Southern Fried Son of a Gun (A Willow Crier Cozy Mystery Book 4) (Willow Crier Cozy Mysteries) Read online

  Her eyes filled with fresh moisture.

  “You don’t understand. I think my grandpa did it.”

  Chapter 3

  Before Willow could ask why Jordina thought her grandfather killed Clancy, he reappeared and Jordina ran into his embrace. Guess that’ll wait. The police officer called her name and she looked up, questioningly. “Oh, yeah. Right.” She grabbed her purse and followed him into the makeshift interrogation room, Clancy’s office.

  She sat down where he indicated and she waited. The questioning was really a formality. There was video feed of her and Embry being in the lanes the entire time leading up to the time of the murder. Mainly, the detective just wanted to know if she’d heard or seen anything that might help them find out what happened.

  “The only strange thing that happened was when the lights flickered on and off a few minutes before our time on the range ended.” She glanced at her watch. “That would have been around 3:45, 3:50.”

  The detective asked, “Did you see anyone suspicious? Anyone lurking about?”

  “Suspicious? No. Lurking? Yes. The maintenance man gives me the creeps. But that doesn’t mean he killed Clancy. I just always catch him staring. It’s probably nothing.”

  The police officer jotted down his notes and thanked her. Embry was questioned before Jordina, so she was waiting for Willow in the hallway. Willow pulled her aside. “Let’s go back in by the potluck. I want to try and catch up on some gossip.” Her stomach growled. “Besides, I’m still hungry.”

  Little groups of whisperers were standing all around the room. Willow and Embry went straight for the buffet. She was glad to see Abel and Jordina already sitting down eating. He even had a piece of Clancy’s chicken.

  Willow’s former plate disappeared so she made a new one then sat down next to Abel. Embry sat across from her, next to Jordina.

  “This is delicious. You’re right. Wow. Even after sitting.”

  Abel wiped his mouth. “Especially after sitting. That’s why it does so well in contests. Some chicken goes a little limp. But Clancy’s, well, his gets even better tasting. I guess this will have to do me.” He took another bite.

  The four were quiet, each one busy eating. Being interrogated for a murder made a person hungry. Perhaps it was knowing Clancy would never eat again. Perhaps it was because all four knew they would never again have his chicken. Whatever the reason, all four cleaned their plates.

  Willow pushed back first. She noticed even Jordina ate well. She would have guessed the girl ate like a bird as thin as she was. But, she had a healthy appetite. Must be a high metabolism. What I wouldn’t give for one of those! She wiped her hands on her napkin. She would have loved to get Jordina alone. She wanted to know what the girl meant about her grandfather being guilty. But, an opportunity never arose. Abel stood and after throwing his trash away, he told both Willow and Embry he would see them at the funeral. Jordina kept her eyes downcast as she followed after her grandfather.

  After watching them walk through the door, Birdie stepped up beside Willow.

  “Did you try a piece of Clancy’s chicken? I think it might be the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted.”

  Birdie scrunched her eyebrows. “I’ve had better.”

  Chapter 4

  “Hey, what happened?”

  Willow turned toward the voice that always put a smile on her face no matter what mess she found herself in. “Hi.” She leaned forward and allowed herself to be hugged. “Clancy is dead.”

  Steve pulled back so he could see her expression. “Tell me what happened.”

  She went through the story again, for Steve’s benefit. She talked, he ate while he listened.

  “So, I take it his death wasn’t natural causes?”

  “You’d be guessing correct. He was electrocuted.”

  He pushed his plate away. “I want to see the crime scene.”

  She stood up. “Come on, I’ll show you.”

  The area was cordoned off so Steve showed his badge and was allowed in. Willow wasn’t given the same respect, which totally drove her crazy. She had to stay behind the yellow tape.

  Willow pushed against the tape nearly to the point of snapping. The officer stood in front her, warning her with his eyes. She watched Steve’s mouth move. “What did you say?” She yelled to Steve. He said something but she couldn’t hear a word of it. She addressed the officer. “Could you go ask him what he said? I can’t hear him.”

