Im gonna tell you the truth, Mace. I borrowed some money from Albert. The man was bleeding me dry. We argued, yes. But I swear to you, I never laid a hand on him.

I heard different.

And Im saying I never hurt the man. His warm hazel eyes went cold. I dont know where you got that. Did that girl behind the counter tell you something?

No, I lied.

Well, whoever it was is wrong. And why would you believe them over me? Weve known each other since we were kids, Mace.

I thought about that long-ago night at Lake Okeechobee. Jeb had rushed after me, telling me Id misunderstood everything. The girl meant nothing. It was the first time hed even kissed her. It was a mistake. He begged me to forgive him.

I did, and found out later hed been seeing her on the side for five weeks.

Mace? he said again, jarring me back to the present.

I took my time before answering, looking around the restaurant. Mama had taken a seat with Ruth Harris grandson. She and the girlfriend-in-black were sharing a slice of butterscotch pie.

In a quiet voice, I said, You dont have the best track record with me for being truthful.

Jeb picked his hat up and stood. All you can see in me is that stupid twenty-something kid, cheating on you with another girl. I was a scoundrel, Mace. Im sorry I broke your heart; but that was a long time ago. Ive grown up. Ive changed.

He placed the hat on his head, and tapped the brim as he looked at me in the mirror. My regards to your mama. I think Ill skip dinner tonight. It seems Ive lost my appetite.

He started to walk away, then turned to whisper in my ear. Id appreciate it if you wouldnt go around spreading lies about me and Jim Albert.

What? I whispered back. Like you owed him money and now hes conveniently dead? Thats not a lie, Jeb. Thats a fact.

He straightened, staring at me for a long moment. His eyes looked just the same as the night Id accused him of cheating. Hurt. Bewildered. Angry that I could believe something so awful about him.

I couldnt help but remember how convincing Jeb had seemed back then. And all the while, hed been lying like a tobacco company bigwig testifying to Congress.

What in the name of Mike was all that about? Mama slid her coffee cup back onto the counter and climbed up on the stool in front of the hamburgers Charlene had finally delivered.

I dont want to talk about it. I stared straight ahead at the stainless steel wheel above the kitchen. So many white order slips were clipped up there, it looked like laundry day for a race of tiny people.

Mama reached over to straighten my bangs. Well, Im not surprised. You seem just about talked out after that scene with Jeb. What were you two whispering about, Mace? I could hear you all the way over to the table with Ruths grandson. The way you were hissing, it sounded like somebody stepped into a mess of snakes.

There was a snake, all right; and its name was Jeb Ennis.

Mama, did you know Jim Albert loaned money to people?

I didnt know too much about him, Mace. But what I had heard, I didnt like. Truth is, this whole marriage came up awfully fast. I dont believe they dated for more than a few months. And I always thought Emma Jean could do better. I think she sensed I disapproved of Jim, because we didnt talk much about him.

I took a bite from my burger and watched the order slips flutter in the breeze from an air conditioning vent. I was thinking about how Jeb was linked to Jim Albert, who in turn was linked to Emma Jean. And then there was Mamas boyfriend, Sal, and his ties to everything. The whole mess was looking exactly like that nest of snakes Mama mentioned.

Honey. Mama tapped my shoulder. Your purse is ringing.

I fumbled in my purse for my phone, past some packages of beef jerky and a jar of peanut butter, which I use to bait animal traps. By the time I found it, itd quit ringing. Ive got to get Maddie to sew me one of those little cell phone cases.

I went to the phones log and called back the last number that called me.

Where are you two? Maddie said. Martys waiting for yall. Mama left her things from the jail in the car this morning. Marty decided to run them by on her way home from her meeting at the library. You know that promotion she got? Shes running the whole show now. My hamburger and fries awaited, salt crystals sparkling like diamonds on hot grease. I longed to take a bite, but I knew Maddie would yell at me for talking with my mouth full.

How was church? she asked.

Just about like usual, I lied. Well tell you all about it tomorrow.

I should have been there, too. But I couldnt move a muscle after Kenny went and got us barbecue from the Pork Pit for supper. I ate so much, all I could do was unzip the waist of my slacks and lie there on my couch like a big, fat hog.

I got an image of my normally proper sister stretched out with her undies exposed, and smiled for the first time since Jeb sat down.

Thanks, Maddie. I needed that. Listen, well finish here and head over to Mamas in about a half hour. Can you tell Marty? Tell her I want to hear all about the promotion.

