Triple Dip Debacle: A Cozy Mystery (Caesars Creek Mystery Series Book 7) by Constance Barker Read Free Book Online Page B

All the pieces were falling into place. I could actually see Pennington dislodge the tire, Charlie backing up, rolling over Mr. P’s shoe and then that floppy sign cutting his face. But what about the final act?
     
    “When Charlie moved his wheelchair, it allowed the swing door to come free. Since the door was pushed back as far as it could go, when it swung free it would carry a lot of force.”
     
    Brandon walked around the counter. “So you’re saying Pennington was standing in the middle of the doorway, he’s not paying attention because his foot’s been run over and his face sliced.” Greg nodded. Brandon stood next to the swing door as Greg pulled it all the way back.
     
    Brandon stood in the middle of the doorframe. “I’m Pennington. I’ve been run over and sliced in the face so I’m not paying attention. I’m holding the cake knife in my hand but it’s turned towards my chest because of everything that’s happened in the span of a few seconds.”
     
    Brandon held an imaginary knife in front of his chest. “Okay, let go of the door.”
     
    Greg released the door and it swung hard into Brandon’s hand, forcing it into his chest. “Wow!” Brandon exclaimed as he looked at us. “I can see how the force would push the knife into his chest.”
     
    “So it was an accident right?” I asked Greg. “Charlie didn’t mean for this to happen.”
     
    I could tell Charlie could barely hear what we were saying without his hearing aid. Likely, why he didn’t hear Pennington fall from the knife wound.
     
    “Of course,” Greg answered. “There will be no charges. It was an unfortunate accident. It’s amazing how everything came together though. Driving over his foot, then the slice to the face with the slow moving sign, and then the final push with the swing door. Charlie really did a number on him without even knowing it.”
     
    Brandon looked at Charlie. “I wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley.”
     
    “Okay, let’s wrap this up,” Stormi announced. “It’s been a long day. Charlie let’s get you some new wheels. Only for a few days though, then I’ll make sure Greg gets your wheelchair back to you.”
     
    Charlie steered himself over to Dottie. “Miss Dottie would you like to accompany me and help choose an interim wheelchair?”
     
    “I would be so inclined,” Dottie said. “But first let me have a second with my daughter and her fiancé.”
     
    Dottie walked over to Stormi and Greg. “I think I should head back to Atlanta and let you lovebirds plan your own wedding. I stuck my nose in where it didn’t belong and I don’t want to continue to make a mess of something that should be the most wonderful time of your lives.”
     
    Stormi grabbed her mother’s hands. “Momma, I want you to stay and help me this week. But I only want you, not some person who thinks they know better than me what I want. I’ve always dreamed of having you by my side, helping me pick out my wedding dress, the cake, and the flowers, all of it. But just you, I…and well of course Tara and Paige too.”
     
    Dottie had tears in her eyes. “Are you sure darlin? I know I’ve made such a mess, and Greg must be fearful of what kind of mother-in-law he’s getting after he’s heard of all my meddling.”
     
    Greg took Dottie’s hand in his own. “If you’re just like your daughter, we’ll get along just fine.”
     
    Dottie’s other hand flew up to her mouth to hide her giggle. “Oh I can see how my daughter fell for you. You’re such a charmer.”
     
    Greg smiled. “I’ve heard the same about you.”
     
    Dottie giggled again.
     
    “Okay everyone, let’s get out of here and get Charlie’s new wheels,” Stormi announced.
     
    Everyone headed out and I locked the door. The lights from the street lamps were already lit. Suddenly Brandon grabbed my hand and pulled me to a bench under one of the lights.
     
    “Aren’t we going with them?” I asked.
     
    “In a minute,” Brandon