Dog Days Page 24

  He looked at Wyatt. “You need to get her away from here for a while.”

  “I intend to. We wanted to tie up all the loose ends of this case first. And we have. We’ll be discussing when we leave as soon as you vacate the premises.”

  Gage grinned. “Sounds like a plan. Okay, then. If I don’t see you before, I’ll see you when you get back.”

  “You and Dawson are still okay watching both our houses while we’re gone, right?”

  “Absolutely. Actually, Dawson’s going to stay at your place. I’m staying here, with Harley.”

  “And when did you three talk about this?”

  “At the Binger Friday night.”

  “At the—” I shut my mouth. Visions I’d seen that night still haunted me.

  Gage stood, pulling Blessing to her feet. “We’ll get out of your hair now.”

  We hugged. Wyatt shook hands with Gage, then pulled him into a man-hug, slapping his back. Blessing hugged us both, then turned and waved as the two of them went out the front door.

  “I’m really liking her. She’s good for Gage, too.”

  “She’s great.”

  “Sounds like Dawson and Becca are getting serious, too.”

  “Could be. She’s a good officer, and from what I can surmise, a really down to earth person.” Wyatt pulled me into an embrace. “Have I told you how much I love you, lately?”

  “Mmm. Not since lunch.”

  “Let me tell you, again. I love you with all my heart.”

  “Aw. I love you more.”

  We kissed.

  Harley barked from the middle of the living room.

  … COUPLE THINGS BEFORE WE SAY “ADIEU.”

  THOUGHT I’D FILL you in on a few items that may have gotten overlooked from the last several weeks.

  Dandy’s brother and his family did make it in for the wedding. It was hairy there for a bit, when the chaos was at its peak, but he protected his little family and they came through the ordeal unharmed. At the reception, we got to reminisce and bring each other up to date.

  Apparently Dandy’s put a bug in his ear about moving back to the area. California, at least where he’s living now, isn’t as safe a place as he’d like it to be anymore. And with the bad guy in jail here, and his front row seat observations of how well our police department works, he seems more than convinced that it would be a good idea. His wife looks to be onboard for it, too.

  All he has to do now is talk to his boss about a transfer. The company he works for has an affiliate branch in Pittsburgh. Not a bad commute, but not one I’d want to make every day. He says it’s shorter than the one he makes in Cali.

  Sheesh.

  Guess I’ve been spoiled, only having to drive five minutes to work. Not complaining.

  On a sad note, we received word that our former Mayor, Ridge Patterson, passed away. The funeral was last week. It was sparsely attended, only his parents, in laws, Wyatt, Rick, and I. It rained. Reverend Blanchard said a few words.

  Miss Lavender is plodding through her grief. Her sisters are making a point to include her whenever they do something. I’ve continued to visit her shop, but much to Wyatt’s delight, I have resisted the urge to buy more trinkets.

  Blessing stopped by the house the other Saturday. Gage was with her as she’d insisted he drive. He carried the wedding paper-wrapped box for her, and set it on the coffee table in the living room. Wyatt wandered in from the kitchen to see what was what.

  We opened the gift together.

  It was our wedding photos. Blessing had taken pictures of everything. The first shots were of the final dress fitting with me and the moms. The next ones were before the wedding, of the men getting ready, then the ones of us girls. Our parents being seated by Dodge Peters (acting as usher). The trio making a production out of walking the pillow to the front. A shot of Wyatt, nervously adjusting his tie, and Rick grinning at him. (Ha. Wait until it’s his turn.) Me and my boys, arm in arm, walking down the aisle.

  Then her photo-journalistic experience came into play with several sequenced photos of the shooter taking the first shot, when Paul and Becca first noticed him, Becca taking aim, the shooter’s gun flying when the bullet hit, blood spurting from his shoulder.

  Then there were panoramic views of the panic of the crowd, my sons protecting me, Reverend Blanchard shepherding the wedding party to the tree, Harley—teeth bared—advancing toward the shooter, I could even tell that he was barking up a storm. There were even pictures of an angry-faced Doc Weston, blotting blood from the wound. Gus and Paul man-handling the suspect out to the waiting ambulance. And a few of Forsythia and Gladiola struggling to restrain Lavender.

  Most poignant, at least to me, were the photos of Wyatt as he was finally able to get to me, my making sure he wasn’t full of holes, and my boys’ scared expressions as they stayed close to the both of us.

  After that, the delayed ceremony. Her shot of our you-may-kiss-the-bride moment was one of the best, especially with our wedding attire not as pristine as it had been, and my hair falling around my face. (I asked her for an 8” x 10”). That one would be on our wall.

  The cutting of the cake pictures were pretty cool, too, as well as the traditional after ceremony shots with family, the wedding party, and friends.

  There were no words to express how much her gift meant. I will treasure that album ’til my dying breath.