Will do, Maddie said. She already opened a bottle of Mamas white zinfandel and shes watching Cops on TV. Its a good one, too, Mace. They caught this guy who got stuck in a hole he made in the ceiling when he was trying to burglarize a store. So far, I havent seen any of your old beaus.

Once, while watching the show, wed spotted a boy I ran with during my wild period. Drunk and shirtless, he was being hauled out of a trailer on a drug charge. Maddie, of course, had never let me forget it.

After I rang off, Mama and I polished off our burgers, split the check, and headed home.

___.

Teensy was running in circles and yapping at Mamas front door. We could see Marty through the sheer curtain at the window, trying to navigate around the dog to let us in.

Teensy, hush! Mama shouted, which just pushed the Pomeranian over the top. He hurled himself at the door, intent upon breaking through the wood frame and hurricane-resistant glass to reunite with his mistress.

Marty finally got an ankle in between the dogs chest and the door and pushed the little ball of fluff out of the way. She had one foot off the floor, a glass of wine in her hand, and the other arm wrapped around Mama in a welcoming hug. Marty was so graceful, she could pull that off. If I tried it, Id be out flat on Mamas hallway rug, covered in sweet wine and dog fur.

Ooooooh, is this Mamas little boy? Is this her itty-bitty boy?

Teensy launched himself straight up and levitated, like a Harrier fighter jet. She caught the dog in his skyward orbit, planting a big kiss on his head.

Have you girls ever seen a more adorable little angel than this one? She waved one of Teensys paws at us.

Marty and I exchanged a look. All that Teensy lacked was a bonnet and a bassinet.

We escaped to the kitchen, entering a veritable barnyard of gingham. Mama had a thing for cute animals in country checks: Her cookie jar was a pig in a gingham cap. Her canisters pictured ducks in gingham ribbons. Bunnies frolicked in gingham bowties along a wall border.

Marty hiked up her knee-length, linen skirt and climbed onto a step stool. She removed a wine goblet from the shelf, and poured me half a glass. I motioned her to keep going. We could still hear Mama murmuring sweet nothings to the dog in the living room. Teensys frantic barking had mellowed to an annoying whimper.

God forbid anything should ever happen to that creature, I said, lifting the pigs gingham hat to help myself to two macaroons.

Her eyes widened. Oh, Mace, dont even think about it. She loves that dog beyond description.

How was Cops?

Funny, but sad. As usual. Where on earth do they find those people?

Unlike Maddie, Marty was too nice to mention my intimate knowledge of someone whod had a starring role I saw Jeb Ennis again tonight.

Martys face lit up and she sat down at the table, ready for a good story.

It didnt go well.

I leaned against the counter and filled her in on what Id learned about Jebs ties to Jim Albert. I told her how hed tried to cover up their big fight.

I need to find out how much he owed him, Marty. Money is an excellent motive for murder.

You cant suspect Jeb, Mace. Marty shook her head, blonde hair shimmering in the wagon-wheel light hanging over Mamas table. You dated the man.

Yeah, Jeb and that handcuffed suspect on TV. My taste in men seems a little iffy.

What would his motive be for putting the body in Mamas car, Mace?

Im not sure. I havent figured that out yet. I topped off my wine glass, and grabbed a third macaroon. But Jebs not the only one who seems suspicious, Marty.

I told her about Emma Jeans scene at the church, and her threat of committing violence.

Emma Jean said that bad word, right there at Abundant Hope? Marty spoke around the hand shed clapped over her mouth. Maybe I was wrong about her being so nice.

We could hear Mama moving toward her bedroom, probably going in to change to something more comfortable than her pansy hat and pantyhose. Teensy followed, tags jingling on his collar.

Marty, why didnt you tell us about your promotion?

She blushed. I didnt want to make a big deal of it, Mace. Not with everyone so worried about Mama and the murder.

Well, it is a big deal. I clinked my glass against hers. Ive always known you had it in you. Youve proved you dont have to be bossy to be boss.

Id made a small pile of macaroon crumbs on the counter. I was just about to get another wine glass from the cabinet for Mama when Teensy shot out of the bedroom like a rocket. The dog was going nuts, barking and scaling the couch by the window like it was the Pomeranian version of Everest.

Mama called out, Mace, see what in the world is wrong with that dog. He hasnt been the same since I went to prison.

