen and a bonus room for your crafts. It’s all here. All we have to do is put up the curtains and hang a few pictures, and it will sparkle like a diamond.”

“You’re right, Annie. I’m tired, and the day is only half gone. I don’t think I’ll bother with the party tonight.”

“The party is the reward for waiting to move in with all the others, Mom.”

“A reward party?” asked Jimmy. He ripped tape off a box and began pulling out pots and pans.

“As a reward for everyone complying and waiting to move in on the same day, the developers promised a big celebration party in the community recreation hall.”

“Sounds like fun,” said Jimmy. “Are they having a Texas band?”

“Not sure what they’re having,” said Grace. “Don’t know why we have a recreation hall at all. I’m sure we don’t need one.”

“Don’t cross the party off until you see how Rafe feels about it, Mom. He loves to dance, and he might be looking forward to it.”

Grace sighed. “I’ll wait for him to decide. He may want to meet the neighbors. You know how he’s always suspicious of everybody.” Grace laughed. “Just thinking about him sizing every one of the new neighbors up at the party is making me crazy.”

“Makes me want to go to the party,” said Annie.

“Me too,” said Jimmy. “What if you’re getting a couple of gangers on your street, Gramma Grace? Don’t you want the sheriff to keep an eye on them?”

“You two are talking crazy. What would criminals want to live in a retirement community for?”

“They wouldn’t,” said Jimmy. “Too boring for them.”

“I want it to be too boring for them,” said Grace. “I don’t want Rafe messing in anything that’s none of his business. He’s far too good at that already.”

Annie laughed.

“Help yourself to a Coke in the fridge, Jimmy. They should be cold by now.”

“Thanks, Gramma Grace.”

Jimmy popped the top on a can of Coke and took a swig. “Doorbell is ringing. Want me to get it?”

“Yes, please, dear.” Grace looked down at her dirty jeans and shook her head. “I’m not meeting any neighbors right now looking like this.”

“Okeydokey.”

Jimmy opened the door and a tall guy in blue jeans and a Rangers T-shirt stood there with a big smile on his face. He stuck out his hand. “Hey, I’m Glen Sleman, your next-door-neighbor. Your parents home?”

“Annie,” Jimmy called over his shoulder.

Annie hurried to the door and smiled at the man standing there. “Like I was telling your son, my wife and I just moved into the house next door.”

“You got a name?”

Bigger smile. “Sure do. You can call me Glen. Glen Sleman. My wife and I moved out here to the sticks from Houston.”

“Would you like to come in, Glen? My mother is the homeowner, but she’s not ready to meet new neighbors at the moment.”

“Neither is Candice. She’s next door unpacking. Got a beer?”

“Not sure what we have. Let me check.”

Jimmy ran to the kitchen and fetched a Lone Star for Glen Sleman.

Annie pointed to the sofa and Glen sat down.

“Pissed me off that we couldn’t move in before this,” Glen frowned, then took a big drag on his beer. “Even though some homes were finished long before the others, the developers planned a designated move-in day thinking they could instill an instant community spirit and camaraderie among the residents.”

“I heard that was what they wanted,” said Annie. “They’re trying to create that big-happy-family feeling.”

“Yeah, you got it. I wasn’t buying into any of that bullshit, but Candice lapped it up like a kitten licking up cream.”

“Perhaps your wife is a people person.” Annie sensed Glen’s visit wasn’t going to be brief and she rolled her gray eyes at Jimmy. “Jimmy, maybe you and I should join Glen in a beer, and we’ll consider this our break.”

Jimmy grinned. “Good idea.”

Glen kept talking. “After all those months of checking on construction progress and wondering if we’d made the right decision for our future, moving day is finally here.” He leaned back into the sofa and put his boots on Grace’s polished coffee table.

“I’m sure you’re excited. The homes are lovely.”

“The movers arrived at eight this morning and I helped them load the truck while Candice cleaned our apartment for the last time.”

“Moving out into this environment from an apartment would be liberating,” said Annie.

Jimmy came back from the kitchen and handed Annie a beer and he had one for himself.

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

“A two-hour drive northwest on I-10 from Houston and here we are, ready to start our new life. I had my doubts about the way things would go for me in this new environment, but Candice had none. My wife is fortunate that way. Not a lot of brain cells standing in the way of her optimism or her enthusiasm for life.”

“Sounds like you don’t have too much respect for your wife, Glen,” snapped Annie. “I frown on that trait in a man.”

Glen had no off switch and was undaunted by criticism. “I respected her more before she cheated on me the first time. Part of the reason I don’t love her anymore. My plans and Candy’s plans appear to be aligned, but on closer inspection, they’re not.”

“Sounds like the two of you need have a long talk and start over.” Annie got to her feet hoping to give Glen a hint to leave.

Glen shook his head. “What was your name again?”

“Annie.”

“Yeah, Annie. You told me that.” Glen rudely held up his empty bottle to Jimmy and Jimmy ran to the kitchen for another round.

Annie steered the conversation away from Candice who was taking all the hits. “You prefer apartment living, Glen?”

He shrugged. “Didn’t matter much to me where I lived. I’ve been a cop my whole life and was hardly ever home.”

“You retired from the Houston PD?”

“I did. Finally pulled the pin.”

“Mom’s husband is the local sheriff. Maybe you two will have something in common.”

“Oh, yeah? A cop next door to me? How did I get so lucky?” His voice was laden with sarcasm and it irked Annie.

“Perhaps you should go home and see if your wife needs a hand with the unpacking,” said Annie. “Jimmy and I have to get back to work.”

Jimmy nodded and finished the rest of his beer.

Glen chugged down half of his fresh beer and rambled on, “Two hours for the moving men to unload the truck and be on their way. Then they were gone, and Candy and I were stuck with the mess of furniture and boxes to sort out.”

“That’s what happens on moving day,” said Annie. “There’s a lot to do, and I should be helping my mother, Glen. You’ll have to excuse me.”

“I get it. You’re too good to sit down and have a beer with your new neighbor.” He stood up and stomped out onto the porch.

Annie and Jimmy could hear him talking to his wife as he crossed the grass between the houses.

“Did you see the moving truck back in next door, Glen?”

“No, I did not, Candice. I paid extra for a wooded lot in the back corner of the fuckin’ development so I couldn’t see what my new neighbors were doing. I don’t want to see them, and I don’t want them looking at us.”

“If he didn’t want to see his neighbors, why did he come to Gramma Grace’s place then?” asked Jimmy.

“Because he’s an idiot?” Annie laughed. “Rafe is going to hate ex-cop Glen Sleman right off the bat, Jimmy. The guy is a jerk.”

Annie and Jimmy stood on the porch and listened to him talk to Candice, the cheater with a low IQ—according to what her husband was telling the neighbors.

“We’ll have to meet them eventually, Glen,” said Candice. Big smile as wisps of blonde hair escaped from the clip on the top of her head and dangled in her pretty face.

“I won’t.”

Candice laughed. “Yes, you will.”

“I said, I won’t, Candy Apple. Our new life starts now, right here in Briarwood, and from this day forward, I’m not doing anything I don’t want to do. Not anymore. I put in my twenty years working for the department in Houston, and now it’s my turn to sit on my ass on my front porch and watch other people work.”

“Whatever you want to do, Glen, is fine by me. As soon as you put our bed together, I’ll find some sheets in the boxes marked linens and we can christen our new bedroom. That might be something you do want to do. Your call. You’re retired and I’m not telling you what to do.”

“That’s a job that interests me, babe. You find the sheets and I’ll get my toolbox out of my truck.”

Jimmy closed the door. “Annie, I don’t think Gramma Grace will like living next door to Glen and Candy Apple.”

Annie giggled. “Rafe will take care of that situation when he meets Glen. He’s not going to put up with any crap from the neighbors.”

“Maybe the neighbor on the other side is a lot nicer,” said Jimmy.

“For Rafe’s sake, we should pray for that, sweetheart.”

Jimmy chuckled.

“Maybe we should come to the party tonight and meet these retired people after all,” said Annie. “I’m not liking the vibe I’m getting.”

“Do we have to dress up?”

“It’s probably just a casual party. We can bring Mick in case it gets out of hand.”

“Mick hates parties, Annie. He won’t dress up.”

“Unless he gets some action, then he likes parties a lot better.” Annie called to her mother, “Mom, what time does the party start at the rec center tonight?”

“The invitation is on the table in the front hall, dear. I don’t want to go. I’m already starting to fade.”

“I might go and check out your new neighbors for you. Flag the ones you and Rafe should stay away from.”

“Oh, dear, I hope there aren’t many of those.”

Jimmy held up a finger and whispered, “One for sure.”

Annie giggled. “How many houses in this community, Mom?”

“Umm…I think it’s in the brochure—the number of lots. They’re all sold.”

Jimmy found the colored brochure and flipped through it. “Fifty secluded properties.”

“Huh. Fifty sets of new neighbors. That will be a lot of names to remember.”

“At least a hundred,” said Jimmy. “Will there be free beer at the party?”

“There better be,” said Annie.

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

Annie put on a southwest party dress—white with a beautiful Navajo pattern—a pair of turquoise boots and sprinkled on a load of handmade turquoise and silver jewelry. She put a flower in her hair and sprayed on a mist of Light Blue perfume and she was ready to go.

Jimmy wasn’t sure he wanted to go to a party of retired people, but he’d caught a glimpse of Candy Apple next door to Gramma Grace’s new house, and she didn’t look too bad—for her age.

Mick didn’t want to go at all, but Annie said they were on a mission to protect Grace and that made Mick cave. He never had a mother of his own and Grace was as close as he’d ever get.

Didn’t take long to drive to Briarwood Estates from the Coulter-Ross ranch. South to La Grange, and then across the river to the new development.

Ten minutes at the most.

Briarwood Estates Recreation Facility.

A few vehicles were already in the parking area in front of the rec hall. Brand-new asphalt and freshly-painted parking lines white enough to blind you.

The cars and vans probably belonged to the developers or the caterers. All of the residents were within walking distance, and it was a lovely evening for a stroll.

Spring in Texas was a beautiful time of year. Cool and fresh with all the trees in bud. Not too hot.

Not yet.

Inside, the music was loud, and Jimmy was disappointed there was no live band. “They hired a DJ, Annie, and he’s an old guy. The music is going to be lame.”

Annie listened and winced. “You might be right, Jimmy. I think they geared the music more to a nursing home crowd.”

“Fuck this,” said Mick.

Annie took his hand and pointed him towards the bar in the far corner of the room. Turned out that beer and wine was complimentary. No liquor available at this party.

“No tequila,” mumbled Mick.

“Did you want a shot of Jose Cuervo, sugar?”

“No, just say’n an open bar includes liquor. They can’t say open and then tell you what you can’t fuckin’ have.”

Annie nodded. “The developers are being cheap. We can go to Boots later and drink shots if you want to.”

“How long do you think we’ll be staying, Annie?” asked Jimmy.

“An hour. Tops.”

Jimmy checked his brother’s watch that he’d worn since the funeral. He nodded.

The new residents had broken off into little groups and were chatting and getting to know each other. Annie was thinking about joining one of the groups when Jimmy whispered, “Look out, Annie. Here comes that prick, Glen.”

“Ah, shit.”

Big smile on Glen’s drunken face. A cloud of cheap cologne surrounding him. “Don’t see your mama here, Miss Annie. This is my wife Candice.”

“Lovely to meet you, Candice,” said Annie. “This is Mick and Glen already met Jimmy.”

“Hey, kid. Do you go everywhere with your mother? You look old enough to be partying on your own.”

Jimmy took a stance, and Annie slipped a calming arm around his waist.

“Watch your mouth, buddy,” snarled Mick. “Heard you were an ex-cop but that don’t entitle you to insult anybody.”

“Guess you don’t know much about cops then, do you?” snapped Glen.

Mick lifted his Harley shirt high enough that Glen could see the Texas Ranger star attached to his belt. “I know a fair bit.”

Glen had no comeback, so he retreated. “Come on, Candice. Let’s circulate and meet the neighbors who actually live here.”

The Slemans walked away and a guy in a suit walked towards them. “Glad you could make the party, folks. I’m Ken Duffy and this is my development.” He laughed. “My baby, if you will. What address do you live at?”

“Twenty-seven Highland.” Jimmy gave Grace’s address off the top of his head.

“Ah, yes. You must be Sheriff Cumberland’s son.” He turned his grin on Annie, “And you are?”

“The sheriff’s daughter-in-law, Annie Coulter.”

“Welcome, Miss Annie. It’s my pleasure to welcome all the beautiful ladies to this celebration.”

“Thank you, Ken.”

“Would you allow me to introduce you to some of the other residents?”

“That would be so kind of you,” said Annie. “I’m a little shy in a crowd of people I don’t know. Where should we start?” She hooked her arm through Mick’s and followed Duffy to the closest group.

“This is Phil Santorini who owns the hardware store in town.”

Phil offered his hand and tilted his head. “I think we’ve met.”

“I’ve been in your store once or twice, Phil,” said Annie. “Lovely to see you.”

“Likewise.”

Duffy moved on to the next man. Tall and thin wearing a designer suit. Expensive cologne.

“Fred Franconi and his lovely wife Darla.”

“Lovely to meet you both.” Annie flashed them a dazzling smile.

They moved through the room and the picture became clear to Mick in minutes. He wasn’t long steering Annie and Jimmy outside and away from the building. He lit up a smoke and said, “The fuckin’ mob just moved to La Grange.”

Chapter Two

Saturday, April 5th.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Grace put a mug of coffee on the table in front of her husband and sat down across the table from him. “I’ll have to get a load of groceries from the market while I’m in town this morning.”

Rafe frowned as he picked up his coffee. “I thought Annie said you could have the weekend off because of the move. She didn’t want you to be tired.”

“She did say that, but I said I’d be fine.”

“You’re not fine, Grace. I can see how tired you are. Call her and tell her you’re not coming.”

“I don’t want to do that.”

“Lucy can fill in for you. That girl is great at the store. The customers love her.”

“Jimmy is doing well too. He has a natural affinity for antiques. He especially loves the old wooden tools.”

“I’ve got a couple of axes I wouldn’t part with,” said Rafe. “I enjoy keeping the blades sharp—just in case.”

Grace smiled and shook her head at her husband.

“Honestly, I wish you’d stay home today, Grace. Do you ever listen to any of the words coming out of my mouth?”

“Of course, I do, dear. You’re my mentor.”

Rafe chuckled. “That’s a load of crap, Gracie.”

She refilled both of their coffee mugs and made more toast for Rafe.

