After leaving half my sandwich uneaten, I grabbed my latte and headed for the parking lot.
I then proceeded to sit in my car, boil in my own sweat while the air conditioning slowly cooled the superheated air inside, and hate on the Texas heat.
I missed Fairmont’s comforting presence. Which was selfish. He’d already had a big day and was likely snoozing on my bed, dead-bug style, all four legs straight in the air while he snored like a congested old man.
Why were humans so terrible?
Why was I fixated on Will Weller’s reported nastiness and not Julian Moser’s obvious love?
Easy answer: because Julian’s love hadn’t triumphed. Whoever had killed Mariah aside, she died without making the break from her husband, even though a better life had been waiting for her.
If I believed Julian.
Did I?
I turned the vent to blow in my face and contemplated his words, gestures, actions, demeanor. Yes, I believed him. About all of it. Julian’s love, Will’s bad behavior, Mariah’s inability to escape despite her desire to.
Why did the people closest to us hurt us the most?
Why were humans so terrible?
I sat in my Grand Cherokee, the air conditioning blasting on high and pointed straight at my face, and I reminded myself of all the beautiful, generous, kind, and loving people in my life.
It took a moment. There were a lot.
When I was no longer a car accident waiting to happen, no longer twisted up with sadness and anger and disgust, I put my car in drive.
I’d call Luke when I got home. A few more minutes of calm would do me good. I didn’t especially want to break down into a puddle of tears when I recounted the meeting I’d just had.
The sadness of this case was getting to me. I’d agreed to help sort out a little jam scandal, but the SGG’s latest project had taken a turn that was more than deadly. It was tragic.
I was so very lucky to have found a second chance at love with a good man who wanted all the best for me. We were moving slowly, but that pace suited me just fine.
By the time I pulled into my driveway, I was more settled. Even so, as I walked through the door and then into my bedroom, I had the strongest urge to fall into bed next to the snoozy spotted dog who blinked sleepily up at me.
I reached deep and found the will to say no just as I received a text message from Eric Milson.
It was an invitation to lunch tomorrow, sent to all of the judges and the Sage County Chamber of Commerce. He wanted to discuss a suitable time to reschedule the contest. Contestants had already been informed that their entries would be properly stored and judged at a future, as yet to be determined, time.
The ticking clock was silenced. Eric had salvaged the contest, the signing bonus and profit-sharing contract, as well as the opportunity for a local economy boost from the new jam’s PR. I wasn’t sure how he’d convinced his bosses since the festival had been part of his pitch, but I was thankful that the opportunity he’d created was staying in Sage County.
One problem solved.
Relief washed through me.
I sank onto the bed and cuddled the best dog ever and let my mind drift for just a second. As my eyes grew heavy, I promised myself I’d call Luke and the SGG…in just a minute.
* * *
The persistent ring of my phone startled me awake.
I’d intended a quick snooze but had obviously slept deeper and longer than I’d intended.
As soon as I’d promised Luke to keep my phone near me and charged, I’d also increased the ring volume. If I hadn’t, I might not have heard it from its current location in the living room.
Fairmont pressed closer against my middle, and I realized he’d curled into my arms. I was literally cuddling him like a child might her teddy bear. Usually he just snuggled up to my back or along my outstretched legs.
I kissed his head. “You are such a good boy. Could you tell I needed some extra cuddles?”
He read my moods better than any human I’d ever known. It was uncanny. Maybe all dogs were like that? But I suspected not. My guess was that it was just one more way that he was special.
The phone had stopped ringing, but I needed to see who’d called. I was due a check-in with the SGG and I needed to give Luke a call and tell him about my meeting with Julian.
I inched carefully away from Fairmont, just in case he wasn’t done sleeping, but the moment my feet hit the ground, he was up and stretching. And as I walked into the living room to retrieve my phone, he was on my heels.
He probably needed a potty break.
My phone started to ring again before I reached it, but this time I answered before it rolled to voicemail.
“Luke, how are you?” Always a good question to ask, but especially when he was on an intense case.
“Good, especially considering you’re stepping out on me.” There was the distinct sound of humor in his voice.
“Good grief. It was coffee in a public place.”
