Free A Caffeinated Crunch: A Cozy Mystery (Sweet Home Mystery Series Book 2) by Constance Barker Page B

stewed on it all that night and the next day. I didn’t call Carl as he told me he’d be taking his wife to see several doctors the next few days. So all I could do was sit and think. The more I thought, the angrier I became. Then I just decided to forget it and go with my friends to the fundraiser. You can imagine my surprise to see Carl come in with his very healthy wife!”
     
    “I was flabbergasted, but I couldn’t show it. I watched him and his wife through most of the dinner. Then I saw Mildred get up and walk out. I decided to follow her and see if we could talk. I went to the ladies room, but couldn’t find her, so I thought I’d go outside for some air. That’s when I saw her and Carl having an argument. I hid behind some of the golf carts so they wouldn’t see me, but close enough to hear. He was proclaiming his undying love for her and that she couldn’t leave him now. Mildred was crying and telling him to get away from her. He continued to tell her she was the only one he loved. The more I listened, the angrier I became. I felt a rage boil up inside of me, taking over my entire body. I felt weak so I sat down in one of the golf carts as I listened to his empty promises. The same empty promises he told me over the last six months as he drained my bank account. My head swirled and my heart raced. Anger was the only thing I could feel, from the top of my head to my toes. I reveled in it…it was my friend. But anger and rage are just as deceiving as he was. It was not my friend…the rage was only using me to a fateful end. I watched as Mildred tore herself away from him and headed back into the rec center, leaving Carl in the middle of the parking lot. I looked down and by some miracle the keys were in the ignition of the golf cart I was sitting in. I no longer had control. It was like I was outside of my body watching someone else take over. I turned the key and the golf cart came alive. I pulled out of the parking space and hit the gas. Carl had his back to me and was looking down, I think at his cell phone. He turned at the last second, likely hearing the golf cart speeding up behind him. I wasn‘t sure at that moment if he knew I was behind the wheel. His mouth dropped open right before we hit.”
     
    “The golf cart careened over him and I hit the brakes, stopping just a few feet from him. I heard him moan and then he said, “You bitch, you broke my arm. I’m going to sue you for this!”
     
    “He was going to sue me…he’d taken almost everything I had…my money, my dignity, my heart. The rage took over again. I put the golf cart in reverse and back I went, then forward, then back until I couldn’t hear a sound coming from his rotton mouth. Then I jumped out of the golf cart and felt my scarf tug around my neck. At first I thought he’d somehow gotten up and was strangling me, then I noticed the end of the scarf was stuck under the seat. I yanked on it and it remained stuck. I gave it another pull and I heard a ripping noise, but the scarf came free. I then rushed to the ladies room to gain my composure. That’s when I heard the screams and I knew why. I sat down in the ladies room as women came and went talking about the scene outside. It’s very surreal to hear people talking about something and knowing you are the cause of it.”
     
    Lucille sighed. “I knew at that moment I should turn myself in. As I continued to sit there, I decided I wanted a few more days in my shop and home first. Then I would confess and take my lumps. You girls just beat me to it.”
     
    Jules went to get Lucille a glass of water and I walked outside and called Eli who was talking with Mildred. I told the station it was urgent and they patched me straight through. He came out immediately and arrested Lucille, but he didn’t put the handcuffs on her as he marched her to the police squad car. At least she was able to keep a modecum of dignity as she said goodbye to her home and boutique.
     
    The next day at