Grace Sees Red by Julie Hyzy Page A

missing.”
    â€œHow long has Percy been a resident?”
    She pulled her mouth to one side. “A little short of ten years. He was one of the first residents when Indwell opened.”
    â€œWhat happened to him?” I asked. “I mean, what brought him here in the first place?”
    â€œI brought him here,” she said with a fiery spark in her eyes. “After he lost control of his motorcycle and slammed his spine into a cement barrier.”
    â€œOh, I’m sorry. That had to be devastating.”
    â€œI don’t know what hurts him worse: not being able to move his legs or the fact that there was no one willing to help him. No one but me, that is.”
    â€œHe’s lucky to have you.”
    â€œToo bad he didn’t realize that when we were still married.” Her eyes still blazing, she added, “Where were all thoseswooning women when he needed them? Not one of them stuck around when his life fell apart. Took a life-threatening accident to wake him up.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Frances,” I said.
    She glared again. “Don’t you dare pity me. I made my bed, I’m lying in it. Nobody’s business but my own, you understand?”
    â€œYes. Got it.”
    â€œIf it weren’t for that stupid nurse sounding the alarm, I’d have been able to keep you and the Mister out of all this. Now everyone in Emberstowne will know that I’m stuck taking care of the jerk who broke my heart all those years ago.”
    â€œNo one has to know,” I said. “Bennett and I won’t tell a soul.”
    Her mouth turned down sharply. “This news will get out. Mark my words.”

Chapter 7

    When Frances and I returned to the Sun Gallery, only Percy and Kyle remained at the table.
    â€œWhere’s Bennett?” I asked as Frances and I reclaimed our seats.
    â€œThe lawyer showed up; they’re talking.” Kyle twisted to look around the room. “Don’t know where they went.”
    â€œWhat about Anton?”
    â€œPolice are questioning him,” Percy said.
    I pointed to the bag Anton had
thunked
onto the table when he’d arrived. “Looks like he forgot something.”
    â€œYeah, right.” Kyle laughed. “I’m sure that was no oversight.” He grinned across the table until he caught Percy’s eye. “What do you think the police would make of his contraband?”
    Percy wore a thoughtful look. “Maybe we should tell them about Anton’s regular deliveries.”
    â€œNo, I was just kidding,” Kyle said. “There’s no way Anton killed Gus.”
    â€œDoesn’t matter.” Percy sent an exaggerated loving gaze to Frances. “All I care about is getting the focus off my sweetie.”
    She rolled her eyes but her cheeks warmed.
    Not understanding the conversation, I decided to find out exactly what contraband they were talking about. I picked up the heavy brown bag and wrapped my fingers around the neck of the bottle inside. “You’re kidding me,” I said when I pulled out a factory-sealed fifth of scotch. “Anton brought this for Gus?”
    Percy and Kyle were unfazed.
    â€œHe brings in a bottle at least twice a week,” Kyle said. “They share whatever it is. But they’re not very picky, are they, Percy?” Without giving his roommate a chance to answer, he continued. “Scotch, gin, bourbon, you name it, Anton brought it in. Sometimes—if Gus was in a good mood—they’d even share.”
    â€œWith you,” Percy said. “Gus didn’t like me.”
    Appalled, I turned on Frances. “We should tell the police.”
    She waved the air. “Anton wouldn’t kill Gus.”
    â€œNeither would you, but that isn’t stopping them from suspecting you.” I hefted the bottle. “What if he died from something he drank?”
    Percy fidgeted in his chair. “Gus kept the liquor in a cabinet so