  He shook his head in disbelief and walked to the other side of the large circle.

  Steve waved her off and continued walking around the site, talking to himself then to the police officer who was making sure the scene remained uncontaminated. Willow had tried to reason with him—she was the one who found the body, well, the second really but she failed to bring up that little bit of information. It didn’t matter, she wasn’t allowed in regardless.

  Willow leaned in again, trying not to get irritated at the obvious lack of respect being shown her. She’d solved three previous murders. Did that not count for anything?” Suddenly the tape snapped and Willow quickly turned her back, hoping the police officer didn’t notice it was her doing.

  After what seemed like forever, Steve made his way back across the now defunct tape.

  “What did you find?”

  “There are two sets of footprints. Someone was with him. It had to have been someone he trusted, someone who knew he went out back to smoke.”

  “That could have been anyone in the building, as well as half the town.”

  “Well, whoever it was knew enough to plan ahead. The wires had been stripped down, buried with the bare ends exposed, and ready for the murderer to use them whenever he had a chance.”

  “Or she.” Willow corrected.

  “Yes, or she. Someone would have to have a fairly good grasp of electricity and how currents work.”

  “That rules me out. Sometimes I plug my hair dryer in really fast, just in case. Especially when there’s a little bit of water on the counter.” She shuddered. “What a horrible way to go.”

  “It wouldn’t have been pleasant, that’s for sure.”

  “Doesn’t Clancy have surveillance cameras?”

  “Just for the inside and the front and side parking lots. Since there isn’t a door back here, he wasn’t concerned about the back of the building or the other side. I guess he should have been.”

  “Will the angle of the camera show anyone slipping around the corner?”

  “The police have already collected the tapes and are going to go through them. Clancy had a one week loop. If our guy, or gal, prepped a week and a day ago or they knew the camera’s blind spots, they won’t be on film. But, if the killer actually knew that bit of information, and planned for it, then it’s someone familiar with how the range is run.”

  Willow nodded her head. “Very true. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” She followed Steve as he led her back around to the front of the building. Their relationship was easier, less complicated before that kiss. She smiled to herself. But, that kiss was amazing!

  “What you thinking about?”

  Willow’s face turned redder than the Oklahoma dirt. “Um, nothing.”

  “Mom! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

  Willow could have kissed her daughter. “You were busy talking to Jason. I didn’t think you’d notice I was missing.”

  Embry glanced at her watch. “I’ve gotta go. With everything going on, I totally spaced out meeting up with Marshall.” She smirked. “And since you forced me here, in your car, I have no choice but to have you take me home to get mine.” She shrugged in the direction of Steve.

  “Hey, why don’t you take your mom’s Jeep and we’ll swing by later to get it.” He looked at Willow. “If that’s OK with you?”

  “Sure. Why not?” She wiped the sweat dripping from her brow. “I don’t care as long as I get into some air conditioning, and soon!” She handed Embry her car keys. “Just leave them on your kitchen table.
” As she watched Embry leave she asked, “When are we going to get some cooler weather?”

  “It’s only the beginning of September. We won’t see cooler temps for at least a month, if not longer.”

  “Let me get my stuff then we can be off.”

  Steve helped her carry her dishes and cooler to his truck. “Want to go on a field trip?”

  She didn’t have to even stop to think. “I’m game. Where to?”

  “I never told you how I know Clancy, did I?”

  She shook her head.

  He smiled. “You’re about to find out.”

  Chapter 5

  Steve pulled up in front of a pretty simple looking cabin and turned off the engine. “My family has owned this place for years. We all use it when we have time. It backs up to the lake and reminds us of our childhood. My grandparents bought it when my dad was about 10 years old. We have a pontoon boat and a pier. Makes for some great lazy days.”

