Medicine Murder and Small Town Scandal: Katy Cross Murder Mystery, #5

By KC Hart

When the meanest man in Skeeterville drops dead at his mailbox, no one suspects foul play until Katy Cross stumbles across a skeleton from his past... literally.

Trying to be a good neighbor lands Katy in the middle of a twenty-year secret crime spree, ran by one-man-mafia, Jack Redd. Jack spent his life using the dirt he had acquired on everyone to extort whatever suited his fancy-from money to favors.

Katy is determined to stay out of the investigation-her hands are full planning her daughter's Valentine's Day season bridal shower. But when her future son-in-law's mother becomes the main suspect, Katy has no choice but to get involved.

As some of Skeeterville's deepest secrets come to light, it becomes obvious that no one will be crying at Jack Redd's funeral. Can Katy clear the name of an innocent woman by solving the murder of the man everyone wanted dead?

A better question might be, is anyone in Skeeterville as innocent as they seem?

This humorous cozy mystery has no graphic gore, foul language, or sexual content. It is great for readers who enjoy southern charm and a Christian worldview.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KC Hart
• Release date: Feb 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798223591573

KC Hart

KC Hart is the award-winning author of best-selling Christian cozy mysteries, contemporary inspirational small-town romance, and has also dabbled in historical romance as well. KC is an independent publisher and released her first title, book one of the Katy Cross cozy mystery series, the summer of 2020. KC’s goal is to seamlessly bring entertaining stories full of small-town life to her readers that gently weave in the faith and the love of Christ. KC lives in rural Mississippi with Mr. Wonderful, her husband o forty years. When she is not writing, she is playing her piano or guitar, reading, or spending time with her family, especially the grandkids. You can keep up with KC by joining her monthly newsletter:  http://www.kchartauthor.com/newsletter.html KC is also on Good Reads, Book Bub, Amazon and Facebook: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20570083.K_C_Hart https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kc-hart?list=author_books www.amazon.com/author/kchartauthor https://www.facebook.com/KCWRITESBOOKS

Book preview

Chapter One

I know the woman was one brick short of a load, Eudora said, looking around the yard, but she sure knew how to grow flowers. This place will be beautiful in a couple of months when spring takes over.

Katy looked around Irma Coleman’s yard and tried to see it through her daughter’s eyes. Joe Phobs, Eudora’s fiancé, had decided that the abandoned property near his mom’s home would make a great place for him and Eudora, one of Katy’s twins, to start their lives together, but Katy was having trouble seeing anything enticing about the place. The rosebush by the mailbox at the end of the driveway was a pile of prickly thorns, and all the flower beds scattered around the yard felt cold and dead. She pushed the corners of her lips up with a little effort. It will be nice to live close to Joe’s mother.

And just think, Mom, Eudora draped her arms around Katy’s shoulders and squeezed. Once we sign the papers at the bank tomorrow, Joe and I will own property right here in Skeeterville. This will be the closest I’ve lived to you and Dad since I moved out to go to college.

John had been listening from across the yard, where he and Joe were looking at the utility pole and checking out the septic tank. John already knew his wife’s thoughts on the piece of property and decided he might need to referee this conversation. He crossed the barren yard and walked over to where a double-wide trailer once sat. Just think, Katy. Now we can stop by and see our baby whenever we please.

That’s right. Katy returned Eudora’s hug. She knew why John was putting in his two cents worth. He was scared that she would start talking and ruin the young couple’s plans of settling in Skeeterville. She might not love their choice of real estate, but she was smarter than that. Once you and Joe get married and move your trailer here, it will be great.

As soon as I get the trailer over here and a nice front porch built, I’m going to put up a chain-link fence around the back, Joe said, following John across the yard. That way, if y’all want to bring your dogs over when you visit, they’ll have a place to stay without getting in the road.

And, Katy grinned, cutting her eyes at her daughter, all of my future grandbabies will have a safe place to play, too.

Mom, your cart is running off and leaving your horse. But I was thinking that it might be nice to get a dog of our own once we get set up over here.

Looks like you have company, John said, interrupting the conversation and nodding toward the road. A thin little man with stooped posture, leaning heavily on an old-time wooden walking stick, made his way up the gravel driveway at a surprisingly quick pace. It looks like your neighbor across the road’s paying a visit.