“With an attractive man, so the gossips say. And I hear there was food involved.”
As I walked into the kitchen to let Fairmont out the back door, I thought back to the handful of patrons who’d been present. No one in particular came to mind. I assumed they’d all been tourists or weekenders. “Who ratted me out?”
“Dave.”
“Zapata? I’d swear he wasn’t there.” But then I realized that I’d vastly underestimated the mechanism by which gossip flowed in White Sage. “His mama is friends with someone who was there.”
“Exactly right. I’m really calling because Julian Moser wasn’t on my radar to interview.”
“Right. Sorry. I planned to follow up with you. I actually told him I would. But then I heard from Eric that the contest is going forward, just at a later date, and with everything that’s happened today—”
“You took a nap.”
“Hey, don’t sound so judgey there, mister. It’s been a big day and not in the good ways.”
“No judgment. That was one hundred percent envy you heard.” His voice lowered. “Wish I could have joined you.”
I’d have thought he was getting flirty, but I knew he meant that literally. Luke never got enough sleep when he was working a big case, and he was starting this one with a deficit. He’d been pushing a little harder this week to make sure he made our date this afternoon. He had a lot on his plate as sheriff and then there was the remodel, too.
“You’re welcome to sleep here tonight.” I knew as I offered he wouldn’t accept. He rarely did and almost never in the middle of a murder investigation. If he was called in the middle of the night and had to leave, I’d be up and stay up because I’d be worried about him.
“No, but thanks for the offer.”
For some reason, I couldn’t seem to convince him that I could handle it. Yes, I was cranky when I didn’t get good or sufficient sleep, but I could sleep in. Take a nap, since clearly I had no difficulties sleeping during the day. And yes, I’d worry. Of course, I’d worry. But I was dating the whole man, not just the off-hours parts of him.
“The offer stands. Any time.” I opened the back door to let Fairmont back in. He was already panting from his short stint outside, but that could be the heat or a run-in with a squirrel who’d needed chasing.
“Thanks, hon. Now tell me about Julian.”
I sighed. “It’s all pretty terrible.”
“I’m listening.”
So I told him everything. How Julian and Mariah met, how the contest played into their relationship, how Julian had wanted more and been willing to move away for her, how she’d been unable to trust in his love and take that last step.
“He’s completely grief-struck. Have you spoken with Mariah’s husband? Julian seemed certain he didn’t know about the affair. I’m inclined to agree since it hasn’t hit the regular gossip channels. But I suppose there’s always the chance.”
“Hmm.”
“Sorry. I know you can’t talk about an open investigation.” And I usually didn’t ask, but Mariah’s death and Julian’s grief were having an effect on me.
“No, I can’t.” Regret filled his voice. “But thank you for the information. It fills in some gaps.”
There were gaps? That implied that Luke was working with some sort of narrative. And that meant they’d made progress. That was good news. And with the SGG no longer facing a ticking clock, and the contest’s fate determined, I should have a chat with them about stepping back and waiting for Luke and his men to do their jobs.
“Honestly, Luke, my heart breaks for this woman. She lived like a mouse but seemed to have wanted more. And her husband sounds like a piece of work.”
He didn’t argue that I’d only had a limited look into her life or even point out that what I did know had been provided by a single, biased source. Both comments I expected because both were true.
There was an interesting lack of inflection in his tone when instead, he said, “Are you planning to speak with Will?”
“Oh, no. I’m going to chat with the SGG ladies when I get off the phone with you and see if I can call them off. We started out trying to solve the jam content puzzle, and we did that. We know why a mediocre entry won five years running.”
“Good job, by the way.”
“Thanks. I didn’t exactly get the logistics. Julian wasn’t in any state to explain his sabotage methodology. But he confessed without hesitation to stacking the deck in Mariah’s favor.”
“Wouldn’t have been hard for him. Stored in excessive heat, salt or some sort of harmless flavoring added to the top contenders. There are all sorts of choices if you’re the one controlling the processing, storing, and displaying of the entries.” He paused, then said, “But more importantly, you solved the puzzle. Sounds like you’re due a champagne celebration with the SGG ladies.”
