Death Yells "CUT!": Lizzie Crenshaw Mystery, #9

By Teresa Watson

Lizzie Crenshaw has her hands full, running the newspaper and looking after baby Cassie. Luckily for her, the people of Brookdale are more than happy to help her take care of the baby. But she definitely doesn't have the time to investigate another murder.

There are rumors in town that a movie is going to be filmed there, and when the director shows up, that seems to confirm the rumors. But not everyone in town is happy to see him. Hours after being seen and heard arguing with Gladys Norwell at the Eat it or Starve Cafe, Gabriel Skinner is found dead, in her mailbox...and in her shed.

Gladys swears she had nothing to do with his death, but the evidence is stacked against her. Thanks to Jake Mathias, Lizzie is roped into investigating. But will Lizzie find the proof she needs to clear Gladys' name, or has Gladys finally gone too far this time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teresa Watson
• Release date: May 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386700470

Book preview

Chapter One

Ms. Crenshaw, how have you been able to increase your readership? a woman from the front row asked me.

Well, we combined national news with local stories, I replied, gripping the edge of the podium slightly. We also…

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

I stopped and glanced around, trying to find the source of the sound. Seeing nothing, I cleared my throat and continued. We also have guest columnists, usually someone in the community, and we allow them to pick…

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

I jerked my head up off the table, narrowly avoiding Maddie Reynolds, who was holding my lunch in her hand. Next to me, Cassiopeia was screaming at the top of her lungs. Unbuckling the straps, I lifted her out of the car seat and cradled her in my arms.

Rough night? Maddie asked me as she put my plate down.

Rough week, I sighed. She’s teething, and nothing I’ve tried seems to help her.

Bless her little heart, she said, reaching over to take Cassie away from me. Eat your lunch. Grandma Maddie will take care of the little angel for a few minutes.

You don’t have to do that, Maddie. You’re in the middle of your lunch rush.

She can help me serve people’s food. Besides, one look at her and they won’t be mad about it taking so long to get their meals.

As she walked away with my daughter, Jake Mathias sat down across from me. You look awful, he said, snagging a fry from my plate.

Nice to see you, too.

Did she keep you up again last night?

I nodded.

Why don’t I take her home with me for a couple of days? You look like the living dead.

You say the sweetest things, Jake.

This isn’t going to end well for me no matter what I say, is it?

I put my hand on top of his. I’m sorry. Between the newspaper and Cassie, I’m just exhausted. There are rumors floating around that a film crew is coming to town, which has everyone calling the newspaper constantly. They’re even calling me at home! I’m fixing to rip the cord out of the wall.

A film crew here? Wow, that would be awesome if it’s true.

Well, I don’t think it is, so don’t get too excited, I told him.

Are you sure?

No, I’m not sure. You know how these things go. Someone sees a story online, assumes that it’s true because everything you find online is the absolute truth, and they lose their minds. Especially when it comes to celebrities.

Maddie came back, placed a glass of sweet tea in front of Jake, and handed him Cassie. Here, Dad, take your daughter.

He pushed his glass aside and sat Cassie on the table top. How’s my girl? he said, gently bouncing her up and down. Where’s that cute little smile?

Cassie gurgled, clapped and smiled.

You want the same thing Lizzie’s having? Of course you do, Maddie said, scribbling on her order pad as she walked away.

So, tell me about this event you’re supposed to speak at.

Jacob Mathias! Get the baby off that dirty table!

I winced as Gladys Norwell, city councilwoman, head gossip queen, and overall town pain in the tuchus, stomped over to us. Good afternoon, Gladys, I said. How are you today?

Some kids beat my mailbox to death with a baseball bat in the middle of the night, she groused. But they didn’t touch anyone else’s mailboxes on my street. I want you to write a story about this. Maybe the hoodlums’ parents will see the story and turn them in to the sheriff.

You should talk to T.J. about this, not me, I told her.

If I do that, then all you’ll do is put it in the police blotter column, where it will be ignored. I’m coming straight to you this time. As a councilwoman, I should be afforded more respect by the people of this town, as well as the local newspaper.

I looked over at Jake, who was pointedly focused on Cassie, but I could tell that he really wanted to laugh.

I tell you what, Gladys. I’ll check with the sheriff and see if there has been another outbreak of mailbox baseball. If more boxes have been damaged besides yours, then I’ll make sure we cover it.

Gladys snorted. You know darn well that my mailbox is the only one in town that is ever destroyed. I’ve replaced four of them in the last six months alone.

I’ll check with the sheriff anyway. Is there anything else I can do for you?