“Tell me why Annie came to the party last night. I was surprised to see her there.”

“Umm…she talked to Glen next door when he came over yesterday morning, didn’t think too highly of him, and decided to go to the party and check out all of the neighbors.”

“So, she meets the guy next door, then goes home and gets ready, and when she comes back she brings Mick with her? Come on, Grace. Mick is her bodyguard, and he doesn’t go to parties unless Annie wants him there for a reason.”

“I told you. She didn’t like Glen Sleman. He has a lot of attitude, and he talks too much.”

“That’s not reason enough to bring her bodyguard. Annie is not intimidated by men just because she doesn’t like them. Tell me the truth, Grace.”

“I don’t know why she brought Mick, Rafe. Honest, I don’t. Jimmy didn’t want to come, I know that for sure. He thought the party was for old people.”

“The kid wasn’t that far off, but most of the neighbors were younger than I thought they’d be. I’ll have to talk to Annie. She has a nose for trouble and her bringing Mick over here for a look-see sets off alarm bells.”

“Finish your toast. I have to get ready to go to the store. We’re working on the spring sale today and we’ll be redoing the front display window. That’s one of my favorite things to do and I don’t want to miss it.”

“Maybe I’ll sit on my new front porch and get used to the feeling of being retired.”

“You’ve got the next six months to practice. You should have it down by the end of October.”

Rafe laughed and pulled Grace onto his lap.

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

Annie finished her bagel with cream cheese and swallowed the last of her coffee. “Mom and I are decorating the store today for the spring sale. I love doing the front window.”

“The day the sale starts, do you want a cake to cut up and give to the customers?” asked Riley.

“Wonderful idea. Antique shoppers love cake.”

“Did you take a survey?”

“No. I just know that older ladies love to take a break for tea and cake.”

“I’ll make it special with a spring theme,” said Riley. “What day does the sale start?”

“I think we’ll start next Thursday and run it until Good Friday. The store will only be open on the Saturday of Easter weekend.”

Riley marked his calendar. “I’ll bake the cake on April ninth and decorate it. Do you want me to take care of the plastic forks, napkins and little floral spring plates, Annie?”

“That would be one less thing for me to do. Thank you, sweetheart.”

Sleman Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Smiling to himself, Glen Sleman lit up a smoke on the short walk to his pickup sitting on the driveway. His wife, Candice, believed they were still happily married, and Glen wasn’t going to burst her little bubble until the time was right.

She had no idea Glen knew about all the little flings she’d had over the course of their twenty-year marriage. He would be single at this very moment if he didn’t need a wife for his retirement project.

Glen dropped his butt, ground it into the asphalt with his boot and reached under the tonneau cover for his toolbox. He was tugging it out from under when he heard a guy talking to him.

Glen turned and there he was. Short, chunky guy with a cigar in his mouth and another in his hand that he was offering.

“Howdy, I’m Phil Santorini, your new neighbor,” he waved his arm and laughed. “You can barely see my house through the trees. I think I met you last night at the party, but I was pretty drunk and don’t remember who I met.”

Glen took the cigar and shook his neighbor’s hand. “Hey, Phil, nice to meet you. I was just getting my toolbox out of my truck to put some furniture together. Are you settled in already?”

“No, but I took a break before leaving for work. Celeste went into town this morning to buy groceries and she’s not cracking the whip at the moment.”

“Come in and meet Candice,” said Glen.

“Love to do that. This is going to be a great place to live…did you tell me your name?”

“Glen.”

“Right, Glen.”

Glen opened the front door with a cigar in his mouth and his red toolbox in his hand. Candice squealed and ran when she saw Glen had another guy with him.

She had an annoying habit of running around inside their apartment in Houston without any clothes on and it looked like she hadn’t broken that habit.

Glen used to complain about it, but after he wrote her off as his wife, it didn’t seem to matter anymore. Clothes or no clothes, she held no interest for him any longer. “Candice, where’s the cooler with the beer in it?”

“Beer is in the fridge. Cooler is in the garage.”

“That answers my question. Want a beer, Phil?”

“Sure. One won’t hurt, then I’ve got to get home and pretend I was working while Celeste was shopping.”

“You retired, Phil?” Glen handed him a beer and they sat at the kitchen table.

“Not for a while. I own the hardware in town and I’m there at least part of every day. Got lots of staff to help me out. I don’t do much of the physical work myself anymore.”

Phil gave Glen a squinty sizing-up stare across the table, and Glen unloaded it on him. “Retired. One of Houston’s finest until three weeks ago. Not sure what I’m gonna do out here in the woods to keep busy. Might have to get a paper route.”

Phil shrugged. “Or you could just enjoy your retirement.”

“That’s what I planned to do. I earned it.”

Phil left and Glen headed into the living room to work on hanging the flat screen on the wall. Candy had finally decided which wall it should go on and once he got it up there, no way he was changing it.

While he measured, Glen thought about Phil Santorini. The guy who owned the hardware store was one of the names on his list. He planned to meet the other residents and put faces to the names. One by one, he’d bring them all down.

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

“I don’t think you should be here, Mom,” said Annie. “You look tired to me, and I don’t want Rafe thinking I’m working you too hard. He can get pissy, and he stays that way for days.”

Grace laughed. “Tell me something I don’t know, dear. He told me to call you and stay home, but I didn’t want to miss decorating the front windows. I love doing that.”

“Me too. I’ll make sure you have an easy day. What should our color scheme be this year?” asked Annie.

“I love green and yellow for spring with a lot of daisies sprinkled in. Did we do that last year?”

Annie giggled. “Probably. We have a box of decorations in the storage room.”

“Didn’t we have a little white picket fence we used?”

“I think so.”

“Wouldn’t it be fun to have a cage with live bunnies?” asked Grace. “People would stop and watch them through the window.”

“Fantastic idea. Let’s do that. Where will we get the bunnies?”

“I’ll call Rafe. He knows every farm and ranch in this county and I’m sure he’s seen some bunnies in his travels.”

“Mommy, did I hear you say we’re getting bunnies?” Lucy ran from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron.

“Your Gramma thought people would like watching baby bunnies through the front window. It’s our signature window for the spring sale.”

Huge smile from Lucy. “Ooh, I so want to do the bunny theme.” She hugged her grandmother.

“Grace is asking Rafe if he’s seen any bunnies for sale in his travels around the county. If he has, then you and Jimmy can go get us some. I’ll walk over to the hardware store and get us a cage to put them in.”

Grace ended the call with a big smile on her face. “About five miles south of here on the road to Flatonia, there’s a sign for Crowder Farms. They sell produce at their roadside stand but right now they also have bunnies for sale for Easter.”

Lucy squealed and whipped her apron off. “Come on, Jimmy. Let’s go get the bunnies.”

Jimmy was more grounded than Lucy and the calmer one of the two. Since Annie had brought him from Scarborough to live at the ranch, he’d become very attached to Lucy.

“How many bunnies are we talking, Annie?”

“Umm…what do you think, Mom? What’s a good number for the window?”

Grace shrugged. “Three or four hopping around will do it.”

Jimmy nodded. “Three or four it is.”

“I have no idea how much bunnies cost.” Annie shoved three twenties into Jimmy’s hand.

“I have money in my purse, Mommy, if we need more.”

Grace frowned. “You should have plenty, Jimmy. No bunnies I ever heard of cost more than sixty dollars.”

“They might charge more because it’s almost Easter,” said Jimmy. “Jacked up prices.”

“Don’t let them rip you off,” said Grace.

“I think the Crowders are Amish, Mom,” said Annie. “They won’t rip the kids off.”

“You can’t put your trust people just because they hold their clothes together with straight pins, Annie.”

“I don’t know what that means, Gramma Grace.”

Lucy giggled and held Jimmy’s hand as they ran out the back door to the delivery truck.

Santorini Hardware and Supplies. La Grange.

There were no cages on display like the one Annie was thinking of for the front window of the store. She didn’t want the bunnies confined completely, but a little shelter and then an open run in front where they could hop around in straw or cedar shavings and customers could see them clearly through the mullioned windows.

She was describing what she wanted to a young guy named Tim, and he said he did carpentry work on the side and could make what she wanted but it would take a few days.

“Don’t worry about it, Tim. I have guys at my ranch who can do it. All I need for now is a simple cage to keep them in until their new home is ready.”

“We have those in the pet section.” He pointed and walked her in that direction. “How many bunnies are we talking, ma’am?”

“Three or four.”

“How big?”

“Umm…I haven’t seen them yet.”

“We have three sizes of small animal cages, then we have dog crates. Three sizes of them too.”

Annie looked over what was on display, and none of the pet cages were very roomy. “I’ll take that large one for now. I don’t want them to be crowded.”

“Sure. I’ll carry it out to your car, ma’am.”

“Umm…I didn’t drive. I walked over here from the antique store. I’m putting bunnies in my front window for Easter.”

The kid grinned. “Sounds interesting. I’ll carry it down the block for you, ma’am.”

“Thanks for your trouble, Tim.”

“No trouble, ma’am. Just customer service.”

Annie paid at the cash desk and wondered if she’d met the woman working there. She might’ve been at the party the night before, but she’d met so many people, she wasn’t sure.

The kid hefted the cage and followed Annie out the front door just as Phil Santorini was coming in.

“Hi, Annie. You need a cage for your husband?” He tossed his head back and laughed at his own joke.

“I might if I had one, Phil. I’m getting a couple of rabbits for Easter.”

“Enjoy. Nice to see you again.”

“Sure is,” said Annie.

“Don’t let Phil bother you,” said the kid. “He’s all bullshit but he’s harmless.”

“You sure about that?”

The kid laughed. “Yep, I’m sure.”

Crowder Farms. Flatonia.

Jimmy drove in the long lane leading to the Crowder farm and parked next to a sign that was written in black paint on a jagged stick and jammed into the dirt.

PARK HERE.

A couple of young boys dressed in white shirts and black overalls ran over to them. “You want fresh eggs or green onions?”

“Do y’all have bunnies for sale?” asked Lucy.

“In the hutch,” said the smaller boy. “Y’all can pick out your own.”

“Fantastic.” Lucy was so excited, she was almost hyperventilating.

“How much are they each?” asked Jimmy.

“Five dollars each for the regular ones. Seven each for the lops.”

Jimmy turned to Lucy. “What’s a lop?”

“I don’t know. Let’s go see.”

The boys opened the door of the rabbit hutch, and the tiny building was filled with rows of cages on shelves. Rows and rows of bunnies. Mama bunnies with babies in each cage.

Then another section had bunnies a little bigger who were eating pellets out of bowls. Next to those rabbits were the ones with the long ears flopping over their adorable faces.

Lucy’s eyes widened and she was completely focused on the long-eared ones. “Let’s get these, Jimmy.”

“Seven apiece for long ears, and Annie said three or four,” said Jimmy.

“We’ll take five,” said Lucy. She turned to the biggest Amish boy, “Have you got anything to put them in, sugar?”

“Sure thing,” said the Amish kid. “Cardboard box for you to get them home. Pick out the ones you want, and I’ll grab them and put them in the box for y’all.”

Lucy picked one that was jet black, one black and white, a chocolate brown one, one brown and black and then she said, “Pick one you like, Jimmy.”

“I’ll take that guy.” Jimmy pointed to a cream bunny with black ears. “I love him.”

“So many cutes ones,” said Lucy.

“We can’t take more,” said Jimmy. “We’re over our limit already.” He pulled the money out of his pocket and counted out thirty-five dollars. “Here you go, boys. Thanks for your help.”

“No problem. Y’all sure you don’t need fresh eggs?”

“Mommy didn’t say anything about eggs, Jimmy.”

Jimmy made a quick decision. “We’ll take a dozen eggs for Annie and a dozen for Gramma Grace.”

“Sure thing. That’ll be five for the two dozen.”

Jimmy forked over five bucks more and they headed for the truck.

The bigger boy put the box of rabbits in the back seat while the other kid ran to the house to get the eggs.

“Thanks, boys. Y’all have a nice day.”

“I’m not sure about the eggs, Jimmy.”

“Annie will want eggs, Lucy. How many does Riley crack every morning?”

“A lot.”

“See what I’m talking about?”

“Yep. You’re right, Jimmy. Mommy will want eggs.”

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

Grace and Annie had the front window completely cleared out by the time Jimmy and Lucy came back from the Crowder farm with the bunnies.

Jimmy carried the box of bunnies into the store and Lucy set the two dozen eggs on the counter.

Annie ran over to look in the box and she picked one of the bunnies up. “They are so soft and so adorable.”

“That one is Jimmy’s,” said Lucy. “I picked all the rest.”

“You got five,” said Annie. “I love them all.”

“It was so hard to pick, Mommy. They had regular bunnies too, but I loved the ones with the long floppy ears. The Amish boy called them lops.”

“While y’all were gone, I walked over to the hardware and got a cage they can stay in until their window cage is built. I don’t want them confined by wire when they’re in the window.”

Grace peered into the box and smiled. “They are so cute when they’re small.”

“Put them in the cage and take them home,” said Annie. “Stop by the co-op and buy bunny food on the way, and as soon as I get there, I’ll start Bull on making what we want for the window. I’m thinking of a tiny barn for them to go into and then a little fence around the part where they hop around in the shavings.”

“Like their own little corral?” asked Lucy. She sat on the floor and transferred the bunnies from the box into the wire cage. “They’re a bit crowded in here, Mommy.”

“They won’t be crowded for long. When you get home, you can let them hop around on the grass. They love to eat clover and dandelions. We’ll have to pick fresh food for them every day when they’re living in our store window. We’re not ready for them yet, but we will be soon.”

“We got eggs too,” said Jimmy. “A dozen for Riley and a dozen for Gramma Grace.”

“Thank you, dear,” said Grace. “That was thoughtful. I believe the Crowders have free-range hens.”

“They have green onions too, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Green onions are the first to pop up in the spring,” said Grace. “Rafe loves to eat those dipped in salt.”

“Guess I should’ve bought some,” said Jimmy.

“Y’all did fine,” said Annie. “I’ll come home early. I want to get Bull started on the bunny barn.”

“Willow is going to love the bunnies, Mommy. We’ll play with them on the porch and on the front lawn, so they don’t poop in the house.”

“That’s a great idea.”

Jimmy chuckled.

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

When Annie got home she ran down to the barn to talk to Bull about the display for the store window.

He listened and nodded his head and drew up a little plan that looked a lot like what Annie wanted.

“That’s it. A little red barn big enough for the five of them, and then a yard in front we can fill with shavings. That’s all I need.”