  Willow stepped out of the truck, carefully. She hated snakes. Couldn’t stand them. Shortly after moving to her place she had Embry drive her Jeep around the property and she used Gramp’s old shotgun and shot anything that looked like it moved. That was the second time she encountered the gentleman sheriff who now held her heart. Turned out the place she inherited was in the city limits. And shooting was pretty much frowned upon. Looked like country to her.

  She followed in Steve’s footsteps. She had worn tennis shoes. When she traipsed around her own place she took the dog with her and she wore boots— protective boots. She shuddered thinking about the slithering beady-eyed beasts that might be lurking in the overgrown grass she was walking through. “Don’t you believe in mowers?”

  “Sorry, haven’t had time.”

  “Can you walk any faster?”

  Steve shot her a glance over his shoulder. “Are you in a hurry?”

  She didn’t want to sound like a scared little girl so she thought she’d use the excuse that always worked. “Gotta go, if you know what I mean.”

  Steve grinned. “Oh, well, then you best head around to the back of the cabin. We never got around to putting in a bathroom. We still use the old outhouse.”

  Willow stopped in her tracks. “What?”

  “Yeah, we wanted to keep the cabin rustic. It reminds us of what our ancestors had to put up with. Gives us perspective.”

  “I’ll hold it.”

  “Are you sure? It’s right around back.” He chuckled.

  Willow grimaced. These days even the mention of a bathroom made her have to go. What was I thinking? “No, it’s okay. I’m good.”

  He unlocked the front door and held it open for her. The inside was of simple construction, but it was absolutely beautiful. A huge stone fireplace filled one wall and there was an up-to-date kitchen, all open living with gleaming wood beams, wood floors, and plank walls. She could hardly believe this place didn’t have an inside toilet. “It is a lot bigger than it looks.” She eyed him suspiciously. “And not quite as rustic as I was led to believe.”

  He laughed. “OK. So, it’s all up-to-date, including the bathroom.” He pointed toward a hallway. In fact, there are two bathrooms. Take your pick. And you won’t find a single snake to avoid.” He looked out the large glass window into the back yard. “But hurry up. I have something I need to show you.”

  “Ugh!” She scampered down the hallway and located a bathroom.

  A few minutes later, she found Steve in the backyard sitting on a pier and an empty chair next to him obviously intended for her. “You want to show me the lake?”

  “As beautiful as it is, no. See the cabin directly across from us?”

  She peered across the small lake. “Yes.”

  “That cabin is where Clancy lived, full time. Not just weekends.” He patted the chair. “Sit. It’s almost show time. I’ll be right back.”

  Willow sat down as Steve stood. She watched his retreating backside then turned toward the lake.

  He returned with tall glasses of iced tea and a package of store bought cookies. “Sorry, I know they’re not homemade, but, it’s all I’ve got.”

  She plopped half a chocolate covered graham cracker in her mouth and mumbled. “My favorite store bought cookies of all time!” A few crumbs fell out and she pushed them back in and grinned.

  Steve lifted his binoculars. “Here we go. I was kind of surprised we beat him here. He left a good half hour before we did.”

  He handed them to her in time for her to see Abel White picking the lock to the Clancy’s cabin. “Oh…he had to take his granddaughter home first. But, how did you know he’d show up?”

  “Human nature.” He lifted his camera with a long lens attached and began taking pictures.

  How did I miss that? Had to be when I was watching out for those darn snakes! She started to rise.

  “Where are you going? Back to the bathroom?”

  “No, I figured you caught the culprit. His own granddaughter thinks he’s guilty.”

  He glanced at her sideways. “We’re not done yet. In fact, I’d bet we’re far from it.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “You think there’ll be more visitors?”

  He nodded and added, “Yep. I’d say several.” He lowered his camera as Abel made his way into the house. “Remember, I know this man. I know some of his secrets. He’s a good guy, but he hasn’t always been. I believe a few people today will be trying to protect their secrets and one will be trying to hide the fact they are a murderer. We must take note of everyone who enters the house. From there, we work out who is who.”