“You’re right, and that’s an excellent idea. I’m stashing some bubbly in the fridge right now.” As I found a spot in the back for the sparkling wine I’d retrieved, I said, “I was thinking about heading to the festival this afternoon, now that I’ve had a nap and the question of the jam contest has been solved.”
“Oh?” One word, and still I could hear the hesitation in his voice.
“I wanted to stop by and thank Ryan for his help this morning. And I’d love to do a little shopping, support the local economy and all that.” Which was code for: I loved lavender and wanted to buy all the lavender things. But then I realized… “Oh, gosh, Luke. Do you want to go together? I didn’t think you’d have time.”
“No. You’re right. I won’t have time this weekend. I’m sorry for that.”
“Not at all. You’ve got a murder investigation to run. I get it. And I bet that Helen would love to go with me. But even if the heat’s too much for her, I’m game to go alone.”
There was silence on the line, and for a second, I thought I’d lost the connection. But then he said, “I hate that I can’t take you.”
I couldn’t help a smile. “I know you do. Which is sweet but unnecessary.”
“Right.” He cleared his throat. “I should get back to it. Will you drop me a text when you’re home again?”
I agreed I would and also agreed to a dinner date at some indefinite time in the hopefully near future, when he’d either put this case to bed or all the leads had run cold and the investigation slowed down.
Much as I hated the idea of Luke not finding the killer immediately, it was always a possibility. He was good at his job, and he’d persist. He’d also have the SGG’s help should the investigation stall out. But I knew there was at least one murder he hadn’t solved since he’d become sheriff. It happened.
On that depressing note, I made a last-minute decision to invite the ladies over for another meeting rather than calling everyone. It was around three o’clock, so I still had a few hours of festival time left. As long as I got there by five, I’d be able to visit the vendors I’d scouted and have a chat with Ryan.
I suspected a face-to-face meeting with the SGG would be necessary to convince them that we’d completed our mission successfully even though we hadn’t been in mortal danger, confronted a killer, or solved the murder.
Whoever said people got more risk averse as they aged had never met the ladies of the SGG.
As a deal sweetener, I’d offer up that champagne in the fridge. A celebratory toast always inspired the gang.
I called Helen, who would call Vanessa, who would call Georgie. Unless Vanessa and Georgie both happened to be at Georgie’s house, just a few doors down from my house.
Twenty minutes later, everyone was assembled in the living room, a glass of champagne in hand.
Fairmont was fascinated by the change. We usually met in the kitchen, but we also usually had pie and coffee. After watching us mill around, he decided that snuggling with Vanessa, the lone person who’d taken a seat, was his best option.
“To discovering the reason for Mariah’s five-year winning streak.” I lifted my glass.
“Nope,” Helen said. “I’m not lifting my glass until I know the story. All you’ve said is that the person who fixed the contest isn’t the killer. I want the whole story.” She narrowed her eyes. “And we all know the fixer is Julian Moser. Has to be. He’s the only one you’ve talked to today.”
I’d been hoping for a little sparkling wine to dull the effects of my proposal, the one where I asked them to drop the murder investigation.
“Yes, but there’s a story. You won’t be upset with him.”
“Won’t I?” Helen didn’t like cheats.
But she was also a romantic, and while this story had no happy ending, I think she’d agree that Julian had done what he had out of love.
“One sip, and I’ll tell you everything.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine.” She lifted her glass. “To solving the question of the five-year winning streak.”
“Cheers,” Georgie called out happily.
“Cheers,” Vanessa said, before downing about half the glass. She blinked innocently at me. “I’m only taking over-the-counter pain meds as needed for the knee. Don’t shame an old lady for liking her bubbly.” Then she burped, politely, with her hand over her mouth.
That was just the mood lightener I needed.
“I love you ladies. To the SGG!” I took my second sip.
Then I spilled all the tea. About Julian and Mariah and their love.
Georgie was dabbing her eyes by the end.
Even Helen agreed that Julian’s actions came from a good place. “But he should have helped her succeed rather than cheating for her.”
Vanessa’s response was much more practical. “The prizes make a lot more sense now. The massages and mani-pedis and such. All things he wanted her to have because he cared about her.”
