Rogues & Rascals in Goose Pimple Junction (Goose Pimple Junction Mysteries Book 4) Read Online Free

exploded followed by more glass. She stopped talking to cover her head again.
    “What in the world was that?” Bernadette, the police dispatcher, asked.
    Caledonia peeked out again and this time caught a glimpse of the boy underneath the ball cap. “It’s Jimmy Dean Howe, and he’s behind Lee Elementary breaking the school windows with a baseball bat.”
    “Good Lord, what’s he doing a fool thing like that for?”
    “I don’t know, but he’s really going to town. You best get somebody over here pdq.”
    “Hold on, Caledonia.” The phone went mute for a moment, and then Bernadette returned. “Hank’s on his way, hon.”
    Caledonia watched as the boys took off running across the schoolyard. “Well, he better hurry or he’s gonna miss the little miscreants. They’re running away now.”
    “They can run, but they can’t hide. We’ll need you to ID them, so you sit tight.”
    “Of course.”

    Caledonia was putting on Pink Passion, her favorite pink lipstick, when the doorbell rang. She thought about not answering it because she didn’t want to be late, but the bell sounded again. This time, it was accompanied by a powerful knock, and she thought whoever was there sounded persistent and insistent. She went to the door to find Louis P. Howe on her doorstep.
    “Louis, I –”
    “Good morning, Mrs. Culpepper, uh, Caledonia. I do hope I’m not interrupting. May I have the pleasure of your company for just a few minutes?” An ingratiating smile spread across his face.
    “Well, I suppose, although I wa s getting ready to meet someone.”
    “It’ll just take a minute.” He pushed past her into the house.
    “Well, by all means, come on in.” In her head, the comment was made sarcastically, but she tried to be gracious in her outward demeanor.
    He led her—instead of the other way around—to the sitting room, where they sat opposite one another. He leaned back on the sofa, splayed his arms on the top of the couch cushions, and propped his ankle on his knee.
    “Can I get you some coffee? Perhaps a muffin?” She tried her best to put on a pleasant expression.
    “Yes, you may. Coffee, please.”
    Caledonia returned in a flash with a tray containing two glasses, an iced tea pitcher, and a dish of sliced lemon. She remembered he had said he wanted coffee, but she didn’t like the man, so she deliberately brought tea.
    To his credit, he said nothing. Only his face gave away his displeasure. He balanced the glass on his knee and began to talk. “I’ll not take much of your time, although I do appreciate your hospitality. No, I’m here for one simple reason: I’d like to contribute to your son’s, uh . . . Pickle’s . . . college education.” He flashed an insincere smile again.
    Confusion crossed her face. “What on earth for?” She picked up the plate of muffins and offered it to him. “Muffin?”
    “No, thank you.”
    Peanut stuck his head in just then and said, “Can I have one, Mama?”
    She handed him the plate. “Go see if your brother wants one too. Then get your shoes. We’re going out in just a bit.” She turned to Louis.
    “The details aren’t important. The point is, I’m here to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
    “Whatever for?” Her hand flew to the pearls around her neck.
    “Well, frankly, for your silence. You see, the police really have no evidence against my son. All they have is your word.”
    “So you want me to lie?”
    “Yes. You can just say you were mistaken. And we’ll keep this little transaction between us. You understand?” His smile remained in place as he put the glass back on the tray and pulled out his checkbook.
    “That won’t be necessary, Louis.” She took a sip of tea. “There will be no transaction.”
    His smile turned to a scowl when she finished her thought. “Excuse me?” His voice was taut.
    She spoke slowly and distinctly. “There. Will. Be. No. Transaction.” Now it was her turn to flash a false smile.
    He sat forward. “I