“Yep. I can see a lineup of customers looking in the window to see what the bunnies are doing, Annie.” Bull laughed. “I should measure the window space before I start.”

“Right, you need to know how much space you have to work with. I’ll measure as soon as I get to the store tomorrow.”

Bull grinned. “This will be a fun project. Great idea for the front window, Annie.”

“Mom’s idea but I love it. It’s going to be special.”

Chapter Three

Sunday, April 6th.

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

At breakfast, the cowboys talked about Bull’s building project underway at the barn. They were all pitching in to help and all of the boys had taken turns playing with the bunnies in the cage on the front porch.

“What are you gonna do with those bunnies when they grow up and get big?” asked Teddy.

“I’m not sure,” said Annie. “Guess I didn’t think that part through.”

The boys laughed at her as they often did, but she didn’t mind. Her cowboys were family, and they all loved each other.

“We could raise bunnies of our own,” said Lucy. “Inside the bunny hutch at the Crowders’ farm it was just like a little bunny factory. All the mommy bunnies with their tiny babies in their cages. So sweet.”

“What would we do with so many bunnies?” asked Annie.

“I couldn’t bear to sell them,” said Lucy. “Not if they were born here on Coulter-Ross Ranch.”

Teddy chuckled.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said Annie.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

At breakfast, Grace told Rafe the story about buying the bunnies for the front window of the antique store. She stopped talking and looked him in the eye, fairly sure he wasn’t listening to a word she was saying.

“What are you thinking about, Rafe? I can tell you’re not listening to my story.”

“I heard you say something about the Easter Bunny, Gracie. I’m listening.”

Grace laughed. “That’s not what I was talking about at all. Tell me what you’re thinking so strenuously on.” She refilled both of their coffee mugs.

“I decided to do something, Grace, and I’m sure you won’t be in favor of it. That’s why I hesitated telling you.”

“Okay. Tell me now. What are you up to, Rafe?”

“After meeting our new neighbors the other night at the party, I was left with some uncomfortable vibes.”

“From someone in particular?”

“I can’t say it was one person, but more of a sense of familiarity between several of the men who were supposed to be meeting each other for the first time.”

“And you felt they already knew each other?”

He didn’t answer her question. “I obtained a list of everyone who bought property in Briarwood Estates and I’m running them through the police database.”

“You can’t invade their privacy like that, dear. It isn’t right.”

“If they come up squeaky clean, then that will be the end of it. I cross them off the list and they can hang onto their private lives.”

“But? I hear a big but in there, Sheriff.”

“But, if there are issues or connections to unsavory people and I find out about it, then I’ll pass my findings on to the appropriate people.”

“In other words, if you find out anything about our neighbors, you’re going to arrest them,” said Grace.

“Only if they’ve committed a crime, Grace. When have I ever arrested a person who didn’t deserve it?”

“I don’t like it, Rafe. To me it feels sneaky and underhanded. These people are our neighbors. Does Annie know you’re doing this?”

“I haven’t mentioned it to her yet.”

“Well, you’d better get to it. She’s the heavy in this state on violent crime and she’ll need to know.”

“I’ll tell her today.”

“Make sure you do, sweetheart. We don’t keep secrets in this family.”

“There are things that don’t need to be shared with every member of the family, Grace.”

Grace gave him the stare she used when she meant business. “Tell her what you’re doing, or I’ll have to tell her myself.”

“I promise I will.”

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

Sunday was Grace’s day off and Annie opened the store herself at nine in the morning. There were no customers that early and Annie took advantage of the quiet time to build a display of carnival glass for the coming spring sale.

The bell jingled over the door and a woman walked in. Annie thought she recognized her and tried to think of where they’d met. In her rush across the store to greet the woman, Annie recalled meeting her at the party at Briarwood Estates.

“Darla, nice to see you again.”

She smiled. A smile filled with sadness reflected in her brown eyes. “You mentioned your store at the welcome party, and I thought I’d check it out.”

“Please feel free to browse. I’m rearranging things for our spring sale.”

“As I came in I noticed your front window was bare.”

Annie laughed. “That’s a work in progress. More to come tomorrow.”

Darla walked off to take a look at the quilts hanging on the far wall and Annie remembered her saying her husband owned the truck stop out on route 77.

“Anything I can help you find, Darla?”

“I’m looking for a couple of accessories for our new home in Briarwood. I do love it there already. The woods and the river being so close, it’s like living in a beautiful park.”

“It is lovely. My Mom loves it there.”

“I thought I’d try to incorporate a lot of the elements of nature into my decorating.”

“That’s a lovely idea, Darla. Let me show you what I have that would fit your theme.”

Annie was in the middle of showing Darla a series of garden prints when Darla’s cell rang.

She glanced at the screen, inhaled a deep breath and answered. “Hi, Freddie. I thought you said you were working this morning, that’s why I went shopping.”

Annie stepped away to give Darla some privacy. By the tone of her voice, Annie could tell Freddie wasn’t being too polite.

Darla put her phone away in her purse and turned to leave. “I’m sorry. I have to go home. Freddie wants some things done and he’s pretty impatient.”

“Come back another day when you have more time, Darla. I’m usually here.”

Darla rushed out the front door and Annie watched her get into a silver Lexus and drive away.

She went into her office, sat down behind her desk and called Blaine.

“Morning, Mom. You okay?”

“Sure, honey. Do me a favor?”

“What do you need?”

“Fred Franconi. Run him for me. His wife was just here at the store, and I can tell she’s afraid of him. I want to know if there have been any domestic calls at their previous address. They just moved into Briarwood Estates with Mom and Rafe.”

“Doing it now, Mom. Call you back.”

“Thanks, honey.”

Annie waited on three customers and was still behind the checkout counter when Blaine called back.

“You guessed right on that one, Mom. They used to live in Giddings and two incidents are on record.”

“Huh. He just called and ordered her home, and I could tell. Thanks, honey.”

“No problem at all, Mom. Do you want me to run all the new residents?”

“I’m sure Rafe is already doing it. You know what a by-the-book guy he is. I’ll check with Mom before you do duplicate work.”

Blaine laughed. “Let me know if Rafe isn’t all over it.”

“I will, honey.” While her phone was still in her hand, Annie called her mother and confirmed that Rafe was running the residents.

“He is, dear. I’m not sure I agree with it, but it’s being done.”

“I’d like to go over the list with Rafe, Mom. Why don’t you come up for Sunday dinner?”

“We could do that, dear. We don’t have any plans, and I haven’t unpacked all of my kitchen paraphernalia yet.”

“Great, see you later.”

Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

Grace and Rafe arrived around five o’clock, just in time for a drink before dinner. Grace sat on the porch with Lucy and Willow and played with the bunnies while Annie and Rafe had a beer in the office and discussed the list of residents and the results.

“These aren’t in any particular order,” said Rafe. “Fred Franconi who owns the truck stop out on route 77 has a jacket. Two domestic calls at their former address in Giddings but his wife wouldn’t press charges against him.”

“I suspected that,” said Annie. “She came into the store, and we talked a little.”

Rafe nodded. “Uh huh. I’m sure there are signs you would pick up on.”

“I don’t look for them, but they’re like neon to me.”

Rafe nodded and pointed at the next name on the list. “Glen Sleman, the guy who lives right next door to Grace and me is a recently retired cop out of Houston and I need to find out more about him.”

Annie nodded. “I talked to him quite a bit on moving day and there’s something off about him.”

“I know the chief of homicide in Houston, and I’ll call him tomorrow and find out more about Sleman. If Sleman hasn’t been sanctioned to work undercover, then he needs to mind his own business. He can’t make trouble for people when he doesn’t have a badge any longer.”

“Okay, you look into Sleman. Who else on the list is dirty?”

“Most of the people on the list are exactly what they seem,” said Rafe. “People who wanted a nice place to retire—same as me and Gracie.”

“But?”

“There are a few more to be concerned about, and we might as well have our eyes open before any incidents occur.”

“Go for it,” said Annie.

“Doug and Maggie Hennessey own the Irish Pub on the other side of the town square.”

“I’ve eaten lunch there a few times and the food is great.”

“Doug mans the bar himself,” said Rafe, “and there have been a couple of reports of him having a Louisville Slugger behind the bar and not hesitating to use it if he’s got trouble.”

“Has he been charged?”

Rafe nodded. “Twice, but both times it was ruled as self-defense.”

Annie shrugged. “Maybe it was, if the judge thought so.”

“Could’ve been. There are a lot of mean drunks out there making threats.”

“We’re making good progress. Who’s next?”

“Phil Santorini was originally from Chicago and had charges of racketeering dropped before he moved to Texas.”

“He fits the stereotype for a made man,” said Annie. “Chunky cigar-smoking smart aleck. That man is full of himself.”

Rafe laughed. “He’s my neighbor on the other side. I’m stuck between Sleman and Santorini. Makes me want to move to a different street and I’m not even unpacked yet.”

“If we do our jobs,” said Annie, “you may have new neighbors sooner than you think.”

“I guess that’s possible,” said Rafe. “Want to keep going? I have a few more.”

“Sure, let’s finish this before dinner.”

“Luis and Carla Himanez own La Grange Fitness,” said Rafe. “Luis was a former boxer and has a sheet.”

“What did he do?”

“Tax evasion. He paid the fine and there’s nothing else against him since then.”

“We’d all like to avoid paying taxes,” said Annie.

“That’s for sure,” said Rafe.

“Who else?”

“Dave and Lilian Malvern are both lawyers and now they are law partners and have opened a practice in Giddings in direct competition to Liam Kavanaugh.”

“I guess that’s legal.” Annie laughed. “What have they done that’s not?”

“So far they have no police record of their own, but several of the residents who moved into Briarwood Estates are clients of theirs. To me it seems like an unlikely coincidence. Possibly one or two, but not five or six with Briarwood Estates addresses.”

“Hmm…that’s something to think about,” said Annie. “I’ll talk to Liam and see if he’s heard anything through the court gossip.”

Rafe nodded. “Yes, why don’t you do that? You know Liam a lot better than I do.”

“He and Neil have worked together a couple of times and Liam is a straight shooter.”

“Not many of them around,” grumbled Rafe.

“Who’s next?”

“Wayne and Carolanne Lombard own the pawn shop on the next street over from the square, and Wayne has been fined for several gun infractions over the past year and a half.”

“Selling guns to people without background checks or what?”

“The charges were vague. I’ll mark that one for further investigation, Annie. Definitely need more information on that one.”

“Okay, good. We both can do some sleuthing if we need to.” She giggled. “I can be pretty sneaky.”

Rafe laughed. “I’m sure you can be.”

“Are we almost finished?”

“Yep. Tim and Marlene McGarigle own the La Grange Farm Boy Market. Tim’s mug shot popped up and he did a nickel for fraud back in the day, but since he married Marlene and opened the Market he’s been squeaky clean.”

“Amazing, in a community as small as La Grange there are so many business owners with police records.”

“The percentages are way off center, Annie. Something is definitely going on and I’m going to find out what it is.”

“Anybody else we need to talk about?”

“The rest of the home owners came up clean but that doesn’t guarantee that more of the residents aren’t into something illegal and just haven’t been caught doing whatever they’re doing.”

“Briarwood Estates just got very interesting, Rafe. Not that I want you and Mom in the middle of it, but it’s the perfect place for you to be from a law-enforcement standpoint.”

Rafe held up a hand. “A word of caution, Annie. Let’s not unload too many of these facts on Grace. She’s just looking to blend into the community and live a quiet life. She wasn’t keen on me running the residents. She felt I was invading their privacy.”

“I won’t volunteer anything, but if she asks me direct questions about certain people, I won’t lie to her either.”

“That’s fair.”

Chapter Four

Monday, April 7th.

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

Annie sat in her office at the store going over the receipts from the weekend and making up the bank deposit.

That was George’s job.

He always did the receipts and made the bank deposit. Thinking about losing him brought tears to her eyes.

Somebody opened the back door and gave her a shout out. “Annie, where do you want this?”

Bull and Jackson were bringing in the barn and the little corral for the front window.

“I cleared out the front window for you, Bull. You can jump right in the display area and set up your little farm. Did you bring the bunnies?”

“Lucy is bringing the rabbits in her truck because she’s staying longer than us.”

“Gramma Grace is bringing cedar shavings from the pet store,” said Jackson. “She’s stopping on her way here.”

“I’m glad she remembered the shavings.”

“Do you have something for them to drink out of, Mom?” asked Jackson. “Rabbits drink a lot of water.”

“They do? I don’t think I was aware of their water consumption.”

“Each two-pound bunny needs almost an eight-ounce glass of water every day.”

“Huh. I have a couple of little bowls, but I don’t think I have the right water system for them. I’ll text Mom and tell her to buy the proper water containers while she’s at the pet store.”

Jackson peered out the huge front window and he could see right across the square. “Gramma is over there now, Mom. I’ll go show her the bunny drinkers we need.”

“Thanks, sweetheart. Obviously, I’m going into the rabbit business blind.” She laughed. “I’m going outside to see how it looks through the window.”

“Hold on, boss,” said Bull. “I’m not ready yet. Give me a few more minutes to get the mini-corral in place.”

“Mommy, I’m here with the bunnies,” Lucy hollered as she came in from the parking lot at the rear of the store.

“Wonderful. We’re not ready for the bunnies yet, but we’re getting close.”

Jimmy put the wire cage down next to the front cash counter and went to watch what Bull and Teddy were doing in the front window. “That’s gonna look so good. People are gonna love watching the baby bunnies hop around in their little corral.”

Grace parked at the curb and Jackson ran out to get the big bag of shavings out of her trunk. “I’ve got it, Gramma Grace.”

“Thanks, honey. Are they waiting on the shavings?”

“Nope. Not ready for shavings yet. Bull is still in the window.”

She laughed. “People will be watching him.”

“They have been pointing at him, and he doesn’t like it.”

Jackson plunked the huge bag of shavings down next to the wire cage where the bunnies were waiting. “Let’s get the drinkers ready, Luce.”

“I’m so excited to see this all come together, Jacks. It’s going to be the highlight of the town square.”

Jackson nodded. “Might be.” He followed Lucy to the little kitchen near the back of the store and took the drinkers out of the bag.

“I’ll rinse them out first to make sure they’re clean,” said Lucy. “I don’t want the bunnies getting sick.”

“Out in the wild, they probably drink out of puddles, Luce.”

She made a face. “Is that true?”

“Can’t see them turning on any taps, can you?”

She giggled.

Lucy and Jackson were the same age and had been raised as brother and sister since Lucy’s father was one of Annie’s rescued bikers and he brought his baby daughter with him.