“Oh, yes.” Georgie nodded enthusiastically. “Will Weller is cheap as all get out. If he was that controlling, he wouldn’t have allowed her to waste money on ‘frivolous’ expenditures.”
She even used air quotes. Georgie had recently discovered the power of a good makeover. She was convinced that every woman needed the occasional pampering of a spa pedicure (she wasn’t wrong) and that pink highlights would make anyone happier (I was less convinced of that, though they suited her).
“Enough of this contest nonsense,” Helen said when she’d finished her last sip of champagne. “Who’s the murderer? And don’t tell me you don’t know. Luke has to have some idea.”
“I don’t know.” I paused, steeling myself for the objection to come. “But I think we should leave him to it.”
Helen blinked, but she didn’t immediately oppose the idea.
Georgie sighed. “I was just getting to the good parts of Mariah’s background, but we do have another book to start.”
Vanessa was more of a stickler for their deadlines than Georgie, so I expected her to agree.
But before Vanessa could voice an opinion, Helen said, “I think you’re right this time.”
I studied her with all the suspicion that comment deserved. Helen wasn’t a quitter.
“Don’t look at me that way. I heard rumblings. Nothing definitive because Luke is keeping it wrapped up tight, but I think her death was especially violent. And we’ve all had our share of run-ins with killers.” Helen nodded once, decisively. “Let’s leave Luke to it. He’s slow, but he’s a good sheriff and a good detective. He’ll be careful, and he’ll get the guy.”
Pigs were flying. Right now. Through White Sage, over the festival, and finishing with a circle around my house.
Before she could change her mind, I said, “I do have another project that might interest you. Have you met Ryan Bunderson? He owns a lavender farm and has a booth at the festival.”
“That’s the one with all the muscles, right?” Helen didn’t mind muscles. “Looks like a lumberjack.” She wrinkled her nose. She was not a fan of beards, claiming they were pretentious in such a warm climate.
I didn’t quite follow her reasoning on that, but everyone was entitled to an opinion, even of beards.
“You say he looks like a lumberjack. I say he looks like a former military man who now runs a lavender farm.” Which is what he actually was. And besides, there was no flannel anywhere near him. It was June in Texas.
“Hmm. I didn’t know he was former military. What about him?”
“If you’ll go to the festival with me, you can help find a blind date for him. I get one shot, so we have to make the best of it.”
“Oh!” Georgie bounced in her seat. “I want to go and matchmake a Ryan Bunderson who’s not lumberjack but has lots of muscles.”
I was a little shocked but also pleased. Georgie was usually a homebody. I blamed the change on the investigating and the pink hair. She was coming out of her shell.
“Vanessa?” I asked. “Are you in, too?”
She gave her knee a hard look. “No. Better not. I think I’ll be back to cane-free walking next month, but I need to take it slow. Y’all go and have a good time playing matchmaker.”
Which was exactly what we did. I’d stuck to a half glass of bubbly, unlike Helen and Georgie, so I drove.
Fairmont gave us sad eyes as we all left, and I wished for a short, cool summer. I preferred to take him with us whenever possible, and Texas heat just didn’t make it possible in the summer.
We bought lavender goodies of all varieties, and then we stopped at Ryan’s tent to quiz him on his dating preferences.
Many a man would be overwhelmed by three older women taking a deep dive into their personal business, but not Ryan. He grinned and told us that yes, he did indeed like intelligent women. Hair color wasn’t a hang-up, nor was height. A similar sense of humor was important, as was a willingness to date an entrepreneurial farmer. I interpreted that to mean someone who spent a lot of time outdoors and didn’t have much free time. He finally told us that if we thought highly of the woman, he’d make time for a dinner date, no questions asked.
He was such a good sport. Even more importantly, we all needed a project that brought us some joy. He was giving us that gift.
I went home with a slightly lighter heart…and also a good idea of who I wanted to set him up with. I knew a single lawyer who was newish in town and had a heart of gold. She was also pretty as a picture and not currently dating. In fact, she’d bemoaned the opportunities for meeting eligible men in such a small town.
I went to bed early with a smile on my face as I plotted the best way to introduce Samantha and Ryan.