Down Home and Deadly

feared all these years.
    “Nerves?” he boomed. “Nerves don’t cause a 102 - degree fever. You had no business competing. If you’ll remember, I told you to withdraw , and you refused. And I felt it had to be your decision, since you’d trained so long and hard. Your parents reluctantly agreed with me. But your body couldn’t fight infection and win a gold medal at the same time.”
    “Or any medal,” I reminded him just in case he’d forgotten.
    Demaree slipped her arm around me and gave me a side hug. “Girl, you qualified for the Olympics. Where’s the shame in that? Even if you hadn’t been sick, which you definitely were, there are only so many medals. But being there was a victory. You’re an amazing swimmer.” She walked over and took her husband’s hand. “And even more important, in our eyes, you’re an amazing person. So don’t identify yourself by what you can do , but by who you are. You’re a beautiful , caring Christian woman who has had some disappointments. But from those disappointments has come determination and strength of character . And we’re proud to have you for our daughter-in-law.”
    I reached up to wipe a tear , and Alex grasped my wrist lightly.
    “What a sneaky way of showing off your engagement ring,” he said and held up my hand. What a sneaky way of changing the subject.
    I loved him.
    And his parents.
    *****
    When we pulled into my driveway that night, I wondered for the hundredth time why I’d been so nervous about seeing his parents again.
    Alex got out and walked me to the door. “Want me to come in and make sure everything’s ok ay ?”
    “I’m sure everything’s fine.” I glanced at my watch. “Zac was here just a couple of hours ago to let Mr. Persi out.”
    It was a little before ten. Not too late to give Carly a call. When I got inside, I did, and s he answered on the first ring. “I was hoping you’d call. How’d it go?”
    I hit the speakerphone button and laid the phone on the vanity. “Great. I had a wonderful time.” I slid the ponytail holder from my hair and picked up my brush. “They were so nice to me.”
    “All that worrying for nothing , ” Carly teased.
    “I guess you’re right. You know what?” I ran the brush through my tangled hair. “They’re really happy we’re engaged.”
    “Of course they are. They know a good thing when they see it.” I could hear the smile in her voice.
    “And so do I. I’m so glad Alex and I finally worked things out.” I looked at myself in the mirror. Even I could see that I looked happy. “Now if I can just get you and Elliott all fixed up.” I teased her.
    “You know how mom always tells you to mind your own business?” She laughed. “Well, never mind. That dog won’t hunt.”
    “I guess you’re implying that I’m nosy?” Nothing new there.
    “Well if the shoe fits.” She laughed. “And we know it’s exactly your size. And you have the mate in your closet.”
    “Ok ay , silly. But you’d tell me if there was anything I could do to help y’all, right?” I laid the brush down.
    “Of course.” She lowered her voice. “I’m just not going to rush into anything.”
    I hardly considered a year “ rushing , ” but Carly would do things in her own time. Harvey was right when he said she had a mind of her own.
    “By the way,” I said. “Larry was at the club when I went to see Lisa. He didn’t seem too happy.”
    “Lisa’s husband? I don’t imagine knowing Lisa was seeing J.D. made him happy.”
    “Well, the thing is, he knew exactly where she kept the gun. In fact, he’s the one who told her to bring it to the club and put it in the drawer.”
    “Did she tell you that?”
    And even though she couldn’t see me, I blushed. “No, I overheard it when I was standing outside her office.”
    “Who , you? Nosy? What was I thinking? Eavesdropping, huh?” Carly said dryly.
    “No, in this instance I was just waiting politely until she was free to see me , ” I said piously . “The point is Larry knew about the murder weapon and where it was.
    “Hmm . . . ” Carly said. “You know what? ”
    “What?”
    “Didn’t you tell me before you quit that Lisa was laying it on thick to some of the members about the club being safe because she had a gun and kn ew how to use it?”
    I slapped my forehead with my free hand. “Carly, you’re right. I can’t believe I forgot that. But she was bragging to a bunch of guys one morning when I came in.”
    “So a lot of