The kids waited with anticipation while Bull rigged up the drinkers in strategic places around the window. “These are going to be awkward for you to fill up, Annie. For a couple of them, you’ll have to get right into the window.”

“Lucy will do it.”

Lucy nodded. “I’ll do it, Mommy. You won’t have to climb into the window.”

Annie laughed. “I’m glad for that.”

Customers smiled as they passed the work in progress in the front window and funneled into the main part of the store.

Grace left the window area and went to take care of the shoppers. More and more seemed to be coming in. The activity in the front window was like a magnet pulling them in.

Several people stopped at the wire cage and asked the same question. “Are the bunnies for sale?”

“No,” said Annie. “These bunnies are destined to decorate the front window.”

“They are so adorable with their long floppy ears.”

“Yes, they are.”

Lucy moved closer and whispered to Annie, “Mommy, should we send the potential bunny customers to the Crowder farm?”

“Maybe I should phone first and ask if we can send people to their farm – they might have bunnies for sale at the roadside stand already and don’t need us sending them more traffic.”

“They’re Amish,” said Grace. “They don’t have phones.”

Annie giggled. “Right. I forgot.”

“If anybody goes to the farm, get green onions and more fresh eggs,” said Grace. “I’ve used half my eggs already. I mentioned the green onions and Rafe scolded me for not getting him some.”

Jimmy nodded. “Riley said he wanted more eggs too.”

“Why don’t you and Lucy go back for more eggs and green onions and casually ask if they want us to send them bunny customers.”

Jimmy nodded. “We can do that. Won’t take us long to take a run down the Flatonia Road.”

“I don’t want to miss the bunnies going into their new home,” said Lucy.

“We’ll go right after that happens,” said Jimmy. “No rush, Luce.”

As soon as Bull finished up, Jackson laid the layer of shavings down and Jimmy and Lucy put the bunnies in their little corral. They hopped around exploring their new space and made everybody laugh.

“They are so cute, I could watch them all day,” said Lucy.

“They’ll still be hopping when we get back,” said Jimmy.

The store was fairly quiet after Bull went back to the ranch and the kids went to the Crowder Farm. Annie glanced across the road at Hennessey’s Pub and decided to have lunch over there and see what’s going on.

I’m starting my sleuthing today.

She ran across the common and into the pub. Irish music blasted from wall speakers as she sat down at a table and glanced at the lunch special on the blackboard. It sounded like a lot of food, and she wasn’t that hungry.

Her mission was to observe the owners, not to fill up on food she didn’t need.

The server came over and smiled at her. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes, thanks, I’ll have a Coors Light.”

“Be right back, ma’am.”

The server came back with the beer and Annie thanked her.

I wish I knew what the Hennessys looked like. I never bothered to notice anybody who looked like management when I was here before.

She watched people come and go and was no further ahead. She ate her lunch and took the rest with her.

Wasted trip. I should’ve had a goal in mind when I went over there.

When she got back to the store, Darla Franconi was there again and this time she had a couple of bruises on her face, carefully concealed under makeup.

“Darla, lovely to see you again.”

“I was standing outside admiring your window. Those bunnies are absolutely adorable.”

“Thank you. We wanted to do something special for the spring sale.”

“The window will certainly draw customers,” said Darla, “but they might not come into the store.”

They both laughed.

“That’s true.”

“Could we talk for a moment, Annie?”

“Of course. Come into my office, my mother will watch the store.”

Darla sat down without being prompted and took a tissue out of her purse. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but things are getting out of hand with Freddie, and I don’t know where to turn.”

“What kind of help are you looking for?” asked Annie. “A friend, a lawyer, a shelter? I’ve been through it myself a few years ago, and I can help you with any of those options.”

“Just by the way you were talking the other day, I thought you were in tune with what was going on in my life.”

“Let me ask you a couple of simple questions, and then we’ll know better how to proceed.”

“Sure. Go ahead.”

“Are you ready to file charges against Fred?”

“No. I’ve called the police a couple of times, where we used to live, not here, but I didn’t press charges.”

“Okay. Second question. Are you ready to get yourself a lawyer?”

“I’ve thought about getting a lawyer…”

“Just to be ready.”

“Yes, just to be ready in case something worse happened and I could go straight to somebody who already knew my circumstances.”

“My son, Neil, specializes in domestic cases and he also has a shelter in Austin if it came down to an emergency place to stay. You could talk to him and just put him on hold. Domestic cases are his specialty, and he understands the stages battered women go through better than most.”

“I’m not sure I’m ready to walk into a lawyer’s office yet.”

“That’s fine.”

“But I do like the idea of being ready. No bills could come to my house or Fred would know what I was up to, and the consequences of that would be…” her voice trailed off.

“You think about it and if you decide to take that step, then come here and park out back and I’ll drive you into Austin. That way you’re not leaving a trail.”

“You do know what it’s like, don’t you? Being watched at every turn.”

“I do. I didn’t even realize I was being watched while it was happening. I found out much later when I stumbled across the pictures that had been taken.”

“It’s wonderful to talk to someone who knows exactly what I’m going through.”

After Darla Franconi left, Annie sat down with Grace and had a cup of tea. She didn’t say anything about Darla’s visit and Grace didn’t ask.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

At the end of the day, Grace went home to Briarwood Estates and sat down on the front porch with her husband. They had a drink together and Grace told Rafe about Darla Franconi coming to the store.

“They talked in Annie’s office for a long time and when Darla came out, I could see the bruises on her face under her makeup.”

“Want to go for a walk before dinner and stroll by their house, Gracie?”

“Do you know which one it is?”

“I have the list inside. Let me get the address.”

“Maybe that list will come in handy after all,” said Grace.

Rafe came out with the address written down on a Post-it. “Freddie Franconi is a wife beater, Grace. We’d better keep an eye on Darla.”

“She seems so nice, Rafe.”

“Maybe she’s a little too nice, Grace. She should toughen up a bit, stand her ground and have her husband charged with assault. Sometimes all the husband needs is a couple of days in jail to show him the light.”

“We’ll watch out for her then,” said Grace.

They strolled leisurely through the streets of Briarwood Estates and ended up at the river. They sat on a bench and enjoyed the sunset before walking back to their own place.

On the way back, they took a different route and Rafe pointed. “That’s where the Franconis live.”

“They have a two-story model,” said Grace. “We had enough stairs at our last house.”

Rafe nodded. “You’re right about that. A bungalow is a much better fit for us.” He squeezed Grace’s hand as they walked along the curved path.

After dinner, Rafe relaxed in his favorite chair while Grace loaded the dishwasher and looked through boxes trying to find her knitting.

By the time she found what she was looking for and came into the living room to sit with him, it was nearly nine o’clock.

The shrill ring of the sheriff’s official phone pierced the air and Rafe made a face. “No matter what it is, I’m not going.”

Grace raised an eyebrow. “You may have to.”

Rafe listened to the call and nodded. “I’ll be there in ten minutes. Don’t touch anything.”

“What happened, dear?”

“Seems like Darla Franconi’s worries are over, Grace. Freddie is dead. I’m going to the truck stop and I’ll meet Gonzales there. Don’t wait up.”

“Oh, my.”

Stop 77. Route 77 North. La Grange.

Deputy Gonzales was on duty at the office in Giddings and he met Rafe at the crime scene. He already had a substantial area of the convenience store taped off by the time Rafe arrived.

Gonzales hooked a thumb over his shoulder towards the washrooms and the private offices at the back of the store.

Rafe nodded, passing through a huge crowd of truck drivers assembled to see what was going on.

“Something happen to Freddie?” asked a driver with a big beer gut and a straggly beard.

“I’ll see if I can find out,” said Rafe. He soldiered on down the hallway. On his way past, he made sure both washrooms were empty. “Don’t let anybody past the coolers,” he shouted to one of the deputies.

“Copy, Sheriff.”

The door to Franconi’s office was open. The body not visible from the doorway. Rafe walked towards the desk and saw a leg and a foot wearing an Italian loafer.

Behind the desk, Fred Franconi was laid out with a bullet in his face and another lower down just below his throat.

Somebody must have heard the shots.

Gonzales stuck his head in the office and Rafe turned from the body. “See if anybody in the store heard the shots. They must have.”

“Sure thing. We gonna need more help with the crowd in the store? They all have to be questioned.”

“We also need to talk to all the drivers parked outside,” said Rafe. “Send somebody out to make sure they don’t drive away.”

“Copy that.”

“I’ll see if Blacky can send us some help.”

“Copy that, boss. You going to take care of the notification?”

“Yep, I’ll do it just as soon as Doc Scanlon gets here and takes the scene.” Rafe pulled out his cell and called The Blackmore Agency.

“Rafe?”

“Hey, Blacky. I’ve got a homicide out here on route 77 at the truck stop and the store is full of customers. I’ve got them all secured for now, but I could use some help taking the statements.”

“I’ll come and bring my homicide guys, Casey and Virgil.”

“Appreciate it.”

“We’ll be there within the hour.”

Doctor Scanlan showed up next and he left the body the way it was until Valerie Wescott showed up with her tech assistant. Val liked pictures taken of the corpse before it was disturbed in any way.

As soon as the two of them took over the crime scene, Rafe drove back to Briarwood Estates to break the news to Darla Franconi.

Not bothering to go home first, Rafe pulled into Darla’s driveway and knocked on her front door.

She smiled and invited him into the foyer. “Nice to see you again, Sheriff Cumberland. Come in.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Franconi. I realize it’s getting late, but can we talk for a minute? I have some disturbing news about your husband.”

“Oh, no. Did the truck stop get robbed again?”

“Umm…I don’t think it was a robbery, but I haven’t ruled that out either. The bad news is, Fred is deceased. He was found dead in his office.”

“Fred is dead?” She sank down into a blue chair that matched the sofa and reached for a tissue.

“I’m sorry to be the bearer of such bad news, Mrs. Franconi. Is there anyone you could call to come and stay with you?”

“Yes. I’ll call my sister in Smithville, and she’ll drive down here.”

“Just a couple of questions and I’ll leave you be, Mrs. Franconi. Did Fred have problems with anybody lately that you know of? Arguments. Money problems. Anything you can think of that might have led to this?”

“I wish I could help you, but Fred rarely talked to me about the truck stop business at all. He completely shut me out of that world.”

“I see.” Rafe handed her a card. “If you think of anything at all, or if you have questions, just give me a call. My cell is always on.”

“Thank you, Sheriff.”

Chapter Five

Tuesday, April 8th.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Rafe Cumberland had been the county sheriff for years, but he hadn’t been married for years. In fact, he and Grace were practically newlyweds.

After years of bachelor life, Rafe now had Grace to talk to about his work and his cases. Confident that what he told his wife wouldn’t be shared outside of their home, he was comfortable confiding in Grace and listening to her feedback.

“You haven’t told me about your big emergency last night, dear,” said Grace.

“I already told you Fred Franconi was dead, and more details will be on the news so I might as well tell you. Somebody murdered him in his office at the truck stop.”

“That’s terrible, Rafe. Poor Darla. I always feel bad for the victim’s wife and family. They suffer the loss so much. Were you the one who had to go and tell her?”

Rafe nodded. “I did the notification.”

“I’m sorry, Rafe. That must have been difficult for you.”

“All notifications are hard, Grace, but it’s part of the job. Darla held up well. It’s the shock of it mostly. They don’t believe it at first because they don’t want to.”

“I wouldn’t want to either,” said Grace.

“Blacky is giving me a helping hand with the case since it was a violent crime. He and his boys came last night to start the interviews, but there are many more to do today. You wouldn’t believe how many drivers were in that truck stop—in the convenience store and the restaurant and outside in their trucks—when the murder happened.”

“Any suspects?”

“Not a one.”

“Don’t the cops always zero in on the wife first?” asked Grace.

“That’s only on TV, Gracie. In real cases we have to follow the evidence.”

“And there’s no evidence against Darla?”

“Not a scrap so far. She was at home when it happened.”

“I’m glad you’re not hauling her in for endless hours of questioning because she seems like a nice person.”

“Even the nicest of people can lose it for a minute and knock somebody off, Grace. You can’t use niceness as a marker.”

“I’m just saying, Darla Franconi doesn’t strike me as a murderer…or do you say murderess?”

Rafe smiled at his wife. “Your doubt is duly noted, Gracie.” He finished his last piece of toast, gathered up his hat and his keys, and rushed off to start his day.

Grace refilled her coffee cup and sat down to call her daughter.

“Morning, Mom.”

“Annie dear, you won’t believe what happened.”

“What, Mom? You sound a little worked up about whatever it was.”

“More shocked than anything else, dear.”

“Tell me what’s shocking in Briarwood Estates.”

“Somebody shot Darla’s husband at the truck stop. Freddie Franconi is dead.”

“Oh, my God, Mom, I didn’t expect you to say anything like that. Did Rafe talk to Darla?”

“He did the notification himself, but he didn’t tell me what was said.”

“I’ll pay her a condolence call today after we get the store open and see how she’s doing.”

“That’s a good idea, dear. I’ll leave soon and meet you at the store. Did you feed the bunnies?”

Annie laughed. “Already done.”

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

Annie always parked in the small space behind the store and came in through the back door. When she walked through to the front of the building, she couldn’t believe how many people were staring in the window watching the bunnies.

Laughing, she unlocked the double front doors and propped them open with twin cast iron hedgehogs. “How are the bunnies doing today?” she called to the crowd of people.

“They are wonderful to watch,” said Mrs. Crawford, a longtime customer. “What a delightful way to welcome spring, Annie.”

“We wanted to do something different this season and Mom suggested the bunnies.”

“I must congratulate Grace on her wonderful idea.”

“She’ll be here soon, and you can give her kudos in person.”

Annie went to the office and got the float from her locked desk and brought it to the cash counter.

She had everything up and running when Grace arrived, and she pointed at the window. “I told them the bunnies were your idea, Mom.”

Grace laughed. “I’m glad they’re so popular.”

Annie glanced at the foil-covered pan on the end of the counter next to a bouquet of tulips. “I brought a pan of lemon squares and I’m going to pop over to Briarwood and give our condolences to Darla.”

“Go ahead, dear. I’ve got the store under control. Is Lucy coming to fuss over the bunnies?”

“Uh huh. They’ll clean them up and change the shavings. She and Jimmy aren’t that far behind me.”

“Wonderful. Give my regards to Darla.”

“I will.”

Franconi Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Annie rang the doorbell and a lady who looked a lot like Darla let her in. Annie handed her the lemon squares and the tulips. “How is Darla doing?”