Katy watched as the gray-haired man in stained, faded overalls and a dirty baseball cap shuffled toward them. He looks like he could be one of my home health patients. The poor man looks like he’s going to run out of air before he gets here.

He probably needs a nurse visit, Joe said. He’s old as dirt and has been living all alone in that little rundown house for as far back as I can remember.

The old man stopped in front of their small group and bent forward a little farther than his normal stoop to catch a few wheezing breaths. You need to sit down? John asked. I have a couple of lawn chairs in my truck.

All I need is for you to get off this land, the old man snapped between gasps. Ain’t got no business trespassing over here, he continued, pointing a shaky finger in Joe’s direction.

Now, Mr. Jack, don’t get all worked up. Joe tried to put his hand on the old man’s bony shoulder, but the man jerked away.

Don’t try to mollycoddle me, boy. Jack Redd straightened up as far as his body would allow and glared at Joe. This is private property, and you ain’t got no business being over here.

Katy looked from the belligerent old man to Eudora. The skin on her daughter’s neck was turning beet red, and the color was rushing up to her face. Katy could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. If her daughter had to deal with this man on a daily basis, Joe might have to put a six-foot-tall wooden fence around the front yard with a padlock on the gate. 

Mr. Jack, Joe continued, voice stern, I don’t mean any disrespect, but we are going to the bank in a few minutes to sign the papers to buy this land. If anybody doesn’t have a right to be here, it’s you. 

Color drained from Jack Redd’s face, making him look like he had one foot in the grave. Joe’s tone softened slightly as he took in the man’s shocked face. I don’t mind you being here, and you are welcome to visit, if you treat me and my future bride and future in-laws with respect.

But, the old man’s eyes narrowed as he looked from person to person. You can’t buy this land. She promised it to me, he mumbled, stumbling around in a circle, looking at the ground. She promised it to me.

The next morning the temperature was even colder than the day before, and the overcast, gray sky did little to improve Katy’s opinion of her daughter’s future home. She slid out of the truck behind John and pulled her brown wool pea coat tighter around her shoulders. I wish they would have looked around a little more before buying this land. I bet your brother would have sold them an acre out by his place.

He would have, but they’ll be driving up any second, and this place will be theirs. You might as well get used to the idea.

Katy looked toward the large open field surrounding the yard on both sides and behind. An electric fence formed a boundary for the yard and separated the lot from a few fat, slow-moving cows standing around in the frosty morning air. She looked at Joe’s mother’s trailer down the road a short distance before glancing back across to the other side of the road to the shack that belonged to the cranky old man. It should be peaceful out here as long as their hateful neighbor doesn’t try to stir up any trouble with them. Her head turned up the road as the sound of Joe’s truck turning off of the main highway caught her attention.

Looks like it’s a done deal now, John said, following Katy’s gaze. Try not to think about what used to be here, and focus on what’s going to be here now.

It’s ours, Eudora said, jumping out of the truck and waving a white envelope in the air. We’re in debt up to our eyeballs, but we are property owners.

Congratulations, honey. Katy’s face lit up in a warm smile. I really am happy for you two.

Joe shut the truck door behind Eudora and looked at John. I think we’re going to put our trailer further toward the back of the property than Miss Irma had hers. We’ll still have a good-sized backyard, but the front porch won’t be so close to the road.

The two men started walking across the yard as they talked about extending the driveway and making other changes to the property. Katy turned and hugged her daughter. This is going to be a busy month for you. Buying this land and getting it ready for Joe’s trailer to move over here, the wedding shower this Sunday, looking for a new job. You’ve got a lot on your plate.

I know. I’m going to be keeping the road hot between here and Baton Rouge until I can get a job down here and get moved, but I’m so excited. Eudora looked around at the colorless winter landscape. Mom, you know I know nothing about yard work. You and Daddy are going to have to show us how to fix this place up, so it won’t be an eyesore.

We will, honey. Katy pointed at the nest of briars at the base of the mailbox near the road. A lot of flowers are already here where the previous owner planted them. I know it don’t look like much now, but that’s a beautiful pink rose bush.

You can dig up some of it and plant in your yard if you want to.

Katy suppressed the shudder running across the back of her neck. I might, but first let’s get your yard the way you want it. That rose bush had too many terrible memories for Katy, but like John said, the past was over, and she didn’t need to put a damper on Eudora’s future.

