Excerpt


“Are we alone?” Peanut cautiously entered Gertie’s room with a spring bouquet.

“Nice touch,” Gertie said, turning to me. “Find some water. Would you?”

“Sure,” I said, taking the flowers from Peanut. “But don’t be surprised if these wilt while you’re here.”

Peanut didn’t laugh. Come to think of it, no one did. Tensions were high.

The young woman must’ve realized Gertie had put together part of the puzzle. Peanut was there to throw in the missing pieces and link the rest of the darn mystery together.

She’d walked in alone, bearing gifts. She would soon leave with an escort, her hands cuffed behind her back.

“They killed my brother.”

Ida Belle looked like she’d just funneled caffeine. Instantly alert, she said, “Well that’s one way to get us started off.”

Gertie patted her bed. “Come and sit down, dear.”

I had to give Gertie props where they were due. She’d apparently picked up on Peanut’s need for kindness and guidance.

Tears filled Peanut’s eyes and as soon as Gertie took her small hand in hers, the dam broke and she cried like a little girl. It was heartbreaking.

“Now stop that.” Ida Belle snatched a box of tissues from Gertie’s nightstand. “We can’t have you upsetting the patient.” Ida Belle’s stab at compassion was touching.

“Things could be worse,” I pointed out, tapping Gertie’s cast. “You could be stuck in this bed at everyone else’s mercy.”

Peanut sniffed. “I know all about being at someone else’s mercy and I’d much rather be here than paying my dues to the Redneck Mob.”

With the casual reference, I paid attention. Harrison had mentioned the Redneck Mob. Apparently, this group had a nasty reputation. I probably hadn’t heard of them for obvious reasons—I preferred hanging out with arms dealers.

It was a prestige thing.