“Not too badly. I’m Carla, her twin sister.”

Annie smiled. “You do look a lot alike. Thank you for being here for her.”

Darla walked into the foyer and motioned Annie into the living room. “So nice of you to come, Annie. Please sit down.”

“Thank you. Are you doing okay, Darla? Such a terrible shock.”

“I admit, I wasn’t prepared for it, Annie.

Carla hustled into the room and put the tulips in the center of the coffee table. “Your friend brought these.”

Darla’s face lit up. “Thank you. So thoughtful.”

“No problem. Tulips always cheer me up.”

“Carla and I were just discussing arrangements for Fred, and I’m afraid I don’t know too much about the funeral homes in the La Grange area.”

“In the past I’ve used McVey’s a couple of times and they’ve been wonderful.”

“Thank you, Annie. That’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

Carla returned from the kitchen with a coffee tray, then she sat down next to her sister. When they were side by side, they were harder to sort out. Not identical twins but they could easily be mistaken for the other.

“My mother sent her condolences, Darla. She’s watching the store for me.”

Darla smiled. “I bet people are at the window watching the bunnies.”

Annie laughed. “They are drawing a crowd, even this early in the morning.”

Carla didn’t have much to say and she seemed to be the opposite of Darla in many ways. In looks, the sisters were similar, but two completely different personalities.

After one cup of coffee, Annie had to go back to the store, but she returned with a feeling that Carla had something to say or that she was hiding something. She seemed full of anger.

A weird feeling.

Stop 77. Route 77 North. La Grange.

Casey and Virgil were tasked with taking statements from all the truck drivers who had to remain at the truck stop at the request of the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Cumberland’s small local office didn’t have the manpower to get the job done quickly and efficiently and many of the drivers had to wait their turn. None of them were happy about losing time with their loads. Time was money to a long-hauler.

Most of the drivers were tired and ill-tempered when Casey and Virgil got around to questioning them. A few were beyond cranky and were downright hostile.

Virge and Casey were thorough and most of the statements were much the same. The drivers heard two gunshots and at least eight out of ten of them who heard the shots, hustled inside the store to see what was going on.

Two of the guys were getting beer out of the cooler at the back of the convenience store when the shots were fired not far from them, and they were the most help.

Both of them ran down the hallway and both said the same thing—the office door was open and one of the drivers saw a man run out the back door.

“Did you chase after him?” asked Virge.

“I ran to the emergency exit at the back and pushed the bar to stick my head out, but he was nowhere in sight. I thought I might get a look at what the guy was driving and be able to give the cops at least that much.”

“Good thinking,” said Virge. “We need all the help we can get.” He chuckled.

“Either one of you think to check the washrooms at that moment?” asked Casey.

“Sorry. I was kind of worked up and didn’t think of it. Makes sense though, the bathrooms are right across the hall from the boss’s office.”

“That’s okay,” said Casey. “We’ll get whoever did this. Thank you for your statement.”

“No problem. Been stopping here for a while every time I haul a load to Houston, and I’ve known Fred for a couple of years. Not a bad guy.”

“Did you ever meet his wife?” asked Casey.

“I didn’t know Fred was married. He never struck me as a married guy. Usually had a girl hanging off of him whenever I saw him in the restaurant or the store. Never would’ve guessed he was married.”

“Good information,” said Virgil. “Any of those girls have names you can remember?”

The driver laughed. “Don’t remember ever seeing him with the same one twice.”

“Always a different girl?” asked Virgil.

“Yep. Wish I could get that lucky.”

Virge laughed and gave him a fist bump.

Casey and Virgil took a break and made themselves a coffee at the big hot drink set up in the middle of the well-stocked convenience store adjacent to the restaurant. They sipped their coffee and had a little chat about the information they’d heard from the drivers.

Virgil flipped through the pages of notes in his book. “What about the guy who said he heard a woman’s voice in the office when he came out of the men’s room across the hall?” asked Virge.

“The guys at the beer cooler never mentioned hearing a woman’s voice,” said Casey. “They were only a few feet farther away.”

“Yep, the cooler is farther away,” said Virge. “Let’s do a test.”

Casey grinned. “What kind of test?”

“I’ll go into the office, close the door and give a shout out. You see if you can hear me from the men’s room.”

“Let’s do it.” Casey laughed.

Carrying their large coffee containers with them, Virgil went into Fred’s office and closed the door while Casey went into the men’s room across the hall.

Virge raised his voice like he was arguing about something.

Casey could hear Virge from the men’s room. He moved into the store and stood next to the bank of coolers at the back near the mouth of the hallway. From there, he could not hear Virge.

They stood in Fred’s office and discussed the results of their little test.

“Okay,” said Casey.

“Timeline.”

“There’s a woman in the office with Fred right before he’s shot—possibly a woman and a man.”

“Two shots are fired.”

“Then the cooler guys run into the hallway and see the back of a man leaving through the emergency door.”

“The office door is open, and they see Fred is dead.”

“The two of them run back into the store and they tell somebody.”

“In those few seconds, where did the woman go?”

“The woman had to be in the ladies’ room,” said Virgil. “Nowhere else she could’ve gone in two fuckin’ seconds. Print the ladies’ pisser and don’t let anybody else in there.”

“I’ll tell Blacky to put techs in there while you watch the door.”

Virge laughed. “I’ll beat the women off while you get us some tape.”

Franconi Residence. Briarwood Estates.

“Look at those fancy gates,” said Virgil. “Do rich people live in this park?”

“It’s a new retirement community,” said Casey. “The sheriff and your Gramma Grace bought a place in here. Rafe ain’t running in November.”

“I didn’t know that,” said Virge. “Dad said Rafe Cumberland has been the sheriff of this county…like forever.”

“True. He gets re-elected every time by a landslide.”

Casey parked in the driveway of the Franconi house and shut off the engine of his Tundra. “Let’s go see how the widow is holding up, Virge. You can take the notes.”

Virge laughed. “Don’t I always take the notes?”

“Yep. I’m into that arrangement. Hate doing it myself.” Casey knocked on the door and a lady answered.

“You’re the detectives who called?”

“Yes, we are.” Casey held up his badge. “Are you Mrs. Franconi?”

“I’m Darla’s sister. Come in. She’s waiting for you in the living room.”

“Thank you.”

They walked into the fancy living room and Casey introduced them like he always did. He was good at stuff like that. Blacky taught him the right way to do cop stuff and Casey was smart. Nobody had to tell him twice.

Virgil noticed right off the bat how much Mrs. Franconi looked like her sister. He made a note of it before Casey asked the first question. He could’ve started with something a bit easier for the widow to answer, but he dove right in with the tough stuff.

“Were you and Mister Franconi experiencing any marital difficulties?” asked Casey.

Darla teared up and her sister passed her a box of tissues. “The past few weeks, I was thinking seriously of divorcing Fred, and now I feel so bad that we hadn’t tried harder to work it out.”

Casey didn’t offer Darla any sympathy, and Virge thought he might have gone a little easier on the pretty widow.

“There are a couple of domestic calls on Fred’s police record from your old address,” said Casey. “Had he been hurting you lately?”

“Yes. Freddie said I infuriated him, and I deserved everything he laid on me.”

“No one deserves to be abused by their spouse, Mrs. Franconi,” said Casey. “That’s the truth of it.”

“Fred had improved a lot lately.” Carla butted in and defended Fred. “Isn’t that right, Darla? I thought you said he was getting better.”

“He had been trying harder, but this week he was angry about a lot of things. It might have been the pressure of the move,” said Darla between sobs. “He didn’t tell me what was bothering him, but he was furious about something.”

“But he didn’t make you angry enough to kill him,” said Casey.

“No. I could never be that angry at Fred. He had a lot of good qualities.”

“One of them wasn’t fidelity,” Carla chirped in and made her sister cry harder.

Virge turned to Carla and asked, “Was there someone in particular Mister Franconi was seeing?”

“I wouldn’t know that,” said Carla. “Fred and I hadn’t seen eye to eye for years. I hated the way he treated my twin sister, and we steered clear of each other.”

Darla nodded. “Carla and Fred didn’t like each other very much.”

“Were you in his office on the day he died, Carla?” asked Casey. “One of the witnesses said they heard a woman arguing with Fred moments before he was shot.”

Carla laughed. “Wasn’t me. I don’t think I’ve ever been in Fred’s office.”

Casey turned to Darla, “Can you think of anyone who would be arguing with your husband at the truck stop?”

Darla shook her head, “Not unless it was an employee. A lot of women worked in the restaurant and the convenience store for Fred. I guess it could’ve been any one of them.”

Casey nodded. “It could’ve been.” Casey got to his feet and Virgil closed his notebook and followed suit.

“Thank you, ladies,” said Casey.

Carla saw them to the door and Casey handed her an Agency card. “I’d appreciate knowing the date and time of the funeral.”

Carla smiled. “I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Riding in Casey’s truck back to the Agency, Virgil said, “Don’t like the sister. She’s a liar and a shit disturber. If she didn’t do the job herself, then she arranged it and the guy who ran out the back door was her partner.”

“You sure about that?”

“Nope. Just a wild guess.”

Casey chuckled. “You’re a pretty good guesser, Virge. We’ll run that theory by Blacky and see if he falls in love with it.”

Chapter Six

Wednesday, April 9th.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

“Don’t you go talking to any of the customers at the store about the murder, Grace. The investigation is just getting started and we have a long way to go before handing off what we know to the DA’s office.”

“I’m not a gossip, Rafe, and neither is Annie. She has a right to know what’s going on and you should be the one telling her.”

Rafe nodded. “Annie can access any records she wants. I’m not saying you can’t talk to her. It’s the customers overhearing the two of you talking that I’m worried about.”

“I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen, honey. You worry far too much, that’s why your blood pressure is so high.” Grace pointed to the bottle of pills in the middle of the kitchen table.

“I took one with my orange juice,” said Rafe.

“How are the boys coming along interviewing the customers at the truck stop?” asked Grace.

“That’s finished and the reports are being entered into the computer.”

“Do you have a suspect yet?”

“We do, but so far he’s nameless.”

“Huh,” said Grace. “That’s the same as saying you don’t have any clue. Should you be talking to Fred and Darla’s neighbors?”

“We will, but I doubt Fred could’ve pissed off his new neighbors in only a couple of days.”

“That’s probably true. We’ve barely seen our new neighbors.”

“I hope it stays that way,” said Rafe.

“You are turning into a grumpy old man.” Grace ruffled up her husband’s mop of auburn hair.

“I’m not turning, Gracie. I’m already there.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

Before Rafe could leave for work, the way to his truck was blocked by Glen Sleman standing on the front steps.

“Morning, Sheriff. I thought I’d catch you before you left for the day and get an update on Fred Franconi’s murder.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss an open case with you, Mister Sleman. As a former police officer, I’m sure you know that.”

Sleman shrugged. “Course I know it. Worked homicide for fuckin’ years.” He frowned. “But us both being cops should carry some weight. I just want to know if there is a murderer running around loose in Briarwood Estates that I should be concerned with. Candy is a little on edge thinking that might be possible.”

“What makes you think the murderer would be one of our neighbors?”

Another shrug of Glen’s shoulders. “Just a hunch. We’ve got more than a few residents with jackets, Rafe, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that.”

“No, you don’t. I’m concerned with the safety of everyone who lives in our little community.”

“Mind if I poke around a bit and help you out?”

“I’d mind that very much, and I caution you against it, sir.”

Sleman laughed. “Oh, you’re one of those cops. Strictly by the book.”

“Nothing wrong with doing things the right way,” said Rafe.

“Sometimes you can speed justice up a little if you cut a few corners,” said Glen.

“Is that what kind of cop you were, Glen? A corner-cutter?” Rafe brushed passed Glen and headed for the Bronco.

“This sounds like an interesting conversation,” said Phil Santorini. He swaggered across the grass between the houses with a big smile on his face.

“Two cops talking about our neighbor’s murder. Mind if I join in the fun?”

“Murder is not fun, Phil,” barked Rafe, “and I have to get to work.”

Santorini laughed as he lit up his cigar. “Some days we have to get fun where we can find it, Sheriff.” He handed a cigar to Glen Sleman as Rafe backed out his driveway, furious at both his neighbors.

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

Annie came out of her office waving the bank deposit at Grace. “Sales are up, Mom, and I think it’s because of the bunnies.”

Grace laughed. “You’d better give them a raise.”

“I’ll tell Riley to send down some carrots from the ranch.”

They hadn’t unlocked the front doors yet and had time for coffee and a little chat before their day started. Grace leaned on the counter and told Annie about Phil Santorini and Glen Sleman both cornering Rafe and asking him questions about the murder before he had a chance to get to his truck.

“Huh, that jerk, Glen Sleman, can be a pain in the ass,” said Annie. “I’m not keen on him.”

“I’m not looking forward to Rafe coming home tonight and telling me his views on our new neighbors,” said Grace. “Next thing I know, I’ll be moving back to that old relic of a house in Giddings.”

“He’ll calm down, Mom. Stop worrying.”

Sheriff’s Office. Giddings.

After Casey and Virgil interviewed the widow and her sister, they drove to Sheriff Cumberland’s office in Giddings for a meeting.

Everybody working on the case crowded into the sheriff’s office. There weren’t enough chairs, so Casey and Virgil stood near the window and listened. Virge was ready to take notes.

Blaine was a couple of minutes late, but the sheriff waited and didn’t start without him. Cumberland was blustery and tough, but there wasn’t a fairer man in all of Texas.

“Are we all here now?” He glanced around and nodded, then laughed. “Sorry I don’t have a boardroom or anything fancy where we can all sit down and drink coffee. I want to go over everything we have so far and bounce some theories around.” He pointed across the room, “Let’s start with Val.”

“Thanks, Sheriff,” said Valerie Wescott.

The thin redhead in charge of forensics read from her notes. “Of course there were hundreds of prints in the ladies’ room. A lot of them smudged and unusable, and dozens not in the database, but after separating the female employees from the others, I was left with Carla Ragazzi, Rita Himanez, and Celeste Santorini as persons of interest. Three women directly tied to this case.”

Virgil glanced at Casey when he heard Carla’s name, and Casey nodded.

The sheriff saw the boys exchange glances and called them on it. “Virgil. You recognize a name?”

“We just interviewed Darla Franconi and her twin sister’s name is Carla—don’t know her last name.”

“Val do you have a picture or mug shot to go with Carla Ragazzi’s prints?”

“I do.” She passed the picture to Casey and he and Virgil both nodded.