Jail, Mama.

A loud thump sounded from the wooden porch outside the front door. I grabbed Mamas grandmas heavy, carved cane from the hallway umbrella stand.

Marty, I whispered. Theres someone out there.

Within seconds, my sister was right behind me, clutching a cast-iron pan.

Teensy was yelping and jumping, a Pomeranian pogo stick.

As I crept toward the window, I heard a car door slam in the distance. Outside, I saw nothing but dark, empty, street in front of Mamas house. From down the block, an engine raced. Tires squealed. Whoever had been out there was now roaring away. Or, maybe thats what they wanted us to think.

Mama, her face a white mask of Ponds cold cream against a red satin robe, joined us in the hallway. What in heavens name is all the fuss, girls?

I shushed her, and motioned for her to grab hold of her crazy dog.

Cracking the front door, I peeked out. What looked like a bundle of rags tied to a heavy brick sat on the porch, next to a potted Boston fern. Mama held a wriggling Teensy. Marty sidled up beside me, frying pan shaking in her hand. We stepped onto the porch.

The rag bundle was the only thing out of the ordinary. I stooped to pick it up. It was a white toy dog. Deep slashes crisscrossed synthetic plush, spilling stuffing from the head and sides. A collar dangled from the nearly decapitated stuffed animal.

I held the collar to the light spilling out the front door. Marty and Mama each crowded in over a shoulder. Together, we read the name in crude letters on the mutilated dog tag.

Teensy.

I heard a sharp gasp and then another thump on the wooden porch, much louder this time. I whirled around to find Marty collapsed in an unconscious heap. The frying pan had missed my foot by about an inch and a-half.

Oh, my stars! Would you look at my poor baby?

I glanced at Mama, and was relieved to see she was referring to Marty, not Teensy. Shed put down the stupid dog and was focused on her youngest daughter.

Mace, lets get her up and onto the couch. You know Marty cant take shock of any sort. Then run get a cold cloth for her forehead. Well lift her feet up on two pillows to get the blood flowing. Better bring that bottle of wine, too.

Mamas tone had turned all-business. She might flirt and fuss and swan about like a Southern belle, but if the crisis involves one of her girls, theres no one better than Mama to have in your corner.

Marty didnt weigh much more than the sacks of puppy chow I lift to feed the abandoned wildlife babies at the park. If itd been Maddie who fainted, wed have been in real trouble. Mama and I easily carried Marty off the porch and into the house. We settled her on the living room couch, printed with salmon-colored roses.

Get down off of there, Teensy!

The dog, ignoring Mama, was busy climbing across couch cushions and onto Martys chest. Hed moved up to her head where he was sniffing at her ear. He looked shocked when, none too gently, Mama swept him off her youngest human child and onto the floor.

By the time I returned with the items Mama had ordered, Marty was coming around.

Howya doin, darling? Mama murmured softly, stroking Martys baby-fine hair.

Uhmmmm uhmmm, Marty answered.

Thats all right, honey. You just rest right there. Mace and I have got things covered, dont we Mace?

Not exactly, I thought, considering that someone had just tossed a brick and a decapitated stuffed dog at the house.

What what? That the porch Hush, Marty. Mama put a finger to my sisters perfect lips. Everythings going to be all right.

I moved a crystal candy dish full of butterscotch toffee so I could sit on the coffee table. Mama perched on the couch, next to Marty. I watched closely as her eyes focused. Then they clouded, worry taking the place of the confusion evident a moment before.

That dog, Mace, Marty said.

Its just a stuffed animal, a toy. It was someones idea of a joke.

Teensys always getting into things, honey, Mama said. That little dickens probably chased a cat up a tree or tore up a neighbors flower bed. Its just a message to keep my dog inside.

Even Mama didnt look like she believed that.

I headed outside to the porch. Now that Marty was safely prone, I wanted to bring that stuffed dog inside for a better look.

I slipped my hand into one of the plastic grocery bags that Mama keeps by the door to remove Teensys messes from her lawn. Using the bag, I picked up the white dog. I wasnt sure if the police could get fingerprints off a fluffy fake dog or a brick, but I was taking no chances.

Once I had the hallway light on and the stuffed dog displayed on Mamas salmon-colored carpet, I noticed a slip of paper taped under the brick. I turned it over with the toe of my boot. The misspelled message was in the same crude letters as the dogs name on the collar.