“Yes, I do believe it would. I’ll call the newspaper and see if they’ll run this in tomorrow’s edition. And Stu down at the radio station might make an announcement for us on his radio program.”
Willow smiled. This was the first time all week she had seen Molly with a smile on her face. She was happy she could be a part of that. She was such a sweet woman. Willow wondered how old she was. She has to be at least 50.
Molly stood to go and gave Willow a hug. “Sugar, I got to thank you! It has been a long time since anyone has done something this nice for me. I’m ever so grateful.”
“You’re welcome, Molly. It really is my pleasure.”
Molly left with a little more spring in her step. Which in turn, gave Willow a bit of a bounce.
Steve, Embry, and Janie were waiting to see what Molly had to say and see who was on Molly’s list. Almost everyone on Molly’s list was also on Delonda’s. Thankfully, Willow didn’t see her own name on the “out to get you” list. If Delonda was still living, Willow had no doubt her name would have been handwritten on that list the very night of the cook-off. She sighed a breath of relief. Her little ice cream shop was safe from the wicked witch of the west.
Chapter 10
Willow unlocked her door then sat on the porch while Clover ran and did her thing. Thankfully she ran to the field to go potty. If she kept that up, Willow wouldn’t have to clean up after her. That was the one job, well, that and hair removal, were the two things that Willow hated about having a dog. Everything else she loved. She had to admit, she was grateful to Steve for taking her to get Clover. She already loved her adopted daughter.
She lit a fire and started to look through her grandmother’s recipes. What should she make for Steve? Was she really going to make something that she had yet to try? She doubted it. She pulled out her recipe for her favorite pot roast. That sounded so good. Add some mashed potatoes and gravy, maybe some honey glazed carrots, some homemade biscuits and she would have him eating out of her hands. She sighed. She’d be seeing that dimple all evening long. The thought brought a smile to her face. She liked him. She really did. And it would appear he might like her too.
Willow leaned back against the couch, notebook in hand, looking at the evidence. She was missing something. The list of suspects could be endless. Now that she had been cleared, the thought crossed her mind to just let Steve do his job and find the person responsible. Unfortunately, she couldn’t quite shake the thoughts rolling through her mind. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Not yet. But she would. Her gut had yet to fail her. Some might call it intuition. Some called it psychic ability. She had been told God gave people gifts. Perhaps this was hers. She just knew that she knew. Something wasn’t right. She had a feeling everything would fall into place soon. Maybe Saturday. At least they would be one step closer to finding out who killed Delonda Posey.
She read the names to herself and repeated what she knew about each of her suspects thus far. First, the victim. If you could call her that. Some might say the murderer did the world a favor. Still, murder wasn’t the answer. Delonda was a person no one wanted to be around. No one. It would seem, from her short conversation with her, that her own mother didn’t enjoy her company or think too highly of her. She lived to destroy people. Who does that? Who is so unhappy they want everyone else around them to be miserable? Something had to of contributed to this person that Delonda had become. But what? What started her journey down this path? Or was she a born psychopath who just loved to destroy people?
Maybe if Willow understood the victim she would better understand the person who murdered her.
Now, for her suspects. Number one in her book was Richard Sutton, the judge whose barbecue sauce recipe was called on the carpet for being stolen. He was obviously prone to physical violence. Instead of just denying the accusation and banning her from his restaurant, he nearly came to blows with her. And would have if not for his employees keeping him at bay. Then why did he try to perform CPR when she collapsed in the bowl of chili? To put on a good show? To distract everyone and make them think he was her friend and not her murderer? So many questions. So few answers.
And what about Beau Lovett? He lost a lot of money because of her. His dream of opening a restaurant was put on hold, possibly forever, because this woman refused to play nice and compromise. Perhaps his only path of retribution was revenge. Did she push him over the top and turn a normally sane, rational man into a murderer? Could she affect someone that much?
Annabelle was the anomaly. She never mentioned, not once, her candy business being taken down. Knowing Annabelle, she didn’t take that well. She may hide behind her Southern lady like manners but behind that façade was a woman who is used to getting what she wants. And when what she wants is taken away, well, the results wouldn’t be pretty. Annabelle was smart enough to plot her revenge well. She would have taken her time and thought everything out.
She continued to look through the rest of the names, trying to make connections and see the unseen. Time would tell. The party was three days away and she had a ton to do. She set the list of suspects aside and started a new to do list. Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning.
Chapter 11
Willow had to run to the city for her ingredients for chili. She cleaned until her house shone and felt like it was time for a break. She tucked Clover away in her new Kennel then set off for the city. She had a list of ingredients to get, as well as a few things for the house. By the time she actually left it was getting late and she still hadn’t eaten dinner yet. She called Embry.
“You hungry?”
“I could use a bite. You coming in to town?”
“Yeah, I gotta get some ingredients for my chili.”
“Want to meet at Applebees?”
“Sounds good to me.”
A half hour later Willow found herself sitting in a booth at the chain restaurant. Embry walked in a couple of minutes later. “You beat me. You actually drove the speed limit today?”
