Page 45 of Macaron Massacre
“The mob isn’t stupid.” She looks to Griffin, and he nods as if they were suddenly talking about something entirely different—like a mob hit that recently got declined perhaps? “They let the guys win once in a while. You got to throw a dog a bone every now and again or he won’t come back.”
Everett gives my hand a squeeze. I know what he’s thinking. My mother mentioned that Rich came into some money right before he died. Alotof money. Perhaps so much money that whoever owed it to him didn’t really want him to collect. I think I’m seeing the light now.
I offer an amicable smile to Dawn and Griffin. “Thank you both for your time. I really appreciate you speaking with us.”
“Don’t go so soon.” Griffin reaches back and plucks a couple of pool sticks off the wall and tosses them our way. “Let’s have some fun, now that the old man has bit the big one. Here’s to the Grim Reaper finally getting it right.” He tosses a stick to Bear, too. “I’m kicking your hiney first.”
We stay for hours, kicking each other’s hineys—girls against guys.
Keelie, Dawn, and I kick the rock-hard hineys pitted against us all the way to the curb, and we have a darn good time doing it, too.
By the time Everett and I get back to Honey Hollow, back to Country Cottage Road, we’re still high on life, our spirits buoyed due to the fact we actually managed to let loose for once in that lewd lusty town we’ve burrowed ourselves into one too many times.
“Hop in for a nightcap?” Everett hitches his thumb toward his house, and I follow him up to the porch.
“What’s this?” I bend over and pick up a bouquet of roses lying on his doormat. “How very romantic. It looks like someone has a secret admirer,” I tease just as that mystery woman comes to mind, and my stomach sours as I examine the dark flowers. “Wait a minute.” I hold them under the light. “Oh my God, Everett. They’re black.”
Everett and I stare down at the long-stemmed nightmares as if they had morphed into vipers.
Someone is sending Everett a message, one that very well could be deadly.
And that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.
Nell’s words come back to haunt me. Someone’s future is about to be altered in a significant way. And now I wonder if that was a nice way of saying Everett would soon be dead.
Chapter 16
All week I’ve been on edge. All week I’ve been on guard. All week I’ve thought about the gun in my bedroom.
Everett didn’t want to make a big deal about the roses, but I took a picture of them and sent it to Noah. Of course, Noah teased me for making a death threat of my own, but once I explained things to him, he too became worried for Everett. And I’d be a liar if I didn’t say that little bit of post-brotherly affection warmed my heart.
It’s the afternoon of Rich Dallas’ funeral. The sky is blue, the birds are chirping, and there’s a killer out there who thinks they’ve gotten away with murder.
It’s not fair that a great man like Rich is dead. Okay, so he wasn’t all that great, but who’s perfect? He certainly didn’t deserve to get brutally stabbed in the back. He deserves justice. And I’m going to make sure he gets it.
Everett and I just arrived to Honey Hollow Covenant Church. Everett is dressed to kill—pardon the pun—in an inky dark suit, metallic black tie, and his scruff is just the right length for it to be soft to the touch. He’s so painfully handsome, already three different mourners have craned their neck in his direction and he’s hardly gotten out of the car.
The parking lot is pretty full, which I wasn’t expecting. But I suppose Rich had lots of acquaintances and, of course, his family. Noah said that he and Ivy would meet up with us in Carlson Hall after the funeral. Together, they’ve routinely made the rounds after a victim’s funeral, and every now and again we glean something new that can help with the investigation. I’m praying that happens today. The closer we get to Lainey’s wedding, the more determined I become.
The church is a soft yellow building with wood and stone accents. And just outside the entry there’s a large picture of Rich beaming his signature scowl at those kind enough to pay their respects.
Mom stands at the door greeting those who enter, along with a tall man about her age, dark hair, half-moons for eyes, and a smile that looks appropriately friendly.
“Lottie, Everett, this is Pastor Gaines. He’s new to the church. Not only is he taking care of Rich’s funeral, but he’ll be presiding over Lainey’s wedding. Isn’t that exciting?”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” I say, shaking his hand, and he politely shakes with Everett, too.
Pastor Gaines looks back my way. “I look forward to your sister’s wedding.”
Everett nods. “Are you new in town?”
“I’m from Nevada originally. My aunt lives not too far from Honey Hollow, and I was lucky enough to acquire the position here.”
“Welcome to town,” I say as my mother edges in closer to him by the minute. That silly grin she gets whenever she thinks there’s a cute boy in the room has completely taken over, and I frown at her, hoping that’s enough of a hint for her to knock it off.
“Oh”—Mom latches onto my arm—“before I forget, we’re holding Mayor Nash’s victory party at Honey Lake this Wednesday, day right after the election—a little preemptive thinking on my part.” She gives a sly wink. “I promised Mayor Nash you’d furnish some sweet treats. Of course, the city is willing to pay for it.” She turns to Pastor Gaines. “Nobody bakes like my Lottie. She owns the Cutie Pie Bakery and Cakery. Just wait until you try her cookies. You’ll never buy store bought again.”
He hums a gentle laugh. “I’m sure I’ll love them. In fact, I’ll be sure to stop by some time soon.”