  Wyatt and I found a house. Of course, it’s not ours yet, but by the time we’ve gone through all our stuff, and given away what we don’t want—will probably need a couple yard sales, too, before it’s all said and done—it will be time for the closing, and we’ll be able to move right in.

  I’m sure there will be arguments, and maybe some fights about who keeps what, and whose furniture gets sold, etcetera. Might be a lot of compromise, too. I just hope it’s not all one-sided.

  Once we close on the house, we’re going shopping for a bed. Woot!

  Another purchase, one made recently, was to replace the baking sheets I’d destroyed. Can’t stop the baking thing. I may not be as stressed now, but I do love to bake, and there is always someone to consume the results.

  Seems fitting to start with fresh (new man, new name, new house, new bed, new baking sheets, just to name a couple). No more stalker lurking around the corner waiting to pounce. Such a relief not to have to worry about that. No more hidden secrets. At least none my brain is telling me about.

  Oh, I almost forgot.

  Miss Jane Pratt is sporting some very lovely new jewelry on her left hand. She waved it at me, during the reception. Guess she took my advice. I’m so glad. Those two lovebirds deserve their happiness. Not that they weren’t happy before, but just from what she told me, there was a bit of a black cloud hanging over their relationship. I can attest, though, that they both were wearing brighter smiles the last time I saw them.

  Bet y’all are wondering where my man and I ended up for our honeymoon.

  You didn’t think I wasn’t going tell you, did you?

  Wyatt had it all planned, down to the last little detail—to include having my suitcase packed and in the Jeep. I didn’t know our destination until we pulled up in front of the hotel. Great Wolf Lodge, in the Poconos. A few hours’ (okay, five and a half, give or take) drive northeast of Mossy Creek.

  The room—suite—was an absolute dream; a good thing, too, because we spent a lot of time in there. The exquisitely cared for grounds inspired us to spend some time outdoors, as well. The Mount Airy Casino is just around the corner from there, as well as a large premium outlet mall (The Crossings).

  We visited the mall and made a few purchases. The variety of the stores was impressive. I’d have loved to’ve had a girl’s day out at that place. Wyatt, never a fan of shopping, anyway, wandered through a few of the sports-related stores, but wasn’t as enthusiastic about the whole experience as I was.

  Our visit to the Mount Airy Casino was one of the best highlights. No, we didn’t win anything, and it’s not something we d
o on a regular basis, but it was fun and different.

  Everyone at the hotel treated us like royalty.

  I didn’t want to leave.

  But alas, my week of living in luxury came to an end. I had to admit, there was a lightening in my spirit, my soul even. The days spent away from all the familiar places was good medicine.

  I missed Harley.

  In the Cherokee, on the trek back to Mossy Creek, Rick called about a case. Bright and early tomorrow morning, we’ll be at it again.

  Our wedding was the biggest event in the history of Mossy Creek. People will be talking about it for years to come.

  Hope y’all enjoyed yourself.

  Maybe we’ll see you again, sometime.

  About The Author

  * * *

  Jill is the eldest of four children born to Christian parents in East Central Pennsylvania. It took a while, but the rebel within finally broke free. After shocking family and friends by enlisting in the U.S. Army, then marrying—not much of a shock—birthing three sons, and getting divorced—again, not much of a shock—she's now living in the great State of PA ... at least until the next adventure.

  She began writing nonsense stories for her siblings and friends while in grade school, probably from the time she learned cursive. Her writing has improved since then. Thank goodness. With time, maturity, and persistence, Jill continues to hone her craft in a variety of genres.

  Taking up the challenge to write outside the box, Jill’s story “How Do You Do It, Mr. Sullivan?” was accepted for the anthology Midnight Movie Creature Feature 2. She also co-authored "S.P.Q.R.” with Rob M. Miller for the anthology Fifty Shades of Decay. Her newest short, “Whiskers” was accepted for theanthology From Dusk Til Dawn.

  Currently, she’s working on the third installment of her “Mossy Creek” trilogy (a cozy romantic-suspense), and other projects.

  Do visit her at :www.therebelwriter.wordpress.com

  Maggie Mercer Mystery Series

  Mossy Creek Book 1

  Freezer Burn Book 2

  Dog Days Book 3

  Also From DevilDog Press

  Click here for Zombie Fallout currently Free!

  Burkheart Witch Saga Set By Christine Sutton

  The Hollowing By Travis Tufo

  Currently Free: Revelations Cast In Blood By Christine Sutton, Jaime Johnesee & Lisa Lane

  Click here for Mossy Creek By Jill S. Behe

  Click here for Forneus Corson By Heath Stallcup

  Click here for Shifters: A Samantha Reece Mystery By Jaime Johnesee

  Click here for In The Shadow Of The Other by C.B. Doyle

  Thank You!

  Thank you for reading Dog Days: A Maggie Mercer Mystery Book 3. Gaining exposure as an independent author relies mostly on word-of-mouth, please consider leaving a review wherever you purchased this story.