Uh oh. Look who’s back. Eudora nodded toward the road. Jack Redd was shuffling toward them with short, quick steps that almost looked comical. Somebody’s just going to have to set that old man straight. He is not going to come over here whenever he feels like it and show out like he ain’t got good sense.

Katy pushed her lips together to keep the smile from showing. If anybody could put the old man in his place, it was her daughter. Hello, Mr. Redd, Katy said as the man walked up to where they were standing, hot puffs of air blowing from his lips like steam from an old-time train. How are you doing today?

I’m not here to talk to you, Jack Redd snarled. He looked past the women to John and Joe, who were walking back toward him from the back of the lot. Phobs, he shouted, making his breathing even heavier than it already was. I called the bank yesterday and tried to stop your underhanded stealing, but they said it was too late.

Now, you just hold on a cotton-pickin’ minute, Eudora snapped, stepping closer to the old man. 

Eudora, Katy placed her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. Take a breath. Katy looked over her shoulder and was thankful that John was already right behind them. I’m sure we can discuss this without shouting.

Mr. Jack, Joe stepped between the old man and his future bride. I don’t appreciate being called a thief, but I’m going to let that slide since you are our neighbor. He looked at Eudora’s bright red face and spitfire eyes, then back at the old man’s firm-set jaw and hate-filled glare. It might be a good idea if you just head on back across the road and calm down. I’ll come over later, and we can talk to each other like a couple of adults.

Jack Redd stared up at Joe without blinking. I ain’t got nothing to say to you except one thing. He slowly turned his spiteful eyes from Joe to Eudora. This was supposed to be mine, and I don’t like it when folks think they can get away with taking what’s mine. He shot one more look at Joe before turning and shuffling back toward the road without a backward glance.

 Well, don’t that just beat all, John said, watching the man hobble away. Welcome to the neighborhood, Dori. 

Joe, are you sure about this? Eudora looked up at Joe, eyes stretched wide. I know we’ve bought the land, but maybe we should just leave the trailer at Pine Acres. She looked across the yard toward the old man as he made his way down the drive. At least for a few years. You can always put some cows on this spot.

I don’t know what’s gotten into Mr. Jack. Joe rubbed the back of his head. He’s always been ornery, but he ain’t ever showed out like that. He looked down at Eudora. We have a few months until the summer. We don’t have to make any serious plans ‘til then. Let’s just think on it and pray on it a while.

Well, okay. Eudora took a deep breath. If you say so.

Katy’s jaw dropped like it was full of lead as her eyes shot from Eudora to Joe, then over to John. This was definitely out of character for her daughter. Eudora was well known for always trying to have the last word in any conversation. 

He must be a keeper, John said, leaning over to whisper in Katy’s ear. I think he might have tamed our little hard-headed beauty.

Maybe. Before Katy could say anything else, a sharp rap of wood against metal drew all of their attention toward the road. Jack Redd’s cane struck the side of his mailbox as his torso slumped forward. He fell over, letting out a winded shriek as his body dropped onto his mailbox and then slid to the ground.

Chapter Two

Joe and John took off running down the driveway and across the road, followed closely by Eudora, with Katy jogging along several yards behind. John reached the old man first and rolled him over to check for breathing and a pulse. By the time Katy reached the group, CPR was in full swing by John and Joe.  Eudora was on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. 

I can take over for one of you, Katy huffed, bending forward and putting her hands on her knees to catch her breath.

Take care of your own breathing first. John’s words came out with the rhythm of his hands pumping up and down on the old man’s chest. We’re good for a while.

Katy looked at Jack Redd’s purplish face as John and Joe switched places to continue the life-sustaining effort. The old man had hit the mailbox, then face planted on the side of the road, leaving dirt and gravel on his forehead. His cane lay beside the mailbox, but she saw nothing that would have caused him to pass out. 

She peered up the short walkway to the man’s tiny wood-frame house. Joe was right. The ancient home desperately needed painting and new shingles on the roof. The two windows on the front of the shack were so filthy that they probably didn’t let any sunlight through, and spider webs hung from the rafters of his porch like tinsel from a Christmas tree. 

How old was this guy? The walk across the road and back shouldn’t have caused his heart to give way. He had looked frail and had been very winded. Had the little excursion been too much for him? He had been so angry, too. If his temper had caused his blood pressure to rise, it could have led to a heart attack.

The ambulance is on its way, Mom, Eudora said, stepping up beside her mother. She watched as Joe and her dad switched places again. I feel like a dog now. I didn’t really want the guy to just drop dead.