“That’s the twin sister,” said Casey. “She’s there with Darla right now.”

“She told us she’d never been in her brother-in-law’s office at the truck stop,” said Virgil. “She said her and Fred didn’t see eye to eye because of Fred beating on Darla, and they avoided each other.”

“We’d better have another go at Carla,” said Rafe. “Blaine, why don’t you go back with the boys and see what you can pull out of her now that we have new evidence?”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“Rita Himanez and Celeste Santorini need to be brought in for questioning, or I guess Gonzales and I could do it at their residences. Both of them live in Briarwood Estates.” He grimaced. “Those ladies are among my new neighbors.”

Rafe stood up and took a breath, then allocated more work. “Also, both sides of the street where Fred Franconi lived—all those neighbors need to be interviewed. They may have seen a certain vehicle on their street that didn’t belong there.”

“Casey and Virgil can do that after we brace Carla,” said Blaine. “Won’t take them long.”

“Thanks,” said Rafe. “I’ve got a printout of the residents and their addresses on Maple Lane.” He handed the folded paper to Blaine.

“Tim and Marlene McGarigle who own the Farm Boy Market are on one side of Fred and Darla. Wayne and Carolanne Lombard, the pawn shop owners, are on the other side. Those are the immediate neighbors.”

“All of the houses are on two acre lots, so they aren’t jammed in close,” said Casey. “With all the trees in that park, some of the residents can barely see their neighbors.”

“I can see mine a little too clearly,” grumbled Rafe. “It seems both of them want to help catch Fred’s killer.”

Blaine’s interest piqued when he heard that. “The killer often wants to join the investigation, Rafe. Who are your neighbors?”

“Ex-cop, Glen Sleman, and the guy who owns the hardware in La Grange, Phil Santorini.”

“Huh. We’ll have to keep an eye on them, especially if they get a little too helpful.”

“Roger that.”

Franconi Residence. Briarwood Estates. La Grange.

Virge and Casey left the meeting with Blaine right behind them driving his Escalade. Casey drove out of Giddings and turned south on route 77 to return to Briarwood Estates.

“I knew that fuckin’ Carla was lying,” said Virge. “She’s got those shifty eyes that tell you something crazy is going on inside her head.”

“I didn’t notice her shifty eyes,” said Casey, “but you did mention she was a liar and you’re right again on that count, Virge. She said she’d never been to Fred’s office.”

“We can’t put her in the office yet, but we can put her not six feet away in the ladies’ pisser when Fred went down for the count.”

“You think Carla and Fred were fighting before he got shot, Virge?”

“Sure do. Maybe over how he was beating on Darla.”

“Yeah, could be. Carla didn’t seem happy about how Fred was bashing her sister, and she mentioned Freddie-boy was a cheater. Wonder how she knew that.”

“Darla could’ve told her,” said Virge. “They look a lot alike, but I think Darla is prettier.”

“I didn’t see much difference,” said Casey, “but you’ve got a keener eye for the women than I do.”

“Yeah, right, Case.” Virge punched him in the arm.

“Now that we know Carla was at the truck stop, do you think the guy who ran out the back door might have been Carla’s husband? The Ragazzi guy? Tony.”

“Sounds like a mobster name, don’t it?”

“Stereotypical,” said Casey. “He could be an opera singer, Virge. Like Pavarotti.”

“Yeah, I guess. Shouldn’t jump to conclusions based on a name. That’s bad police work. My Dad would say that.”

“That’s because your dad is a great cop, Virge. He taught you and Harlan everything he learned from experience and the two of you are miles ahead of rookie cops.”

“Thanks, partner.”

Blaine pulled into the driveway behind Virge and Casey, and they all went to the front door of the Franconi house together.

Virgil rang the bell and Carla answered with a sneer on her face. She took a stance like she was ready to slam the door in their faces. “Why are you cops back? Didn’t we answer all of your questions this morning?”

“New evidence has come to light since then,” said Blaine. “We need to speak to you and your sister.”

“Darla is resting.”

Blaine pushed into the foyer and Casey and Virge followed him inside. “We’ll start with you then, Mrs. Ragazzi.”

She raised an eyebrow when Blaine called her by her married name. “Come in and sit down. Darla is upstairs and I don’t want to wake her up. She hasn’t been sleeping since Fred was shot.”

“Understandable,” said Blacky. “We’ll make this as quick and as painless as possible.”

“What’s the new evidence you had to rush over here to tell us about?” Carla’s eyes flashed anger and Casey made a point of watching her closely this time.

“Your fingerprints were found in the ladies’ room at the truck stop, Carla,” said Blaine. “I’d like you to explain to me how they got there.”

“Must be from the last time I was in the convenience store with Darla, and I had to use the ladies’ room.”

“Could have been,” said Blaine, “or you could’ve left your prints on the day you and your accomplice shot Fred. When you ran across the hall to hide, you would’ve been in a panic and you probably weren’t thinking about not touching anything in the bathroom.”

“You smart-assed cops think you’ve got this all tied up with a bow, don’t you?”

“Nope,” said Blaine. “We’re just trying this theory on for size. It fits pretty well. Was Tony with you when you confronted Fred? Did your husband shoot Fred or did you?”

“What are you saying to my sister?” Darla walked into the living room with a horrified look on her face.

“They think I killed Fred, Darla. They’re trying to pin it on me and Tony.”

“That’s ridiculous,” said Darla. “My sister wouldn’t kill Fred. They were having an affair and Carla didn’t think I knew about it.”

Carla spun around and tried to hug her sister. Darla pushed her away. “Don’t touch me, Carla.”

Carla started to cry, “Darla, I’m so sorry. I didn’t want you to find out and be hurt.”

“Too late for that, Carla. Fred yelled it right in my face when he was pounding the shit out of me last week.”

“I’m so sorry, Darla,” sniffled Carla. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I’ve never liked Fred because of the way he treated you, but he said you fooled around with so many guys you made him crazy jealous. I felt sorry for him in the end, I guess, and I tried to make him feel better.”

“By having sex with him?”

“That sometimes helps,” said Carla.

“Did Tony know?”

“Of course not. Do you think I’m crazy? Tony would kill me if he found out.”

“We may have to speak with your husband, Mrs. Ragazzi,” said Blaine.

Carla turned and waved her arms at Blaine. “Don’t do that. You’ll get me killed and my kids will have no mother. That will be on you, Mister Super Cop.”

“I need a drink.” Darla turned to leave the room.

“Before you get that drink,” said Blaine, “I’d like the names and addresses of the men you’ve been seeing outside of your marriage. Every one of them will have to be questioned in the death of your husband.”

Darla flopped down into one of the pale blue easy chairs that matched the sofa and reached for a tissue. She released a long sigh before she spoke. “I was hoping none of this had to come out. It will be embarrassing, not only to me, but others will be hurt.”

“The truth always hurts somebody,” said Blaine. He pointed at Virge to write the names down.

“The last three were Wayne Lombard, Luis Himanez and Glen Sleman.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” said Blaine. “I’ll be in touch with those gentlemen. Have the arrangements been made for your husbands funeral?”

“Yes, that’s all done. Fred’s service will be tomorrow at one p.m. at the McVey’s funeral home in La Grange.”

“Thank you for your time.” Blaine flipped an Agency card onto the coffee table and it landed next to a vase of tulips.

“What the hell, boss?” asked Virgil. “Both of those twins were screwing around. It’s a wonder they haven’t shot each other.”

“Don’t even say that out loud, Virgil.” Blaine laughed. “You might make it happen.”

“We’d better start canvassing the neighbors,” said Casey. “Any of Darla’s latest boyfriends live on her street?”

“Only Luis Himanez who owns the gym in La Grange,” said Virge.

“Start with him,” said Blaine. “Do double duty. See if he wanted Darla for himself and took a shortcut. Capped Freddie to speed things up.”

“Yep. We’re on it. He’s probably not at home. We’ll have to go to his fitness center.”

“Yep. Put those three guys at the top of your list as soon as you finish up with the neighbors,” said Blaine. “Also, see if they’ve established a neighborhood watch person. They might’ve seen something or a strange vehicle lurking around.”

“Yep.” Virge wrote that in his book so they wouldn’t forget to do it.

The canvas of the neighbors didn’t take long because only one woman was home, and she was at the far end of the street and hadn’t seen anything. In this neighborhood you couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

“We’ll have to interview the neighbors on the weekend when they’re all at home,” said Casey.

“Yeah, you’re right, partner. Let’s go brace the guy at the gym. I’m keen to do it.”

Casey chuckled. “Might as well start with him and rile up another cheater.”

La Grange Fitness.

The fitness center in La Grange owned by the Himanez couple was less than a year old and offered all the modern amenities for getting into shape and maintaining good health. Rita and Luis Himanez were a Latino couple. Both were certified personal trainers.

At the reception desk, Casey asked to speak to the owners and when Luis Himanez appeared and realized the cops wanted to talk to him, he led the way to his office at the back of the building.

Rita caught up with them and followed them into the office and closed the door. Luis sat down behind his desk and pointed at the two guest chairs.

“Please sit down, detectives.” The tone of his voice changed as he barked out an order to his wife, “Rita, get them coffee.”

“Thanks, but we don’t need coffee,” said Casey, “and we’d like you to stay too, Mrs. Himanez. We have questions for both of you.”

“Sure.” Wearing her work-out clothes, Rita rounded the desk and stood next to her husband’s chair. Jet black hair, flashing dark eyes and a perfect body, Rita Himanez was an attractive woman.

Luis checked his watch and fidgeted in his leather swivel chair. “I have a client in a few minutes. Could we get on with this, please?”

“Of course,” said Casey. “Let’s start with you, Mrs. Himanez.”

“Me?” She sounded surprised.

“The county forensic team found your fingerprints in the ladies’ room at Fred Franconi’s truck stop. When were you there last?”

Luis stared at his wife in disbelief, his mouth gaping open for a second before he got it together. “Answer the question, Rita. When were you ever at Freddie’s truck stop?”

“A couple of days ago I was on my way to the gym, and I needed gas. While I was there at the truck stop, I picked up a couple of things in the convenience store and used the ladies’ room.”

“What day was that?” asked Virgil. “Just for the record.”

“I don’t remember,” snapped Rita.

“We think it was the same day Fred was murdered in his office,” said Casey, “and the ladies’ room is directly across the hall, only a few feet away.”

Rita fairly hissed at them. “You can’t prove what day I used the bathroom at the truck stop. I know when somebody is blowing smoke and the two of you definitely are.”

Casey switched his focus rapidly to throw the two of them off. “What about you, Luis?”

He chuckled. “I wasn’t in the ladies’ room at the truck stop.”

“No, but you were having an affair with Darla Franconi, Fred’s wife. Darla told us about it. Did you knock Fred off so you could have Darla all to yourself?”

“What?” A little shriek came out of Rita’s mouth as she lunged at her husband so hard, she knocked him out of his swivel chair. The chair crashed over on its side and when Luis hit the floor, Rita was right there to kick him in the nuts. “You cheating bastard, Luis. Your days are fuckin’ numbered, you piece of shit.”

Casey grabbed Rita and pulled her away from Luis before she could kick him again. He cuffed her and sat her in one of the guest chairs while Virgil helped Luis up off the floor and snapped cuffs on him.

“We’ll continue this at the sheriff’s office.”

“You can’t arrest us,” said Luis. “You have no cause, and we’ve got a business to run.”

“Both of you are suspects in a murder investigation and we have a right to take you in for formal questioning,” said Casey. “Your clients will have to get fit without y’all today.”

“I’ll sue the asses off all of you fuckin’ cops,” hollered Luis as we marched him and his wife out to Casey’s truck.

Virge wondered about securing Luis and Rita side by side in the back of Casey’s truck, but with their hands cuffed behind their backs, they couldn’t scratch each other’s eyes out too easily.

Sheriff’s Office. Giddings.

Casey and Virgil booked Rita and Luis on suspicion of premeditated murder and locked them up until Blaine could get back to question them. Possibly the following day. They might have to spend the night.

“Have Sheriff Cumberland call me when he gets in, Deputy.” Casey slid his card across the front desk.

“I’ll do that, Ranger Blackmore. Y’all have a nice night.”

“You, too.”

Chapter Seven

Thursday, April 10th.

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

“I’m so excited for the first day of the sale,” said Grace. “I always get goosebumps when we decorate the store and do a lot of special stuff for the customers.”

“Wait until you see the gorgeous ‘Welcome Spring’ cake Riley made for the kick-off. I put it in the kitchen with the plates and forks.”

“I’ll make sure I keep the tea and coffee supply going,” said Grace. “How are the bunnies this morning?”

“As adorable as ever,” said Annie.

“I really don’t want to walk out on the customers and go to that funeral this afternoon, dear,” said Grace. “This is our big opening day and half the ladies in La Grange are coming. One of us have to be here.”

“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, Mom.”

“Apparently I do. I mentioned not going to the funeral, and Rafe said Fred Franconi was our neighbor and we both had to go.”

Annie shook her mop of long black hair. “That’s only because Rafe is a big baby and doesn’t want to go by himself. We’ll go with him. We won’t be gone that long. Is there anything new on the case?”

“I think there is, but Rafe hasn’t been sharing. Something happened or he found out something important and he clammed right up.”

“Like what? He knows who the killer is?”

“Honestly, I don’t know, dear. I’m assigning you to get it out of him.”

Annie laughed. “I’m all over it. You’ll have your answers before Fred is cold in his grave.”

Grace shivered. “I don’t want to think about going to a cemetery. It gives me the creeps.”

“Maybe we’ll skip the cemetery and go straight to the reception and fill up on cream puffs.” Annie giggled.

“Let’s do that, Annie. It sounds like a lot more fun than watching them put Fred Franconi in a hole.”

“Jimmy and Lucy are coming at noon to help Janie with the store. Our opening day of the sale is going to be big.”

Grace shook her head, “I’m saying it again, Annie. We definitely shouldn’t be skipping out on everything we’ve worked for to go to a funeral of a man neither one of us knew.”

“I’m having second thoughts about leaving too, Mom. Why don’t you stay with the kids, and I’ll explain to Rafe how it was too busy for you to get away? Then I’ll hurry back as soon as it’s over.”

“Would you, dear? I’d appreciate it so much. I hate funerals, and I haven’t got a clue who Fred Franconi was—apart from him living in Briarwood Estates.”

“I’m only going for Darla. She’s Fred’s widow and she seemed so sweet when she was here.”

“You never know what people are really like until you live with them,” said Grace. “Your grandmother said that many times.”

“Wish I’d known her.”

