Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews (read aloud txt) 📗

to find we’d attracted attention from a number of nearby customers, including Dabney and Etta, who had their usual table near the counter.

“No, she hasn’t,” Dabney defended me loudly.

Delores gaped at him. “How could you know? You weren’t here when she did it.” She threw her arm toward the back of the coffee shop. “It was during lunch on Tuesday. And she was at a table all the way in the back.”

I opened my mouth to defend myself, but Etta spoke over me.

“That doesn’t make any sense.” The retired woman snorted. “Tuesday was two days ago. If Marvey had been spreading rumors about Fiona’s murder since then, someone here would’ve heard them.”

Anna May tapped my shoulder to gain my attention before serving me my mocha and cobblers. “And Marvey wouldn’t have accused Betty or Bobby of murder without evidence. That would be slander, and she could be sued.”

Delores’s eyes swung from Anna May to Dabney and Etta before landing on mine with a glare. “Well, she may not have said that directly, but that’s what she meant.”

Dabney scowled. “Well, if she didn’t say it directly, then you don’t know what she meant.”

Anna May took on a more reasonable tone than the septuagenarian. “Listen now, Dee, everyone knows Marvey and Jo are good friends. If Betty were being accused of a crime you know she didn’t commit, wouldn’t you help clear her name?”

Delores angled her chin. “Yes, I would, but I wouldn’t slander an innocent person to do that.”

Anna May shrugged. “Neither is Marvey.”

I started to defend myself again, but again Etta spoke first.

“Wisdom, justice, and moderation, Dee. Why, surely you recognize our state motto. Marvey’s after the truth. We all should be supporting her. It’s the only way to keep our community safe.”

Anna May planted her hands on her counter. “So if you don’t have anything nice to say, Dee, hush it.”

Delores’s eyes widened with shock. Her right fist tightened around the purse strap on her shoulder before she spun on her heels and marched out of the café.

I swallowed the lump of emotion in my throat as I tracked her exit. “I’m so sorry. I think I just cost you a customer.” My voice was husky.

Anna May humphed. “Don’t mind that. You have to know Dee. She could start an argument in an empty house.”

“That’s the truth.” Dabney grunted. “That woman craves attention. She’ll be back.”

I blinked rapidly to force back tears before shifting to face my three champions. I cleared my throat. “Thank you so much for defending me. You didn’t have to do that, but it means so much that you did.”

“Well, we appreciate you too, sweetie.” Etta’s smile was warm and caring. “You moved in here from New York City and in just a few short months, you made yourself a part of our Peach Coast family.”

Dabney’s usual cantankerous lines softened to grandfatherly concern. “But if you really are looking into this murder, you just make sure you’re careful.”

“I will be. I promise.” I turned to find the door before their caring melted me into a puddle.

You made yourself a part of the Peach Coast family.

Leaving my family behind in Brooklyn had torn a gaping hole in my heart. Etta’s words had filled that hole with love and kindness. They’d given me confirmation I’d been welcomed into this community. I didn’t just have a house and a job here. I had a home and a family. I was almost overwhelmed with emotion.

I stealthily wiped a tear from my eye on the way to the door. A movement in my peripheral vision captured my attention.

As my Southern friends might say, Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. What was Betty doing with Willy Pelt?

Chapter 19

Seated alone at a back table, Willy and Betty were deep in conversation, neither seeming aware of their surroundings. The tables around them were empty. Betty picked daintily from the pecan Danish on the porcelain plate in front of her. Willy ignored his coffee. Whatever he said to Betty made her blush and giggle like a schoolgirl.

Since I was driving today, I could delay my leaving for the library a few minutes longer. I made my way to the condiments counter and found a position that allowed me to keep Willy and Betty in my line of sight while remaining relatively hidden. Just then, Betty rose from their table. A winsome smile curved her lips. She looked ten years younger. Willy stood with her. He took her right hand in both of his. His touch lingered. Curious.

Betty turned to leave. Startled, I spun so my back was to her. I waited a moment or two, then checked the coast was clear to approach Willy. He saw me coming.

“Good morning, Willy.” I plastered a guileless smile to my face. “I see you’re still coming to the café. The coffee and pastries are delicious, aren’t they?”

Willy stood with a smile. “Yes, indeed they are. It’s good to see you again, Marvey.”

I gestured toward the exit behind me. “Was that Betty Rodgers-Hayes leaving the café? What did she want with you?” I couldn’t afford the luxury of subtlety if I wanted to get to work on time.

Willy rolled his eyes. “Yes. She’s a piece of work, isn’t she?”

I withheld comment. From his smiles and lingering touch, Willy didn’t seem to find Betty to be much of a burden. Why would he claim he did? His credibility had just taken a significant hit. “What did she want?”

Willy stretched his shoulders as though easing the tension building there. “She heard about my argument with her son. She’s not happy about it.”

“Oh, I’m sure. She’s a textbook helicopter mother. I’m not surprised she’d try to fight Bobby’s battles for him. Poor Bobby.” I considered Willy’s brown slacks and tan button-down shirt. They looked new. Understandable. It had been five days since Fiona had been murdered. I doubted he’d expected to be here so long.

“I don’t feel sorry for Bobby. They deserve each other.” Willy pushed