Katy pulled her eyes away from the scene at her feet and stared at her daughter. What are you talking about, Eudora?

A few minutes ago, I told Joe that we could wait awhile before coming here. Eudora looked down at her boots. I was thinking that if the old man would kick the bucket before the wedding, then we could move, but if he was still alive, we could just leave the trailer where it was. She slowly drew a circle in the dirt with the toe of her boot. I know I didn’t cause it, but it’s like I thought about him dying, and then a few minutes later he’s dead.

First of all, Katy said in her don’t be ridiculous voice, this ain’t over yet. I know he looks bad, but until they call the code, there’s hope. He might pull through and be fine. Katy tried to sound more convincing about this than she felt. And we all know that God is the one who decides when we’re going to die, not Eudora Cross.

It still feels weird, Mom. You won’t admit it, but it is weird.

Katy didn’t answer. She had learned one thing over the years of raising her strong-willed child into the confident woman who stood before her. You picked your battles, because Eudora Cross would not give up when she believed she was right. The character trait that Katy called having a head as hard as a brickbat had served her daughter well in her career choice of social work, but this same character trait often caused Eudora to butt heads with her mother. 

Katy turned her eyes toward the sound of sirens coming from the highway behind them. That was quick, she said, watching as the ambulance turned onto the small side road where they stood. She looked down at John and Joe, who were both dripping wet with sweat, even though the temperature was frosty. Maybe not so quick to you two, though.

The ambulance pulled up beside them, and the younger EMT stepped up and took over the chest compressions while the older man fitted the Ambu bag over the old man’s mouth and nose. Once it was in place, he allowed Joe to take over the rhythmic squeezing of the bag to deliver the air to the patient’s ashen body.

Does he have a history of cardiac trouble? the older EMT asked as he stuck the leads on the patient’s chest and hooked him up to the cardiac monitor.

I don’t know, Katy answered. We were across the road and saw him fall here at his mailbox.

What was he doing when he fell? The EMT looked up at Katy and Eudora and then over to John, who was standing back up. Was he staggering or acting odd?

He had walked across the road where we were a few minutes before and was acting agitated, then he walked back to his house, John said, wiping the dampness from his brow. He seemed mad as all get out and short of breath from the walk, but he wasn’t staggering or grabbing his chest or anything like that.

They watched as the EMTs shocked the old man trying to bring his heart out of ventricular fibrillation. The results weren’t good, and they moved him onto a stretcher, then to the back of the ambulance. 

Do you think he’ll make it? John asked, looking at Katy. He was mighty blue around his lips.

It doesn’t look good. Katy looked at the others and shrugged her shoulders. But you can never tell. He may pull through. A lot of it depends on his underlying health and what shape his heart is in.

The siren on the ambulance began blaring again, and they watched as it turned around in Joe’s newly-acquired driveway and sped down the road toward the hospital. 

I guess we should call his family and let them know what happened, Eudora said, looking at Joe. Do you know any of his relatives? 

No, Joe shook his head. I’ve never heard him mention any family, but I don’t know him all that well. Mr. Jack has been Momma’s neighbor for as long as I can remember, but I don’t think any of us have ever been in his house. He looked down the road at his mother, who was watching everything from her front porch. Come to think of it, I don’t ever remember anybody going in Mr. Jack’s house but Mr. Jack.

Saturday afternoon Katy looked around the church fellowship hall and silently twisted her lips. Are you sure this doesn’t look gaudy? she whispered in Misty’s ear, careful not to let her daughter overhear. She glanced across the room at Eudora, who was busy fluffing out an enormous brown paper carnation to place in the center of the table.

Not gaudy, just different. Misty gazed around at the mustard-yellow streamers draping from the rafters. The brown paper carnations hung on the horizontal beam every three feet apart, securing the streamers into a line of swags all the way around the room. Mustard-yellow table cloths adorned the long tables, and the brown napkins and plates matched the carnations. Besides, Misty continued, if it makes Eudora happy, I’m all in. You know I love your girls like they’re my own.

You’re right, of course, Katy sighed. It’s just that our tastes are so different. She looked around again and puckered her lips. I just don’t see what Eudora thinks is pretty about this. I’m a nurse, and these two colors remind me of two things, the GI tract and the GU tract, if you catch my drift.