“I can drive the speed limit. That has never been the issue. I just don’t like to.”
Embry grinned. She loved giving her mom a hard time. Someone had to do it.
Both women glanced over their menus. Willow ordered a southwest chicken wrap and a bowl of French onion soup. Embry had the four cheese mac and cheese with bacon and chicken.
“How was dinner with the chief?” Embry asked.
“It didn’t happen. He had an emergency at work.” She shrugged her shoulders. Maybe next time.
“Anything new with the case? Did he find prints on the bag?”
Willow tapped her forehead. “I forgot to tell you. No, nothing. He found a big fat zero.”
“Then we’re right back where we started. Square one!”
Willow couldn’t exactly disagree. She refused to give up. People didn’t go around murdering people. Even if they deserved it. “We can’t give up. The clues are out there. We just have to find them.”
Willow agreed with her mom then changed the subject. “Want me to go to the store with you?” She took a bite of her pasta.
“Sure, you can keep me company.”
“How is the shop doing? Better after the town figured out you weren’t the murderer?”
“Much. We can hardly keep up. I took today off to get ready for Saturday. Janie and our part timer covered today. I have to make the chili tomorrow so it’ll be ready and I completely spaced out I had run out of a few things. Tomorrow I’m working the shop so this was my only chance to get into town. I figured I could take a little time to come and see my favorite daughter.”
“Only daughter, Mom.”
“Well, I could adopt another if you fall out of my good graces.”
Embry cast a wry look her way and took the last bite of her pasta. “That was good. Thanks for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you could come. I’m going to run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
“Mom?”
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“Yeah?”
“Why don’t you walk?”
“Oh hush.”
Embry noticed her mother left her purse sitting on the seat. She always did that. She started laughing. She had to learn somehow. She slipped a little device in her purse for later.
Willow led the way into the grocery store. She was looking at labels on canned tomatoes when the guy next to her let a very loud noise escape from his derriere. Willow gave him a dirty look and moved down a little ways. That was rude. He seemed to be looking at her in the same manner.
She shook her head and put her items in her cart and moved on. “Did you hear the guy next to me? I had to get out of there. That was gross.”
Embry agreed. It was gross. She smiled to herself.
Next they found themselves looking at chili powder and chipotle seasoning. This time some older lady next to Willow allowed some gas to pass. Willow was incredulous. The lady gave Willow a dirty look and left the aisle. “What is wrong with people tonight? And why are they looking at me like that?”
“I don’t know, Mom. I think you just have that effect on people.”
“Huh. That is just too weird. I wonder if something is in the air tonight. That lady really sounded like she needed to find a bathroom, and fast.”
Embry almost lost it.
Willow had almost everything on her list. The last stop was the meat aisle. She needed her ground chuck and andouille sausage. She was picking up a package of meat when an old guy let one rip. “Seriously? What is up with you people tonight?”
“Lady, exactly what do you mean by you people? And that didn’t come from me. That was you.”
“People with gas problems, that’s who. They’re all over this store. And what do you mean that wasn’t you? It most certainly wasn’t me.”
“It sure was. If I was you I’d go see your doctor. You don’t know something like that is coming out of your body, you need a doctor. Trust me.”
He took off.
Embry was laughing so hard she about peed her pants. “Oh, Mom. You are such an easy target.” She reached in Willow’s purse and pulled out the little device she’d planted earlier. Then she pressed the button on her remote and let a big one rip.
“You. This was you? I can’t believe you. So everyone thought I was doing that?”
Embry was still laughing so hard she wasn’t able to speak. She just nodded her head up and down.
“I’m going to get you back for this, you know that, right?”
“Mom, you needed to relax a little bit. This murder business has you in knots. Besides, you’ve got to quit leaving your purse lying around. Someone could take it or put something much worse in there. And with your luck, it could put you right back in the middle of a murder investigation. I know you don’t want that!”
Chapter 12
The day of the chili cook-off was a gloriously sunny day. Willow was thankful. It meant more of the crowd would be willing to mill around outside and she wouldn’t have to cram everyone in her house. The fact that both Beau and Richard were still willing to judge was something of a miracle to Willow. After the last attempt to hold the contest and the murder of Delonda, she was fairly certain judges were going to be hard to come by.
She was glad she was only having the entrants, judges, and a few helpers out at the house. The real party where the public was invited was to be held outside her shop and in the park across the street. The facilities were more appropriate in town but the house was more intimate for finding a murderer. Or at least to collect clues.
Embry and Janie had come early to help with all the last minute preparations. Willow had made her chili the night before and had it simmering on her new stove. She was able to switch to gas and loved the difference it made in her cooking. She took a bite of her chili and smiled. Delicious.
Clover was bouncing around anticipating the arrival of all the guests. She knew something was up and her energy level was clearly elevated.
Molly was the first of the guests to arrive. Willow helped her get set up.
Willow eyed the trophy sitting on the counter. She took it and placed it on the mantle above the fire place, just to see what it would look like.
Steve found her admiring it. “You counting on keeping that there?”
