“NANA!” My heart jackhammered. “What in the world are you doing here?”
“I’m glad to see you, too, Missy,” my white-haired aunt shot a smile, green eyes peering from behind her glasses.
Dee Dee concocted an excellent excuse and left me to handle the situation alone, rushing past us for the ladies room.
“Nana, how did you travel all the way to Dahlonega? I gave her a hug and stepped back, hands on my hips, waiting on her explanation. “And this had better be good.”
“Beau.”
Beau? Nana’s answer shocked my socks off.
“He’s over at the sheriff’s department right this minute, looking into the murder investigation. Isn’t this something? How in the world did you get mixed up in this?”
Nana bounced on her seat, up and down. I hoped she wasn’t testing it out for that night.
“Nana, I’m the one asking the questions.”
“You can get off your high horse, Missy. I’m sure you’re surprised to see me, but that’s no reason to get sassy with me.”
Nana didn’t seem fazed by my authoritative tone.
“I’m sorry, Nana. I’m just surprised to see you. What in the name of Jehoshaphat made you and Beau decide to come to Dahlonega?”
I sat on the edge of the other bed, no longer able to stand. My knee throbbed. Dee Dee came back in and plopped down beside me.
“Now, don’t go and get mad at Beau,” Nana said. “I threatened to find another ride if he didn’t bring me. Remember, Beau’s a deputy sheriff. Who better to help you? I thought you’d be happy.” Tears sparkled in the corner of Nana’s eyes. Nana didn’t cry often. She’d been brought up during an era where living was anything but easy. There had been precious little time to cry then.
“Don’t cry, Nana. We’ll work this out.” I hugged her. She brightened up a little too quickly.
Dee Dee asked, “How did you know about the murder, Nana?”
“I happened to answer the phone at the same time Betty Jo did and overheard part of Trixie’s conversation.” She looked me straight in the face and dared me to say different.
“I knew it! I had this weird feeling when I was on the phone talking with Mama. Nana, you eavesdropped.” I crossed my arms.
“That’s not true.” She sniffed, as if daring me to think her intent malicious. “When I heard you crying, I couldn’t hang up the phone.”
Her features softened. I melted.
“You’re here now. Let’s call Mama and make sure she knows you’re all right. She does know where you are?”
“Of course she does,” Nana responded with indignation. It was a miracle. She seemed to have successfully erased her memory of all the times her antics resulted in worrying Mama.
“I’m not even going to ask you how you managed to talk her into letting you come.” Mama, bless her heart, needed the time away from Nana. She loved her, without a doubt. Caring for Nana was tougher than a big-bootied woman struggling to pull on a pair of spandex pants.
“Good. We’re wasting time. I’m here to help. What can I do?” Nana picked up the hooded jacket to her jogging outfit and looped her arm through her pocketbook.
“Nana, I’m sorry, but I can’t let you get involved.” I brainstormed on ways to convince Nana to return home as I tried to pry her jacket from her hands. She wasn’t having it. She pried back.
“We appreciate your concern Nana, but I think we have the situation under control. Beau’s come all the way to Dahlonega to help, and he’ll straighten things out.” I prayed he could.
Nana fluttered her lashes. “Can you believe it? A hunk with brains. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. If I were a little younger, I’d go for Beau. I’d catch him, too.” She placed her jacket and pocketbook on the bed, and fluffed her hair. The she winked at us. “You’re right Trix, Beau can take care of it.”
I glanced over at Dee Dee. I pleaded with my eyes, begging for her help. She responded by shrugging her shoulders. In other words, “you’re on your own, honey.”
I pressed forward. “You’re right, Nana. Beau’s a hunk, and I agree he’s smart enough to help Dee Dee. Why don’t we call Mama and tell her you’re coming home now that you’ve seen everything’s fine?”
She looked at me like I’d grown horns, and I glared back.
A knock at the door broke our stare down. Closest to the door, I opened it. In front of me stood a beautiful sight:Beau, looking like he’d stepped out of a Wrangler jeans ad. Without thinking, I gave him a big hug. Warmth flowed through me when he hugged back. Embarrassed, I pulled back.
When Beau wiped a lone tear from my cheek, a tingle of electricity ran through my body. I couldn’t remember a time, since my divorce, when my protective armor had been penetrated. I welcomed the warm feeling.
Beau cleared his throat. “I had a thorough talk with Jake, and I believe he’s doing what he can to solve—”
“Are you sure we’re talking about the same Sheriff Wheeler? The one who’s hounding Dee Dee?”
“Trixie, your mama taught you better than to interrupt someone,” Nana intoned from the bed.
I ignored Nana’s words and Beau’s smile. “Furthermore, we think he’s using her for a scapegoat. He’s retiring at the end of the year.”
Dee Dee nodded in agreement, “Yes, and he’s running for mayor.”
Beau turned from her to me, and butterflies fluttered at the full force of his attention. “I feel confident Jake’s doing his job. He’s not going to divulge details of the case with civilians. I wouldn’t, either.”
That made me wonder what the sheriff had told him. “So is there anything I can know?”
His lips twitched. “He mentioned several persons of interest other than Dee Dee.” Beau had my full attention. “But you have to admit it didn’t look good when the rangers found Dee Dee standing over Tatum. She immediately became a person of interest.”
Dee Dee snorted. “Like I would kill anyone.”
Beau shrugged. “Sheriff Wheeler wouldn’t know that, and he wouldn’t be doing a thorough job if he didn’t look into you.”
I glared at him. “Whose side are you on?” I should have cut him a break, seeing as he’d spent all that time in a car with Nana, but I couldn’t help myself.
He sighed, and pulled up a chair.
“I guess you’re right. They’re not going to share information with the suspect and her friend,” Dee Dee said.
Beau took off his Stetson and ran his long fingers through his hair. Then he dropped the bomb. “Now, for the bad news.”
Chapter Fifteen
I received a call from my partner, Deputy Crowe.” Beau spun the Stetson slowly. “Last year, our department worked on a case involving stolen cattle. Crowe said they’ve arrested a man in the next county, and he’s asking for me. There’s a good chance he’s involved in stealin’ cattle from the local farmers. He’s refusing to talk to anyone else. I’ve got to go back.”
Beau brushed back his thick hair and rubbed his chin before he replaced his hat. He stood up.
I panicked. Our only chance to get Nana back home was going to leave. “Uh, Beau. Since you’re going back anyway, why don’t you give Nana a ride home?” I grabbed her jacket and pocketbook and shoved them towards him.
He shoved the items back at me and opened the door. With a wide sweep of his hand he gestured for me to go outside. He followed me and shut the door behind him.
“I’m sorry, but it just ain’t gonna’ happen today.”
Disbelief flooded me in waves. Had I heard him right? He refused to take her home? Equally bad, our liaison to Sheriff Wheeler was getting ready to walk out the door.