Death By Bourbon by Abigail Keam

thought it was just a middle-age
     crisis and would blow over, but it just kept going on. He wasn’t himself. Brannon
     was moody and withdrawn. He did his job, but he started complaining about the hours
     he had to put in.”
    “Did he say anything about Asa?”
    “He was resentful. He felt that Asa’s situation had cost the firm jobs, but then would
     complain about the long hours. It didn’t make sense.”
    “He and Asa were always so close, but after she was arrested, he barely spoke to her.
     Brannon was not there for her.”
    “He was not the Brannon that we knew for years, that’s for sure.”
    “Do you think that Asa’s situation put too much strain on him?”
    “It put some but not all. This was going on before Asa got arrested.”
    “I think you’re right. He has seemed restless for a long time. Do you know where he
     is, Wyman?”
    “Aw, Josiah.” Wyman reared back in his chair.
    “Come on. Give. I think you know where he is.”
    “I don’t want to get in the middle of this.”
    “You are in the middle of this, man. Tell me. Where is Brannon?”
    Wyman’s Southern patrician looks twisted as he spoke. He liked Josiah and didn’t want
     to hurt her. And this was going to hurt like hell. “It is rumored that he is living
     in the guest house of Ellen Boudreaux.”

13
    I was sitting in the living room, reading the Herald-Leader when I heard the front door being unlocked and someone punching in the alarm code.
     Before I could call for Jake, Asa strode into the room.
    “Well, it’s about time,” I cried, giving my cheek up for a kiss. “I called such a
     long time ago. Where have you been?”
    Asa threw her gloves on the end table before plopping down on the couch. “I have been
     working on your behalf.”
    “Stirring up trouble?”
    Asa grinned. “Let’s say I’ve been muddying the water.”
    “Ellen is making accusations that you stole into her house and robbed her.”
    “Is she now?”
    “Did you?”
    “Mother, you know that if you have knowledge of a crime, that makes you an accessory
     after the fact.”
    “Jumping Jehosaphat. Does that mean yes?”
    “Change the subject, please. I understand from Jake that Matt is leaping into matrimony
     . . . with a woman yet.”
    “That’s not all.” It took me the greater part of an hour to tell her about the Addison
     DeWitt case.
    “So you are Goetz’s spy?”
    I reared up. “That’s such a nasty word. People tell me things. I relay that info to
     him and he keeps me informed about what O’nan is doing.”
    “Does he really? You think you can trust Goetz?”
    “Why not?”
    “Just wondering out loud.”
    I gave Asa a curious look. “Are you holding something back from me?”
    “Please don’t grill me. I just got home. I want to take a bath and then a nap.”
    “You’re evading me.”
    “I swear that after dinner I will tell you about the naughty things I have been up
     to.”
    The front door opened and Jake walked in. He blanched when he saw Asa.
    She gave him a sour look.
    “I didn’t see a car outside.”
    “I had my driver let me out.”
    “I was just doing my perimeter rounds.”
    “And you didn’t hear a car on a gravel driveway?”
    “No ma’am.”
    “Perhaps you should have your hearing checked?”
    “Yes ma’am.”
    I interrupted what I could tell was the beginning of a scolding. “Jake, why don’t
     we barbeque out tonight. It’s such a pretty evening. Let’s get out those steaks we
     got from the Farmers’ Market.”
    Asa rose from her chair. “I am going to take a nap. Wake me when dinner is ready.”
    “Of course, dear.”
    Asa gave me a kiss before she left the room. Jake gazed after her.
    I couldn’t tell what he was thinking but thought I should leave him to his thoughts.
     “I think I will follow suit, Jake.”
    “I think that is a good idea, baby. Take a nap so you’ll be fresh for dinner.”
    Without the Velcro cast, my usual limp was less pronounced, so I got out of the chair