I was wondering if you needed me to babysit any time soon, she said, her voice softening a little as she stroked Cassie’s hair. I miss spending time with her.

As a matter of fact, Jake said, would you mind taking her for an overnight visit? The poor angel here has been keeping her up all night, and Lizzie is worn out.

Oh? Is that so? Gladys said, looking at me. What’s the matter? Does she have croup?

No, I said, shaking my head. She’s teething again.

Aww, bless her heart. I know just the thing that will help. When would you like me to take her?

How about now? Jake said. I’m sure she’s missed spending time with her MeMaw.

Of course! Gladys replied, taking Cassie away from Jake. MeMaw and Cassiopeia will have a great time together. Hand me her car seat and diaper bag please, Lizzie.

Gladys, you really don’t have to do this, I protested. She’s my responsibility, not yours.

You know the old saying, Lizzie: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ When you agreed to raise Cassiopeia, we all agreed to help you. And right now, it looks like what you really need is a good night’s sleep. Those bags under your eyes look terrible. And you’ve got dried spit up on the left shoulder of your shirt.

I didn’t even bother to look to see if she was right. Knowing I had lost the argument, I gave her the bag and the car seat. There’s only one change of clothes in the bag.

That’s all right. I’ve got plenty of clothes for her at my house. Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ll be just fine. She slung the bag over her shoulder, switched Cassie to her right side, and grabbed the car seat with her left hand. I’ll call you before I bring her back tomorrow. She turned and walked back to her table, where Iris Griswell and Charlene Sims oohed and aahed over Cassie.

She never ceases to amaze me, Jake said, shaking his head. Every time she does something that makes me want to strangle her, she turns around and does something nice for the baby. She can turn on a dime.

I’m right there with you, I replied. I never know what to expect from her.

Has Cassie spent any time with Mark and Mandy lately?

Mandy was Cassie’s big sister and Mark’s daughter. Their mother, Judy Sledge, had passed away the first of the year from cancer. Before she died, Judy had given me legal custody of Cassie. Mark and I had agreed that it was important for the girls to stay connected, so we made sure they got together as often as possible. She usually spent every other weekend at Mark’s house, if possible.

Last weekend.

So, what else is going on?

Absolutely nothing.

No robberies? No murders?

Just the rumor about the film crew.

Don’t forget Gladys’ mailbox.

Heaven forbid.

The door to the café opened, and in walked FBI agent Richard Hopkins. Everyone stopped talking when they saw him.

I wonder what he’s doing here.

He looked around, spotted us at our usual booth in the back of the café, and headed our way.

Whatever it is, it can’t be good, I muttered. So much for peace and quiet.

Chapter Two

Ms. Crenshaw, Mr. Mathias, I thought I might find you here, Hopkins said as he stopped at our booth.

This is my second office, I replied. Is there a reason you’re looking for us?

Would you mind if I sat down? he asked.

Actually, yes, I do mind, Jake replied. Whenever you show up, you bring bad news, and bad things happen around here. Go away. Take your troubles to your ex-partner.

This doesn’t involve him. May I please sit down?

I glared at Jake, who sighed and moved over. Hopkins sat down.

Maddie came over and placed a plate in front of Jake. Agent Hopkins, it’s been a while. What can I get you?

I’ll have what they’re having and a glass of unsweet tea please, Ms. Reynolds.

She raised an eyebrow when he said unsweet tea, but wrote down his order and walked away.

What can we do for you, Hopkins? I said.

He squirmed in his seat for a moment, then took a deep breath. I need to know if you’ve had any contact with Mr. Winthrop.

The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I clinched my fists. Jake reached across the table and placed his hand on top of my left hand. Which Winthrop?

Ethan.

I shook my head and relaxed my hands. I haven’t heard from him since that night. Why do you ask?

Maddie brought Hopkins’ drink, refilled our glasses, and left.

Well, it seems that his FBI handler has lost track of him, Hopkins said.

And you think that he might come here after Lizzie, Jake said.

We don’t know. It’s certainly a possibility, but I don’t think he’d risk it.

If you believe that, let me tell you about a bridge I’ll sell you in Brooklyn, Jake scoffed.

Frankly, Hopkins said, ignoring Jake, I think he’ll try and leave the country for a while. His father has been putting pressure on him, trying to get him not to testify. Whenever the lawyer shows up with another note from Edward, Ethan tells him where he can stick it. The last time, he physically tried to show him where to put it.

Talk about sticking it to someone, Jake snorted.