Well, for heaven’s sake, don’t say that to anybody else. Misty looked up at the rafters again, at the yellow streamers and the puffy brown flowers. Thanks, Katy. I never would have thought of that if you would have kept that little bit of information to yourself. She shuddered slightly. She’s ordered a bunch of sunflowers and white Gerber daisies to mix in with everything. I’m not bringing them until tomorrow right before the shower, so they’ll be fresh. That will soften everything up a lot.

I sure hope so. At least she’s keeping the refreshments normal. Penny made two chocolate cakes, one to bring and the other to leave at home for John. I might complain about a lot of things, but I can’t complain about the refreshments.

Is Penny down? Misty asked, pulling her gaze from the decorations.

Yep. All four girls will be here tomorrow. That’s the first they’ve been all together since Christmas. Katy’s oldest daughter Kelly Anne lived in a neighboring town and came over every month, but her middle daughter Penny lived in Memphis, and the twins, Eudora and Mamie, both lived in Baton Rouge. The only times they were all home at the same time seemed to be Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Well, then, you shouldn’t be complaining at all. Misty raised one eyebrow. Remember what’s important.

Yes, mother, Katy said to her best friend, sarcastically rolling her eyes. She reached into the back pocket of her blue jeans and pulled out her buzzing phone. Hey, Todd. I’m in the fellowship hall at the church. No, I’m not busy. Come on over. Todd, Katy’s nephew, was also the youngest deputy on the Skeeterville police force.

What’s he wanting? Misty asked.

He didn’t say. Katy slipped her phone back into her pocket. He just said it had to do with the man that we did CPR on yesterday morning.

He died, didn’t he? Misty asked. One of the ladies that volunteers at the help desk at the hospital is in Momma’s Pink Ladies’ circle. She told her that the man didn’t make it.

Yeah, Katy nodded. John called to check on him a while ago. He never made it out of the emergency room.

I don’t think I know this guy. Momma’s friend said that he has lived here in Skeeterville for a long time, but I can’t even picture what the man looked like. Misty shook her head. What was his name? Jim Redd?

No, Katy replied, Jack Redd. Joe said he was a real homebody and never had any company. The guy lived next door to Joe’s momma, but she acted like she didn’t know him well at all. Neither did Joe.

I’m fixin’ to break for lunch, Mom, Eudora said, walking over to where the two women were chatting. Penny’s making hambone soup and cornbread. I want to get a bowl while the cornbread is still warm. She turned around and looked at the room. I just love the way this is turning out.

I’m so glad you came to stay the weekend with us, Katy said, following her daughter’s gaze. I never would have gotten this the way you wanted it on my own.

I’m sorry I can’t stay to help clean up after the shower tomorrow, Eudora said, leaning over and hugging Katy’s neck and then Misty’s. I’ve got to drive back to Baton Rouge tomorrow afternoon. I have to be at work early Monday morning.

Me and your momma will take care of all that, Misty said, smiling at Eudora. You just enjoy your shower.

They watched as Eudora walked out the fellowship hall door. You phrased all of that very nicely. Misty pulled out a chair at one table and sat down. You can be very diplomatic when you want to.

You’re right about all of this stuff. Katy waved her arm over her head at the decorations. If it makes her happy, then I’m happy. She pulled out a chair and sat down beside Misty. If she wasn’t my daughter, I wouldn’t think a thing in the world about this… Katy paused and looked around. …stuff. I’ve always been a little harder on Eudora than the rest of my girls.

I think Eudora’s always been a little more of a challenge than the rest of them.

They both paused and turned as the fellowship hall door swung open, followed by a gust of icy air. Todd walked over to where they were sitting and propped a hip on the corner of the table. Y’all sure do have it looking all girly in here.

That’s the idea, Misty said. If Joe comes tomorrow, he will probably be the only man at the bridal shower.

I guess so. Todd pulled his little notebook from his shirt pocket and looked at Katy. I need to talk to you about Jack Redd.

Alright, Katy answered, but Thursday was the first time I had ever met the man. I’m sure there have to be other people in town that knew him better than me. 

I imagine there are, Todd said, but we got a preliminary report back from the autopsy. I need to ask you about everything that happened when he came over to where y’all were.

Why? Katy’s brow furrowed. What did the report say?

We don’t have all the information yet, Todd explained. "The hospital is saying that he had a heart attack. I just wanted to see if you saw anything funny or unusual yesterday morning. If everything looks