“Maybe not, dear. She was a tough old bird.”

Annie laughed.

Lombard Pawn Shop. La Grange.

Virge and Casey walked into the pawn shop and Virge was immediately drawn to the gun display in the glass case. He stared down and pointed to a couple of pieces that he particularly liked. “That Desert Eagle would put a nice hole in somebody.”

“Damned right,” said Casey. “Tommy Donnovan has one of those and I’ve always admired it.”

“Maybe we should think about it, partner,” said Virge. “Never hurts to have more firepower.”

“I’ll ask Blaine if he’s got an extra one we could take to the range for a test.”

“Aces.” Virge gave Casey a fist bump. “Love to try it.”

“Help you, fellas?” A tall dark-haired man in his forties came out of the back room and stepped behind the counter.

“Sure,” said Casey. “You Wayne Lombard?”

“I am. What can I help you with?”

“We’re investigating the murder of Fred Franconi, Mister Lombard.”

“I’m aware of his sudden demise and find it shocking. His funeral is today, and my wife and I are attending.”

“I’m sure his service will be well attended,” said Casey. “Is your wife working here today?”

“No, she’s at home getting ready for the funeral. Do you need to speak to her too?”

“No, I wanted to speak to you privately in case your wife, Carolanne, was unaware of your affair with Darla Franconi.”

Lombard swallowed hard as fear flashed in his eyes. He shook his head. “Please don’t mention this conversation to my wife. Darla and I are over, and I don’t want to lose my wife. The affair was unplanned and stupid, and we ended it.”

“How long has it been over, sir?” asked Virge.

“Several months.”

“Okay,” said Casey, “We’re going to take your word on this, but if we find out any different, you’ll have to answer a whole lot more questions and they won’t be coming from me or my partner. Ranger Blackmore will be right in your face and he ain’t a guy you want in your face.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Virge and Casey left the pawn shop and jumped in Casey’s truck. “You believe him?” asked Virge.

“Yeah, I did. He was scared shitless his wife would find out.”

“Yeah, I think so too. Who’s next on Darla’s fucking-around list?”

Casey chuckled. “Glen Sleman, the ex-cop that lives next door to Rafe.”

“Let’s get him.”

Sleman Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Casey pulled into Glen Sleman’s driveway and parked behind his black Jeep Cherokee. “How do you want to handle this, Case?” asked Virge. “The guy is a retired homicide cop out of Houston.”

“Yeah, that’s what Rafe said. He also said Sleman offered to help with the investigation.”

“Blaine didn’t like that,” said Virge. “Killers like to butt in. Makes them feel superior.”

“I’ll ask Sleman questions,” said Casey, “and you try throwing him off his game. See if he lets anything slip.”

Virge grinned. “This is gonna be fun. Let’s do it.”

Casey rang the bell and Sleman’s wife answered the door, shorts and a halter top on, cigarette in her mouth.

“We’d like to talk to Mister Sleman please.”

She turned her head and hollered over her shoulder, “Cops to see you, Glen.” She opened the door wider and motioned us into the foyer. “Come in, boys. Still straightening up from moving in.”

“No problem,” said Casey.

The house had that new smell mixed with the aroma of spaghetti sauce.

Glen sauntered into the front hall wearing a pair of running shorts, a ten-pound dumb bell in his right hand.

“Come on, guys. In the middle of my work out? Couldn’t you call for an appointment?”

“We were in the neighborhood,” said Virge.

“Yeah, like I believe that, Junior.” Sleman sneered at Virgil. “What can I do for you guys? I offered to help my neighbor, the sheriff, with this investigation. I could’ve solved this case by now. Is that why you’re here? Did that by-the-book asshole next door realize he could use a hand?”

“No, he didn’t, but yes, we are here about the case,” said Casey. “Something turned up that we need to ask you about.”

“Let’s talk on the porch. Candy’s watching one of her shows and she’s sprawled out on the sofa.” Sleman led the way outside and pointed to the porch chairs.

Virge and Casey sat down and Sleman kept on talking. “Candy don’t like it when I talk shop in front of her. It’s not her thing. Know what I mean?”

“Sure,” said Casey, “I’ll get right to the point. It was revealed today in an interview with Mrs. Franconi, that the two of you were having an affair.”

Sleman looked startled for a couple of seconds, then he shook his head. “You couldn’t call it an affair, for chrissakes. We weren’t sneaking around meeting each other in hotels or any shit like that.”

“What exactly were you doing?” asked Virgil. “Banging her in the back of your Cherokee?”

Sleman put a finger to his lips. “Like I said. Not an affair. It was more like…a happening.”

“A happening,” said Virge. “Can’t wait to hear the details.”

“After the welcome party last Friday night, I took a walk along the river and Darla was sitting on one of those benches smoking a joint. We got to talking and one thing led to another. We were both a little drunk and it just happened.”

He shrugged and that was the end of his story.

“How long have you known Darla?” asked Casey.

“Didn’t know her at all until I met her at the party.”

“So, you see a woman sitting on a bench and bingo, you have sex with her?” asked Virge. “That smells a lot like rape to me. What do you think, partner?”

“I’m not sure I believe Mister Sleman’s account of what happened,” said Casey. “Mrs. Franconi told us you had an affair when she released the list of her current extra-marital activities.”

Sleman got a look on his face. “What? You mean I wasn’t the only one?”

“You were one of several men mentioned.”

“One of how many?” Sleman sounded offended.

The corner of Virgil’s lip curled slightly. “Can’t say, but you did have some stiff competition, buddy.”

Casey snorted.

“I’m not your buddy, kid, and I’m not impressed with your interrogation skills.”

“Oh no?” Casey raised an eyebrow. “What questions would you be asking?”

“I don’t know enough about the case,” said Sleman. “My neighbor, the county sheriff, wouldn’t share any information with me. I’ve got years behind me as a homicide cop, and I’ve solved some pretty tough cases. I don’t like being shut out.”

“You’re retired,” said Virge. “You’re not a cop anymore, sir.”

“Doesn’t mean my skills are retired,” sneered Sleman. “I’ve still got what it takes.”

“One more question,” said Casey.

“Fire away.”

“When you and Darla were having your rendezvous down at the river, where was your wife?”

“At home in bed. Candy got drunk at the party and I put her to bed before I went out for my walk. Does that answer satisfy you? Anything else you need to know?”

“That will do for now,” said Casey. “Thanks for your time.”

Back in the truck, Casey asked Virgil what he thought.

“Arrogant asshole is what I think. He said Darla was drunk and toking when he found her on the bench. We should bring him in on suspicion of rape.”

“Let’s run it by Blaine and get his opinion. If he agrees, we’ll grab Sleman at the funeral. We’ve got to shake these people up and let them know we’re not kidding around.”

Virge grinned. “Let’s fill up the county lockup and make the sheriff smile.”

McVey Funeral Home. La Grange.

In the chapel, Annie sat next to Rafe Cumberland—her father-in-law—who was in a stew over Grace not showing up for the service. “We both couldn’t come, Rafe. First day of the spring sale and the store was packed with customers. We couldn’t leave the kids on their own.”

Blaine walked in with Casey and Virgil, and they sat down two rows ahead of Annie and Rafe.

Annie leaned close to Rafe and whispered, “Write down everybody you recognize from Briarwood Estates.”

“No need. Virgil is already doing that. Seems like he’s the official note-taker for Blacky’s team.”

“Virge is a smart cop, Rafe. His instincts are keener than a double-edged sword.”

“For seventeen years old, that kid has a lot of experience behind him,” said Rafe.

“Thanks to Travis. He took those boys out of juvie detention, turned them around and funneled all of their energy and anger at society and authority into law enforcement. They live and breathe it.”

“Amazing to see in kids so young,” said Rafe. “Travis did an amazing job with them.” He glanced up and said, “Uh, oh. There’s my neighbor, Glen Sleman coming in with his wife.”

Annie giggled. “He calls her Candy Apple.”

Rafe chuckled.

Franconi Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Before going inside the Franconi home, Annie, Rafe, Casey, Blaine and Virgil had a quick chat on the front lawn.

“Who or what are we focusing on in there?” asked Annie.

Blaine spoke up, “The current suspects are Rita and Luis Himanez, who are out on bail, Carla Ragazzi—Darla’s twin sister and her husband Tony Ragazzi.”

“Jeeze,” said Annie. “Any more?”

“Yes. There are more.”

“Can’t wait to hear their names,” said Annie.

“Glen Sleman and Wayne Lombard,” said Blaine. “We’ve narrowed the field somewhat but there’s a lot of room. The field is pretty much wide open.”

“If we knew the why,” said Blaine, “it would be easier to figure out the who or whom.”

“Okay,” said Annie,” let’s see who’s giving the evil eye to who…or is it whom?”

When they went inside to the reception, the first thing Blaine did was figure out which suspects were missing. Right off the bat he leaned close to Casey and said, “Carla isn’t here, and Darla is sticking close to Carla’s husband, Tony.”

“Huh. That’s weird. Tony wasn’t on Darla’s list.”

“Tony could’ve been on an old list,” said Virge. “Too old to mention.”

“Yeah,” said Casey with a chuckle. “The ancient history list. Is Darla trying to break a record?”

“Seeing Tony in that custom suit,” said Annie, “he does look a lot like a made man.”

“I’ll dig deeper into his background,” said Blaine. “See where the Ragazzi’s lived before they came here.”

“One cup of coffee and a cream puff to be polite, and I have to get back to the store,” said Annie. “Grace and the kids probably need help.”

Raised voices in the corner of the dining room attracted Blaine’s attention and he motioned the boys to get closer to the argument.

They edged through the crowd to the buffet table and picked up plates and napkins, keeping an eye and an ear on the trio in the corner.

Rita and Luis Himanez were talking to the lawyer Annie met at the welcome party, but she couldn’t remember his name. “I meant to ask Liam about the new competition, but I haven’t done it yet. I’ll make sure I do it tomorrow.”

Blaine nodded. “That lawyer and his lawyer wife live in Briarwood Estates. They’re on Rafe’s list.”

Annie finished her coffee and headed back to the store. Blaine and the boys walked her out and Casey brought up the rape scenario and ran it by Blaine.

He listened and nodded.

“Want us to bring Sleman in?” asked Virge.

“Let’s give him a little more rope. I’ll fill Rafe in on your theory and let him toss a few questions at his neighbor. See if he gets the same impression.”

“Sure,” said Casey. “Sleman says he only met Darla hours before at the party. Virge likes him for rape.”

“But you have to remember, Darla put him on the affair list and that makes it consensual in her mind. Before we can bring Sleman in, Darla will have to change her story.”

“Yeah, there’s that, boss,” said Virge. “We have to hold off.”

Chapter Eight

Friday, April 11th.

Cumberland Residence. Briarwood Estates.

“You missed a nice buffet at the Franconi funeral, Grace,” said Rafe. “I was hoping you’d go with me.”

“I couldn’t, Rafe. The store was too busy, and my first duty is to Annie and my job. I didn’t know Fred Franconi anyway. I met his wife a time or two when she came to the store, but I didn’t really know her. What’s going on with the case? Do you know who killed Fred yet?”

Rafe sighed. “I wish I did. Blacky is looking into the backgrounds of all of our suspects and I’m hoping against hope he comes up with the answer.”

Grace put a plate of eggs in front of her husband and sat down at the table. “Tell me who the frontrunners are.”

“I wish there was one who stood out and we had evidence to support our first pick, but we don’t have that. What we have are a bunch of men who had affairs with Darla, and no evidence that any of them killed Fred.”

Grace raised an eyebrow. “She had a bunch of affairs?”

“There’s a list.”

“A list?” Grace broke out laughing. “What else?”

“Then we have fingerprints of the wives of several of the men on the affair list from the washroom across the hall from Fred’s office.”

“Were the fingerprints from the day Fred was murdered?”

“We can’t prove they were, so that’s a problem.”

“Which women?”

“Darla’s sister, Carla.”

“The twin.”

Rafe nodded. “Uh huh, the twin sister.”

“Who else was in the bathroom?”

“Rita Himanez. She and her husband own the fitness center.”

“And?”

“Mrs. Santorini next door. She told us she picked up ice and a loaf a bread a couple of days ago and she did use the washroom. Again, there’s nothing to say she isn’t telling the truth.”

“But she’s not going to come right out and say, before I went to the checkout, I knocked off Fred,” said Grace.

Rafe chuckled. “No, she’s not, but she has no motive that I know of. Her husband wasn’t on Darla’s list.”

Grace made a face. “Why would he be? He’s an unattractive man and he smells of cigar smoke.”

“Right,” said Rafe. “A definite turn-off for women. I believe you mentioned that before.”

“That’s a personal turn-off,” said Grace. “There may be the odd woman out there who adores the smell of a good Cuban.”

Rafe set his coffee cup down. “I have to go to work and solve this case, and you’re not helping.”

“I’m trying to.”

“No, you’re not.”

Grace sat on his lap and kissed him. “I’ll try to come up with a killer today while I’m at work in the store. Annie and I can do it together.”

“I’m sure that will work.”

Sleman Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Candice put a fried egg sandwich and a bottle of ketchup in front of Glen and sat down across from him.

Glen stared at the sandwich and didn’t touch it. “Why don’t you ever buy bacon, Candy? I like bacon and eggs for breakfast.”

“Bacon is too expensive, Glenny. We have lots of room out back on our two acres. Why don’t you build a pen and buy a pig?”

“Why are you being so snotty to me, Candy Apple? What did I do this time?”

“Everybody is talking about the list of names that Darla gave to the cops, and your name is on the list.”

“How did you find that out?”

“Carla told me at the reception yesterday.”

“She only said that because she doesn’t get along with her sister. Doesn’t mean it’s true,” said Glen. “Not true. Big fat lie.”

“I don’t think so, Glen. I think it’s the truth.”

“You’re not always right, Candy Apple, but you like to think you are.”

“Don’t call me that anymore, Glen. I’m sick of your attitude and have been for a long time. I think I’ll divorce you and take my half of everything.”

Glen’s eyes widened. “Don’t even say that out loud, Candy. It’s never going to happen. This is our retirement dream, and it took every cent we had to buy this house. I won’t let you destroy my retirement.”

“I think you’ve already done that, Glen, with your girlfriend, Darla. Did you kill Fred to get him out of your way? Did you?”

“Of course not. I’m a cop. I don’t go around killing people who annoy me.”

“Oh, so Fred Franconi annoyed you. When was this? I didn’t know you’d even met him.” She picked up her phone. “I think I’ll call Ranger Blackmore and tell him to have another look at you, Glen. He’ll be able to beat the truth out of you.”

