Free Death Vetoes The Chairman (Lizzie Crenshaw Mysteries Book 7) by Teresa Watson Page B

holding court at her usual table. As soon as she saw me, she grabbed her purse, slapped a ten dollar bill on the table she took out of her wallet, and left. Most of the customers applauded as she left.
    Maddie came out to see what was going on. “What did you do to her this time?”
    I held up my hands. “Nothing, I swear. I didn’t even say ‘boo’ to her. She saw me walk in, and she left.
    “You mean I’m going to have a quiet morning? I don’t have to listen to her complain about the coffee, the food, or how it’s too cold in here for her? Hallelujah! Your breakfast is on the house!”
    I started to protest, but she hurried off before I could say anything. The mood in the café was certainly more cheerful with Gladys gone that’s for sure. I couldn’t help but wonder how welcome I would be here after news about the assault case became public.
    After finishing my wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon and pancakes, I stopped at the flower shop to pick up something for Angel, and then drove to the hospital. She was sitting in bed, nursing the baby, while Richard sat in a nearby chair, grinning from ear to ear and looking like a new father: proud, but very tired. “Lizzie,” he exclaimed, jumping up and come over to give me a hug. “Angel told me what you did for her the other day. How can I ever thank you for taking care of my girls?”
    I handed him the pink roses I had brought. “I’m glad I was there. I’ve never seen anyone give birth before. It was amazing. Your wife is a strong woman.”
    He looked at Angel and smiled. “Yes, she is. I agree.”
    “How are you feeling?” I said, moving to the edge of the bed.
    “Good. A little tired and sore, but overall, very good,” she smiled.
    “And how’s the baby?”
    “The doctor said she has a little jaundice, that’s why we’re still here. But we’re going home this afternoon.”
    “She looks so sweet. Have you come up with a name yet?”
    They looked at each other. “Yes, we have,” Richard said. “We’re going to name her Mary Elizabeth Ramirez, after her godmother, Elizabeth Crenshaw.”
    I gasped. “Oh my goodness. I…I don’t know what to say.”
    “Please say yes,” Angel replied.
    “Of course I will. I’m honored. Thank you so much.”
    “Would you like to hold her?”
    “My wrist is a little sore today. I’m afraid I might drop her.”
    “Richard, take the baby and place her in Lizzie’s arms. It might be easier for her to hold Mary Elizabeth that way so she doesn’t have to bend over and try to scoop her up.”
    He took the baby from his wife, making cooing noises at her before he gently placed her in my arms. I touched her tiny hand with my finger, and she grabbed it. “She’s got a strong little grip, doesn’t she?”
    “Richard says that means she’s going to be an outfielder or a basketball player,” Angel laughed. “If I don’t keep a close eye on him, he’ll turn her into a wide receiver or a running back.”
    “She can be whatever she wants to be,” he replied.
    “Daddy’s little girl already, I see,” I laughed.
    “Richard, why don’t you take Mary Elizabeth back to the nursery?”
    “That’s the signal for daddies and babies to leave the room because there’s going to be girl talk.” He took the baby back from me, leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you again, Lizzie.”
    “You’re welcome, Richard. Thank you for asking me to be her godmother.”
    He nodded, blew his wife a kiss and left. “The police told me that those men got away. I figured you could tell me what happened to Geoff. Did he really get away?”
    “He did.”
    “Do you know how to get in touch with him? I wanted to thank him for helping me.”
    “I have no clue,” I shook my head.
    “I heard him say they needed money for a new ambulance, so they’re probably going to try and rob some other bank. Shouldn’t we say something?”
    “They won’t try, I can guarantee that.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Because they