Poison Me (28 page)

“I was already here,” Officer Barnes said, “and when their fellow officer puts out a request the other officers come screaming.”

“Why were you here?” Ruby asked.

“There was another death.” He scowled, stroking his goatee. “I guess it was another murder to chalk up to Olivia and Mrs. Smelter.”

Ruby’s stomach lurched. “Another murder? Who?” she asked in horror.

“Jennalou Hoskins.”

Ruby’s gaze darted to Ellie. They’d teased and fought with Jennalou since high school. Ellie glanced away, and Ruby guessed she felt guilty too.

They trudged along for a few more seconds before an idea struck Ruby. “Did Mrs. Smelter already take Jennalou away?” she asked the policeman.

“Yes. A few minutes before I came to help you.”

Ruby grabbed Michael’s arm. “We could still save her. Remember? Olivia said the medicine didn’t kill them—it was Mrs. Smelter cutting into…” She couldn’t finish.

Officer Barnes whirled to face Ruby, his eyes wide. Then he raced to the front of the center, where his patrol car must’ve been parked. Ellie’s garage was close by.

“Keys?” Ruby said to Ellie.

“In the car,” Ellie said, already pushing the code for her garage door.

“I’m driving,” Michael said.

Ellie glared at him but didn’t argue.

A minute later, they were speeding in front of a police cruiser with its flashing lights on, but they had no intention of stopping or getting out of the way. They flew through town and parked on the front lawn of the mortuary. Running up the stairs, Officer Barnes led the charge. Ruby wished for younger legs as she clung to Michael and tried to keep up. Two more police cars careened around the corner and pulled up at the curb.

The mortuary’s front door was locked. Officer Barnes pounded again and again. Finally, a soft voice came. “Who is it?”

“Open the door or I’ll bust it in,” Officer Barnes said.

The door creaked open. Barnes put his shoulder into it, knocking the mortician off her feet and against the wall.

“What is going on here?” Mrs. Smelter cried out.

Michael, Ruby, and the officer rushed past the mortician, but Ellie shook her fist in Mrs. Smelter’s face. “You’re going to the devil’s own lair, wench.”

As they raced down the hall and into the back room, Ruby prayed. Maybe they could save one life, even if it wasn’t sweet Marissa. Jennalou’s large frame covered the stainless-steel bed. Barnes beat them there, but soon they were all crowded around the bed.

Mrs. Smelter tottered behind them, protesting, “I don’t know what you think you’re doing here.”

“No blood,” Ellie whispered.

They all sighed. Officer Barnes was closest to the bed. He put his fingers to Jennalou’s throat. “There’s a pulse. It’s barely there, but it’s there.”

“What?” Mrs. Smelter exploded. “She’s dead. Now, if you’ll kindly leave—”

More policemen burst into the room. Officer Barnes glanced over his shoulder. “Arrest her.” He pointed at the mortician.

Mrs. Smelter kicked and screamed as her hands were wrenched behind her back and she was read her rights.

“You’re making a mistake,” she said. “I was just helping those who were sick, who were ready to die and trying to get enough money to help Olivia escape her husband.”

After the mortician was escorted from the room, Michael reached an arm around Ruby’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you, love. You saved Jennalou’s life.”

Ruby nodded wearily.

“Let’s get out of here before she wakes up,” Ellie said. “I don’t want her to know we saved her life. Then I’d have to be nice to her. I don’t need another psycho friend.” She put an arm around Ruby’s waist, grinned at Michael, and said to the officer, “Good luck with that one.”

“Which one?” Officer Barnes said. “We already took the murderer away.”

“She’ll be much worse than the murderer.” Ellie pointed at Jennalou. “We’re leaving that crotchety female in your care. If I were you I’d rush her to the hospital before she wakes up.”

“Thanks for the advice.” He smiled and saluted them.

Ellie pushed between Ruby and Michael, linking her arms through theirs. “Well, kids, we’ve done our good deed for the day. What do you say we pick up some pizzas and go fuss over baby Michael?”

The grown-up Michael grinned at Ruby over Ellie’s head. “As long as I get to tag along with you two.” He pointed at Ruby. “Especially you. I’ll be there.”

Ellie raised her eyebrows and mouthed, “‘Especially you.’”

Ruby smiled. “Excuse me, Ellie, but I need a few minutes.”

“No, excuse me.” Ellie slipped from between them. “I’ll go cool down the car while you two heat up the hallway.”

Michael pulled Ruby close. “Oh, love. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“I’ll always be safe with you around.”

He grinned. “So you’re planning on keeping me?”

“Yes.” Ruby gave him a lingering kiss and whispered, “Until one of us retires to heaven.”

Michael brushed her cheek with his hand. “I’ll go first and wait for you.”

Ruby shook her head. “No.”

He arched an eyebrow. “No?”

“No. We’ll go together. I’m not letting you go ever again.”

The End

About the Author

Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.

Please refer to her book blog –
http://camicheckettsbooks.blogpost.com
for more information about her books. For fitness articles and exercise advice –
http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com

Other books by Cami:

The Fourth of July

The Sister Pact

Dead Running

Dying to Run

The Broken Path

If you enjoyed
Poison Me
please consider posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your personal blog. Thank you for helping to spread the word.

A portion of the proceeds from
Poison Me
will be donated to The Child and Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause –
www.cachecfsc.org

www.camichecketts.com