  Steve looked at his watch. “If he doesn’t hurry, there is going to be an overlap.”

  Willow was incredulous. “Shouldn’t you do something about this?”

  “Well, I suppose I could. Except I won’t. First, I have no jurisdiction. Second, how would we then know who our primary suspects are? Third, I thought you’d enjoy this. And fourth, you don’t think I didn’t clear this with OKC PD do you? Why do you think they’re taking their sweet time showing up to the house?”

  She laughed. “I should have known and yes, you’re right. I am enjoying this.” She lifted the binoculars and scanned the road beyond Clancy’s cabin and gasped with her air intake. “I don’t believe it. No way.”

  “What do you see?” Steve reached for the binoculars and she leaned out of his reach.

  “It’s Birdie. I’m sure that’s her Scion. But, what is she doing here?”

  “Oh, Abel’s gonna be caught red handed if he doesn’t get out of there soon.”

  “Nope. She slowed down but passed the driveway. She must have seen his car.”

  “I wonder if she knows who the car belongs to.”

  “I don’t think she’s gonna have a problem with that. She parked a little ways down and is now on foot. I think she’s gonna spy on him. At least that’s what I’d do.” She looked at Steve. “That woman must be crazy. She’s trying to hide behind a tree wearing bright yellow. Who does that?”

  He shrugged then attempted to find her through his long range lens. He gave up on getting the binoculars back.

  Willow heard the click of his camera. “You found her, then?”

  “The yellow in the middle of all that green and brown kind of gave her away. But what is she doing?”

  Willow focused back in on Birdie. She was hopping around like a disoriented bunny. Arms were flailing and she was jumping in circles. “I have no idea.” She shook her head and continued watching the spectacle.

  “She might be on drugs.”

  She laughed. “You think?” She turned slightly toward the house. “Clancy just hurried out the front door without bothering to lock it. Birdie will be happy, if she even notices him leaving.” Willow watched the crazy woman. “She just ran into the lake, clothes and all.”

  “I’m glad she didn’t strip. Goodness. That would have given all the old coots around the lake watching the yellow bunny a show.”

  “She’s done with her afternoon swim, now she’s walkin
g toward the house. She went in without bothering to dry off. I guess she doesn’t care she’s tracking water all over the place.”

  Steve was clicking away on his camera. “This is better than I thought it would be.” He rested his camera, but she exited just a couple of minutes later, obviously in hurry to get out of there so he took a few more shots. Not only that, she didn’t cut back through the woods to her car. This time she took the driveway and ran down the road.

  “Huh. That is one odd woman.”

  For the next half hour all was quiet. It seemed as if their afternoon of spying was over when a red sports car pulled in the drive way.

  Willow would never have guessed that Jordina would have any reason whatsoever to show up at Clancy’s place. “I know she didn’t murder him. She’s certain her grandfather did.”

  Steve quit taking pictures. “And when were you going to tell me this?”

  “Oh. I didn’t did I? I thought I had.” She nodded her head. “I swear I’m going senile. Seriously. I forget everything.” She told him what Jordina had said.

  “Are you basing your opinion of Ms. Jordina on her performance today at the questioning? Some people are very good actresses. And they are pretty good at playing a part.”

  “I guess I hadn’t thought of that.”

  Before dark, Clancy’s cabin had two more visitors. Jason, Clancy’s part-timer, and Garth, the maintenance man. Steve made a quick phone call and let the police know who had been visiting, then he and Willow packed up. He opened the front door and locked it, then scooped her up and carried her to the truck. “You really think I’m going to let you get bit by a snake? Never.” He deposited her in the front seat. “Besides, I know the damage you can do with a shotgun. You think I want my truck window shot out again?”

  “You remember that?”

  “How could I forget?” He bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips. The fireflies were dancing in the darkness. The stars filled the clear sky and the moon was so close you could almost reach up and touch it. Of course, Willow didn’t notice a thing.

  Chapter 6