“Don’t, Candy,” hollered Glen.

Glen lunged for the phone and knocked Candice backwards off her chair. She hit her head a nasty whack on the bottom of the refrigerator and had no more to say.

The Blackmore Agency. Austin.

Before the boys hit the road for the day, Blaine sat down with them in his office and went over everything they had so far on the case.

“After interviewing the main players,” said Virge, “I think the mob is here in La Grange and Briarwood Estates is their home base. They have businesses set up all through the town and they’re probably laundering money for Chicago or Miami.”

“It’s a decent theory, Virge,” said Blaine. “And one that could easily prove to be true.”

Casey chuckled. “All we need is evidence.”

“Right. Evidence,” said Blaine, “and that is in short supply. Also, we have no evidence to wrap up the Franconi murder. No shortage of suspects, though.”

“You think Kamps can run deep background checks into these jokers, boss?” asked Virgil. “They can’t all be opera singers and Kamps might pick up all kinds of stuff from the dark web.”

“I’ll put him on it, Virge. If they’re invading La Grange, we have to get them out or arrest their asses and stop them in their tracks.”

“Where do we go next on Franconi’s murder?” asked Casey. “Should we bring the suspects in one by one and brace them?”

Blaine let out a long breath. “Honestly, I’m not sure that would work. If these guys do have mob connections, they won’t confess to anything readily.”

“What if we put pressure on the wives?” asked Virge. “The mob women might not be as good under pressure as their husbands.”

“Uh huh, that’s a good thought, Virge. Pressure the women and see which one of the husbands kicks up at the way his wife is being grilled.” Blaine smiled, “I like it. Make a list and get started today. We’ll bring them in for formal questioning and watch and see who lawyers up the fastest.”

“Who’s on the list, Virge?”

“Let’s start with Carla Ragazzi. We’ll take her to the sheriff’s office, grill her and lock her up.”

“Then move on to Rita Himanez. Do the same to her,” said Casey.

“Then Candice Sleman,” said Virge. “Supposedly, Carolanne Lombard didn’t know about Wayne banging Darla, but what if she secretly did?”

“We’d have to tell her,” said Casey, “and that might be the end of their marriage.”

“But what if she knew and that was the end of Fred Franconi?” asked Virge. “She was pissed at Darla and killed Fred for spite. Women think that way.”

Casey gave Virgil a look.

“There’s a point there,” said Blaine. “Which is the lesser of two evils? We might have to question her. You could start gently and see if she spits anything out.”

Casey nodded. “Yeah, if she’s totally in the dark we’ll just thank her for her time.”

Virge stood up with a big grin on his face. “I’m looking forward to today.”

Blaine chuckled. “I wish I had your enthusiasm for work, Virge.”

Mill Antiques. La Grange.

“Second day of the sale,” said Annie. “Is there any cake left, Mom?”

“Not much. Jimmy ate a lot of it on his morning break.”

Annie laughed. “He likes cake.”

“I credit the bunnies for the huge increase in customers,” said Lucy. “So many people have said how much they love the front window and how much it has increased business, not just in our store, but in the other stores all around the common.”

“Thanks to Mom for her great idea,” said Annie. “She deserves a reward.”

“For my reward,” said Grace, “I want Rafe to solve his case and then he won’t be so grumpy all the time. When he can’t figure out a case, he’s a bear to live with.”

Annie laughed. “Blaine and the boys are trying to help him.”

“Don’t you have to go to Liam’s office for some reason to do with the case?”

“You’re right, Mom. I’ll take my lunch hour early and run up there right now.”

Kavanagh Law Office. Giddings.

Annie called ahead for an appointment, and brought deli sandwiches, coleslaw and Cokes for her talk with Liam.

He hugged her when she walked into his office. “Annie, this is a nice surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure and the free lunch?”

Annie laughed. “This is about two lawyers who opened up shop on Main Street.”

“You’re referring to Lila and Dave Malvern.”

“Yes, I am. They live in the same retirement community with Rafe and Mom, and we don’t know what to think of them. Blaine thinks they may have mob connections.”

Liam took a bite of his turkey sandwich. “I’m not sure what to think of them, Annie, but what Blacky thinks carries a lot of weight with me.”

“There is definitely something going on in La Grange,” said Annie. “Blaine is uneasy.”

“When their office first opened, I walked over there and introduced myself and welcomed them to Giddings.”

“That was nice.”

“Just trying to be friendly. Most of the business people in town are like that.”

Annie nodded. “La Grange too. By and large, nice people.”

“The Malverns seem to have a narrow client base,” said Liam. “Hardly any foot traffic into their office according to my spies.” He laughed. “But as far as I know, I haven’t lost any clients to them.”

“Of course, everything about their clients and the business they operate would be confidential.”

“The only way we could confirm they’re representing the mob would be from their past cases.”

“I can find that out,” said Annie. “That’s a great point, honey. Other than being just down the street, they aren’t a threat to your practice, are they?”

“Nope. I represent the ordinary citizens. Estates, real estate, and civil matters. I’m not a criminal attorney.”

“Good. I don’t want the Malverns messing you up.”

Liam laughed. “Thanks for your concern, Annie, but I don’t think they will.”

Ragazzi Residence. Smithville.

Carla opened the door and was clearly annoyed to see Virgil and Casey standing on her doorstep. “Not again. What do you guys want this time?”

“Carla Ragazzi, you’ll have to come with us. Ranger Blackmore wants you brought to the sheriff’s office for formal questioning.”

“I demand to call my lawyer.”

“Yes, ma’am. You can call your attorney on the way to the sheriff’s office and have him meet you there, or you can call when you get to the office. Your choice.”

“I want to call my husband.”

“You may call your attorney,” said Casey.

Virgil secured Carla in the back of Casey’s truck, and she was fuming.

La Grange Fitness.

They dropped Carla off at the sheriff’s office in Giddings and left her in the hands of Deputy Gonzales while they went to pick up their next suspect.

“We’ve got more coming, Gonzales,” said Casey. “Blaine wants all the wives brought in for formal.”

“Got it. I’ll tell Rafe if he doesn’t already know.”

“Be back soon with Mrs. Himanez.”

Gonzales grinned. “She’s been here once already and it ain’t her favorite place.”

Virge was having a good time and enjoying every minute of bringing the wives in for questioning. His good mood rubbed off on Casey and they cranked up the radio and opened the windows of the truck.

Casey drove down route 77 to La Grange, parked in front of the fitness center and they went in to grab Rita Himanez.

Sleman Residence. Briarwood Estates.

“Candice Sleman is next.” Virgil placed a checkmark beside each wife they’d brought in so far. “Just her and Carolanne Lombard who also lives here in Briarwood to go.”

“Good,” said Casey. “I’m getting tired of driving the roads hauling women to the slammer.”

Virge laughed. “I can drive if we have more ass to haul.”

Casey laughed too. “Let’s get this done.”

“The Cherokee is here,” said Virge. “That fucker Sleman is home.”

“He’s retired,” said Casey. “Where’s he gonna go?”

“Don’t know but I don’t trust him. He’s shifty.” Virge rang the bell and Glen opened the door, beer in his hand.

“What’s up, guys? Haven’t you harassed me enough for one day?”

“Not quite. We’re here to take your wife in for formal questioning,” said Casey.

“What the hell for?”

“That’s between us and your wife, Sleman,” said Casey.

“Candy is in town at the grocery store. You’re out of luck. Sorry.” He started to close the door.

“What time will she be back?”

“No idea.” Sleman laughed. “You know women when they go shopping. Sometimes they fuckin’ never come back.”

“Okay,” said Casey. “We have another interview here in Briarwood and then we’ll cruise back around.”

“Sure,” said Sleman. “Doubt if she’ll be back, but you can hope.”

They jumped into the truck and Virge said, “He’s antsy about something.”

“I think he misses his job and hates retirement,” said Casey.

“That might be it,” said Virge. “What’s Candy Apple driving? I never noticed a second car.”

“Could’ve been in the garage last time we were here,” said Casey.

“Yeah, I guess. Let’s do Carolanne.”

Casey gave Virge a look.

“I mean in a questioning way.”

“I’m sure that’s what you meant, partner.” Casey chuckled.

Lombard Residence. Briarwood Estates.

Casey introduced them to Wayne Lombard’s wife Carolanne, and she invited them in with a smile on her pretty face. She seemed to be quite a bit younger than her husband, so maybe she didn’t know he was a lying, cheating, piece of shit.

Casey proceeded with caution, not wanting any broken marriages on his conscience, if he could help it. “Mrs. Lombard, we were wondering if you and Wayne had any problems in your marriage.”

She frowned at the question. “Why would you even ask me a question like that? Wayne and I are practically newlyweds.”

“Oh,” said Virge. “When did the nuptials take place?”

“Last year on Valentine’s Day.”

“Romantic,” said Virge.

“May I ask why the police are interested in me?”

“We’re interviewing everyone who knew Darla and Fred Franconi,” said Casey. “We have to be thorough in case we miss something. This is a murder investigation.”

“Yes, it is and at the funeral yesterday, I felt so bad for Darla.”

“You know her well?”

“No, not well, but she’s been at several of the same meetings Wayne and I have attended.”

“And the purpose of these meetings?”

“I was never really sure. The men seemed to have serious things to discuss, but you know men.” She laughed. “At each of the meetings, I drank wine with the other wives while the men talked business.”

“Interesting,” said Virgil. “How often do these meetings take place?”

“Not too often. About once a month, but I never kept track.”

“Wonderful talking to you, Mrs. Lombard.” Casey stood up. “You enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Thank you so much for dropping by. I’m always happy to help the police.”

Back in the truck Virge said, “Wayne has her snowed pretty good. He’s part of the good fellas club and she doesn’t know it.”

“Yeah, I think so too. She doesn’t know he was screwing around either.”

“Cross her off for now.”

“I’m tired as hell but we have to go back and brace those goddamned women at the jail in Giddings,” said Casey. “Let’s drive-thru and get a burger and a coffee.”

“I can eat.”

“Figured you could.”

Colorado River. Briarwood Estates.

After the cops paid him another visit, Glen came completely unglued. Candice was lying dead in the garage waiting for her midnight swim while the cops were in his living room asking where she was.

Made him sweat just a little bit and he prided himself on keeping his cool when the going got rough.

Closer to midnight when Briarwood Estates was sleeping like a baby, Glen pulled the Cherokee into the garage. He closed the overhead door, opened the hatch of the Jeep and lined the space with a plastic tarp.

“Come on, baby. Time to take a ride.”

He lifted Candy’s semi-stiffened body into the hatch, tucked in one of her arms and slammed the hatch shut.

“Here we go, Candy Apple. You’re on your way to your new retirement home. You’re gonna love it and I’ll have a brand-new life without you.”

Glen grinned. Couldn’t stop himself. Life without Candy would be like life without a toothache.

He slid behind the wheel of the Jeep and backed out into the street. Cruising around the curved, narrow roads that wound through the development, he was soon at the river.

Glen chose the spot at the end of the street where the trees were thick and the riverbank in that area was invisible to all the people living on River Edge Drive.

He opened the hatch and screwed up his face a little—not that he wasn’t an expert on the smell of decomp. “Candy Apple, you’re starting to stink.”

Glen lifted her out of the hatch, stood on the riverbank and tossed his wife as far as he could into the Colorado.

Has she put on weight?

One quick splash and that was it.

He watched as the current picked Candy up and took her south.

“She’ll float all the way to the Gulf, and I’ll be home free.”

Glen drove back home and packed up all of Candy’s clothes, and she had a lot of them. He found the La Grange Good Will store and left the suitcases and boxes of shoes and boots and purses outside. They’d find them when they opened up in the morning.

When the deed was done, he drove back to Briarwood Estates and sat down in his living room with a beer to celebrate his new life.

“I’m single now and I can screw around with whoever I want to. Retirement might be fun after all.”

Glen relaxed and let out a big sigh of relief as he went over his perfectly executed plan.

There’s no way the cops can connect me to Candy’s death.

“Tomorrow, I’ll tell Santorini next door that Candy left me, and he’ll spread the gossip all around Briarwood Estates and La Grange.”

The guy had a huge mouth.

Glen went to bed thinking Candy was well on her way to the Gulf. “She’s probably south of the interstate by now.”

He let out a little chuckle as he pulled the duvet up around himself. Soon he’d have someone new in his bed and he’d start a new life.

Candy Apple had other ideas.

As she floated down the Colorado River, her dead blue eyes seeing nothing but stars, she passed under the big steel bridge in La Grange and she happened to get a little too close to the riverbank.

Her long blonde tresses got tangled up in the weeds and her trip south to the Gulf of Mexico was cut short.

To be continued…

Author Notes from Carolina Mac.

A fun new Novella series – Mill Anquiqes is kind of cozy with a lot of familiar characters cropping up from previous series. Lots of suspense and surprising things happening. Some romance to make it fun. Coming at you in short episodes that I can keep up with. I hope you enjoy it.

Carolina Mac is the author of over two hundred and twenty-five books in seventeen different series. The Regulators, Quantrall PI, The Blackmore Agency, The Night Vipers, The Creed, The Agency: Young Guns, Paradise Park, Broken Spur, The Moonbeam Chronicles, Taming the Stallion and the Rebel Ranch series.

Also, seven Novella series: Heaven’s Gate, Midlife Magic, Suddenly Magic, The Sabbats, Boots & Saddles Updates, Mill Antiques and Lukas Donovan Undercover.  

She’s the co-author with her daughter JL Madore/Auburn Tempest of Misty’s Magick and Mayhem series. Translated into German. And the new Dark Irish Mafia Romance series.

She’s the co-author with her son David K. MacDowell/D.K. Mac of the True Colors political thriller series. Fourteen books in all.

Also by Carolina Mac

Regulator Biker Series (12 Book Series)

Q-File P.I. Series (15 Book Series)

The Blackmore Agency Series (30 Book Series)

Night Viper Series (15 Book Series)

The Creed (16 Book Series)

The Agency: Young Guns (15 Book Series)

Taming the Stallion (12 Book Series)

Rebel Ranch (3 Book Series)

True Colors (13 Book Series)

The Moonbeam Chronicles (26 Book Series)

Paradise Park Series (13 Book Series)

Misty’s Magick & Mayhem Series (11 Book Series)

Mystere LeJeune: The Sabbats (4 Book Series)

Heaven’s Gate Romance Novella Series (3 Book Series)

Broken Spur Series (4 Book Series)

Midlife Magic Series (6 Book Series)