Free Rubbed Out (A Memphis BBQ Mystery) by Riley Adams Page A

festivals every day, after all. And there’s stuff to see here—food to eat, people to stare at. I think you could have a fun time.”
    “Maybe,” said Buddy in a considering voice. “Of course, that would involve calling Ms. Swinger on the phone. And I forgot to bring one today.”
    Morty immediately held out his phone to him. He shrugged. “Okay, okay, y’all. I guess I can try something different. I’ll give her a call once I’ve put in some cooking time.”
    Morty, Big Ben, and Buddy walked next door, and after a few minutes they returned with Brody, who came over to join Lulu and the Graces. Brody’s eyes weretired, his clothes were rumpled, and he generally looked like he’d been through the wringer. “Hi, y’all,” he ventured. “Guess you didn’t know what you were getting into when you ended up with a booth next to my team.”
    They gave him a hug. Lulu said, “Brody, it’s not your fault. This all has been a nightmare for you, I know.”
    He nodded, drawing in a deep breath. “I know Reuben and I were fighting with each other yesterday. But we used to be close friends. I hate that this has happened to him.”
    Cherry said, “Want to have a seat, Brody?” She gestured at a table with her spatula. “I’m going to take a break myself.”
    “I’ll watch the grill,” said Flo. “And I’ll add that I’ll be ready to see the end of the barbequing, too!”
    Brody smiled, then suddenly got serious. “One of the reasons I came by is to thank y’all. You’ve been a really good friend to us, regardless of how everything started out with that big argument between us and Reuben. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that we’ve got extra hands helping us out right now, for one.”
    Lulu waved her hands dismissively. “Well, that’s nothing to do with us. Morty, Buddy, and Big Ben are the helpful ones.”
    “We’d never have known them if it hadn’t been for you, though,” said Brody. “You’ve got real decent friends.”
    “I’ll second that,” said Cherry, holding up her beer. “To friends!”
    They toasted friendship and then Brody continued,“You’ve been super nice to Sharon, too. You probably don’t know how upset this whole situation has made her. First she was upset by Reuben’s behavior, which had changed so radically. Then, of course, she was upset right after that by the fact that Reuben ended up dead and that she and I are suspects…it’s been a nightmare. You’ve been great friends to her and really talked her off the cliff a couple of times when she felt down over everything. Thanks.”
    “We’re happy to do it, Brody. Y’all have been in a real tough spot,” said Cherry.
    “So have you, though. You’d never have been mixed up in a murder investigation if it hadn’t been for us,” said Brody.
    Cherry looked at Lulu and gave a half-smile. “Well, I’m not so sure about that.”
    Brody raised his eyebrows and said, “It’s true, then? Sharon said that Flo told her that Lulu has investigated murders before and been able to solve them before the police do.”
    “I do have a nasty habit of getting involved with murders, yes,” said Lulu. “I try to pitch in and help get to the bottom of things. I’m sort of tidying up and putting everything back to normal.”
    Brody leaned forward and studied her intently. “Then there’s something you should know about. I’ve got to tell your police officer friend, too. Reuben’s ex-wife and his teenage son are here at the festival.”
    “You’ve seen them walking around?” asked Lulu.
    Brody shook his head. “I’ve seen them at a booth. They’re part of a team at the festival. What’s more, I’ve seen the ex-wife hanging around not far from our booth and watching it. Maybe they’ve been up to something.”
    “Let’s tell Pink. He will be sure to talk to the ex,” said Cherry. “It might not be immediate, but he’ll get around to it. An ex-wife has got to be on the list of suspects, especially if she