She grabbed the trophy and placed it back on the counter. “I was just seeing how it would look.” She looked around. “I hope no one else saw me.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it. Everyone who entered this contest has their eye on that trophy. You aren’t the only one.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Where is Clover?”
She’s outside with Embry and Janie. Hopefully she doesn’t get into too much trouble. I should put her in her kennel soon or she’ll be tempted to taste the chili. She could be the third judge.”
“She would like that. I’m not sure anyone else would though. Especially not the cooks who made the food.”
Willow put Clover in her kennel and secured her. She went outside to see how everyone was doing in finding their places. She was enjoying playing hostess. She looked around for Molly and couldn’t find her anywhere. A few minutes later Willow saw her walk out the front door. She looked around, as if checking to see if anyone noticed. Thinking she was in the clear, she headed toward Annabelle who had just arrived.
That is strange.
The chili stations were filling up. It looked like everyone came. Janie had been right. The killer wouldn’t have wanted to be a no show. Everyone would have noticed.
Embry and Janie were milling around listening to conversations and basically collecting anything they found helpful. Steve came as her date and not as the police chief. Knowing this helped some of the entrants to lower their guard. They somehow forgot there was a killer on the loose. Even if it was most likely one of them.
Willow wanted to talk with Beau and Richard, separately and looked for an opportunity to do so. The first person she came across on her list was Annabelle. She wasn’t sure she was ready for Annabelle, but, opportunity knocked so she answered.
“Hey, Annabelle. I see you made it.”
Annabelle looked at Willow as if she were an alien. “Of course I made it. I want that trophy.” She set her pot down at her station. “I paid my entry fee and I’m here to win.”
“So, is your secret ingredient chocolate?” Willow wasn’t sure what to expect but the glare she received in response to her question spoke volumes.
“No, I no longer work with chocolate.” Annabelle deposited her chili in her chafing dish while she spoke. “Who told you I used to make chocolates? And no, I didn’t kill the woman. Even if I did think she was the coldest, nastiest woman on the face of the earth. Who treats people that way? She was downright mean.” She sniffled a little. “I always dreamed of having my own chocolate shop. She took that away from me.” She looked a little guilty. “I hate to say it, but I’m kind of glad she is dead. She wasn’t a nice person.”
Willow walked away with a little bit more compassion for Annabelle. They may never see eye to eye on a lot of things, but Annabelle was truly affected by Delonda’s cruel treatment. She was human and perhaps just a bit more fragile than she let on. Perhaps her tough Southern lady routine was simply a way for her to feel better about herself. She found a way to cope. Almost like armor to protect herself with. Which then begged the question: since Annabelle is so good at hiding her true feelings, is she also good at hiding murder?
Willow walked around looking for her next suspect. Beau Lovett was just coming out of the house. She caught up with him and outstretched her hand. “Hi, I don’t think we met. I’m Willow. This is my place.”
He shook her hand. “I’m Beau. But you already know that.”
She struggled to keep up as he strode across the yard. He was at least 6’5”. “Yes, I do know who you are. I’m sorry if I implied otherwise. I just wanted to formally meet.”
“No problem. We’ve met. Thanks for hosting the re-schedule.”
>
He started to walk away from her when she asked him straight out, “Beau, how much money did you lose because of Delonda?”
He stopped and spun around. “None of your business. And no, I did not kill that vile woman. Not that it didn’t cross my mind. But that is not how I operate. I would have destroyed her at her own game had she stuck around long enough. I didn’t have to kill her body. Her soul would have been enough for me.” He turned around and stomped to the judges table. Boy, she was glad he wouldn’t know which pot of chili was hers!
Kill her soul? What did he mean by that? She would have to bring that up to Embry and Janie. Perhaps they heard something today to add to his comment.
She looked around for Richard. He has to be here somewhere. She finally spotted him talking with Embry. Hopefully she was getting some good information from him. Molly was calling the judging to order. She would have to corner him after the trophy was awarded.
Willow realized she hadn’t seen Steve in a while. Where did he go? Some date he is! She shook her head. It was so hard to keep up with everyone. She was supposed to be solving a murder case, not a missing person’s case. She took her spot next to her chili. She was still a contestant and she still wanted to win. Even if she was trying to solve a murder.
The judges finally finished tasting all the chili. Richard and Beau were joined by a newcomer Molly recruited; Steve. How did he get roped into this?
She double checked her number. This time her chili was number 11.
Molly took the stage. “Okay everybody, listen up. I have the judges’ decisions on the winners. The second runner up is Mitch Roberts.”
Everyone clapped.
He never made the “list” so Willow hadn’t taken any real interest in him.
Molly continued. “The first runner up is number 17. Miss Annabelle Josephine Butterfield.”
Willow watched Annabelle bounce up to the stage and accept her trophy. Her blond curls bouncing the entire way up the stairs. Of course she had to thank everyone and she literally thanked everyone from her mother and father to her pastor at church. The woman had a lot of thanks, that much was for sure. She carried her trophy back to her station and gave Willow a little stare.