Ethan had mentioned going to London several times to his handler, and I have a feeling that’s where he’ll go. But I wanted to tell you in person, especially after everything that he has put you through.

I appreciate that, Hopkins, I said. You didn’t have to come down here, though. You could have just called.

T.J. called me, asked me to come down. I figured since I was going to be here, I would talk to you face to face instead of calling.

What did our esteemed sheriff call you about?

Hopkins shrugged. I have no idea. He just said he had something important he needed to talk to me about. If he’s calling, it must be serious.

I couldn’t think of anything that was going on in the county, but then again, I hadn’t talked to T.J. in a while. He was busy getting settled into married life with my best friend, Trixie Greene, and I had my hands full with Cassie.

How are you doing? I asked him.

Well, I know when there’s a change in the weather, he grinned, which is a pain in the butt, but overall, I’m good.

The night that Owen Greene, Trixie’s brother and the former sheriff, was killed in a shootout with Ethan’s father, Hopkins had been critically injured. I hadn’t seen him since that night. Seeing anyone special?

He blushed. I’ve been dating someone the last six months. Things are good. What about you? He glanced sideways at Jake. Are you two…?

Oh God, no, Jake said. I’m seeing a very special girl. Actually, we’re both seeing the same girl.

Hopkins looked at him, then at me, an odd look on his face. I didn’t know…I mean…wow…um, he stammered.

I laughed at him before pointing at Gladys. Do you see the lady holding the baby over there?

Yes, he replied. His eyes widened. You mean…you two…and Mrs. Norwell?!

Jake almost choked on his cheeseburger. That’s disgusting, man!

The baby, Hopkins. The baby is ours.

You two had a baby?

We explained to him how Cassie had been left in a manger four months earlier, how her mother gave me custody of the baby before she passed away, and how Jake was helping me raise her. Gladys helps me out by babysitting two or three times a week. She’s actually really good with the baby, and Cassie loves her.

Wow, that’s amazing. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full, Ms. Crenshaw.

It’s Lizzie. I think we’ve been through enough together that we can be on a first name basis, Hopkins.

But you can keep calling me Mr. Mathias, Jake said, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

Hopkins ignored him again. If you ever need any help with the little one, let me know. I’m pretty good with kids. My sister has six of them.

Six? I said incredulously. I can barely handle the one I have. I can’t imagine dealing with six at once.

I heard a cell phone go off, and we all looked to see whose it was. It’s me, Hopkins said, holding up his phone. FBI Agent Hopkins. Hey, Roosevelt. Yeah, I’m in town. Over at the café having a quick bite. Uh huh. All right. See you in a few. He hung up.

I glanced over and saw Gladys strapping Cassie into her car seat. Iris grabbed the diaper bag, and the three ladies and the baby left. I was going to miss my bright star tonight, but at the same time, I was looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

Any interesting cases lately? Jake asked him.

Are you asking on or off the record?

Either one.

No comment.

Ah, come on, Hopkins, Jake said. Surely you can give us something.

Nope, not a thing.

There’s a rumor going around that a film crew is coming to town, I said. Have you heard anything about it?

Just what I’ve seen online, which is as reliable as a fortune-telling machine.

The front door opened, and in walked Sheriff T.J. Roosevelt. With him was a middle-aged man who looked around at the café like it was a dump, a blond-haired woman, dressed in designer clothes, and a young man wearing a t-shirt and jeans and looking totally bored. They made their way over to our booth. T.J. grabbed a table to extend our booth. I moved over, he sat down next to me, and the three people grabbed the chairs and placed them around the table. Afternoon, folks, T.J. said. Where’s the baby?

MeMaw Gladys is babysitting, I replied.

Richard, good to see you again, T.J. said, reaching out to shake Hopkins’ hand.

Marriage seems to agree with you, Roosevelt, he replied.

I’m enjoying it. You should give it a try.

No thanks. He looked at the people sitting at the end of the table. Is this our situation?

T.J. nodded.

What situation? I asked.

I don’t think this is any business of civilians, the man sitting by Hopkins said.

Civilians? Jake said. Who are you, the head of the FBI?

Hopkins and T.J. looked at each other. They’re going to find out sooner or later, T.J. pointed out. We might as well tell them. Maybe they can help us.

I don’t think… the man started to say.

Oh, shut up, Gabe, the woman interrupted him. You asked these men for their help. Let them do their jobs the best way they see fit.

He glared at her and crossed his arms across his chest. Fine.

You both know about the film that is going to be shot here in a few weeks, right? T.J. asked us.

"The rumors have been