Chapter 25
25
C apri strolled down Main Street, her eyes scanning the storefronts when she spotted a striking woman with a stylish short haircut stepping out of a parked car. It took only a moment for Capri to recognize her.
Candy Faye Hutchison.
Her pulse quickened as she watched Candy Faye stride confidently toward the vet clinic.
“This should be interesting,” Capri muttered to herself, deciding to follow and see what drama might unfold.
As she turned for the clinic, she spotted Reva and Charlie Grace emerging from Reva’s office across the street. Capri waved them over with an eager smile. “C’mon, she’s heading into the vet clinic.
Reva frowned, clearly confused. “Who?”
Capri grabbed Reva’s arm. “Whit’s girlfriend.”
Charlie Grace parked her hands on her hips. “What are you planning to do?”
“Spy,” Capri replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“But where’s Lila?” Reva asked.
“When I talked to her this morning, she said she didn’t sleep last night, so she’s going in late.”
“Understandable,” Charlie Grace said. “She’s been under a lot of pressure, what with school and now this thing with Whit and a surprise girlfriend.”
Capri gave a hearty nod. “So, are you guys with me? I’m heading over to see what’s up.”
Reva and Charlie Grace exchanged hesitant looks, but curiosity got the better of them. They quickly joined Capri, who led them closer to the clinic. The trio darted behind a large pine tree, watching Candy Faye disappear through the clinic door.
They were about to make their move when they noticed something unusual. Just a few feet away, peering into one of the clinic’s windows, were Oma Griffith, Betty Dunning, and Dorothy Vaughn—the notorious Knit Wits of Thunder Mountain.
“What in the world— ” Charlie Grace muttered, her eyes wide.
Capri stifled a giggle. “Looks like we’re not the only ones interested in this little soap opera.”
The trio hurried over to the window. Oma, who was closest to them, jumped and put a hand on her chest. “You girls scared me to death!”
“Shh.” Dorothy pointed to the open window. “Be quiet or they’ll hear us.”
“What are you doing here?” Reva asked.
Betty smirked. “Likely, the same as you three.”
“We heard from Nicola that Whit’s girlfriend is in town,” Oma explained, her voice low and conspiratorial. “We’re concerned for Lila and came to check out the situation.”
“All right, ladies, let’s join forces,” Capri said, leaning into the open window. The others followed suit, curiosity burning in their eyes.
Inside, they spotted Candy Faye. “Whit, calm down,” she said, her voice sweet but tinged with frustration. “I’m just here to get my phone. I must’ve left it when I was here.”
The women crowded closer and stood on tippy toes, peering inside.
Candy Faye batted her eyes. “But, while I’m here, I think?—”
Whit’s voice was firm, unwavering. “You shouldn’t have come here, Candy. I told you in Texas, what we had was over.”
Candy Faye pouted, stepping closer to Whit and using her assets to full effect.
Oma snorted. “What a hussy.”
“Shh,” Dorothy repeated.
“Come on, Whit,” Candy Faye whined. “Can’t we talk about this? I love you. We were good together.”
The women outside watched with bated breath as Whit took a step back, shaking his head. “No, Candy Faye. This conversation is over. Get your phone and go.”
A throat cleared behind them and they all jumped. Without warning, Oma punched the intruder in the chest.
Fleet Southcott, the town cop, looked at her over the top of his sunglasses.
Oma covered her mouth. “Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry, Fleet. It was an instant reflex.”
“Shh!” Dorothy held her finger to her mouth.
Fleet turned his over-the-sunglasses look to Dorothy. “Did you just shush me?”
“Sorry, Fleet. But they’re going to hear us,” Dorothy warned in a loud whisper.
“What are you ladies doing?” he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and exasperation.
Capri straightened up, a sly grin spreading across her face. “Just a little community watch, Fleet,” she whispered. “Making sure everything is in order.”
Fleet raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but not entirely unsympathetic. “Well, I suggest you stop peering into windows and move along before you have to explain yourselves to the new vet.”
As they reluctantly pulled away from the window, Capri couldn’t resist a final glance back, hoping Whit continued to stand his ground once they were gone. “I guess we’ve heard enough,” she said, linking arms with Reva and Charlie Grace. “Come on, ladies. We’ll stay close by, just in case Miss Candy Faye Hutchison doesn’t take no for an answer.”
Fleet chuckled, shaking his head as he watched the group disperse. “In this town, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”