Jamison Valley, #1
The Coppersmith Farmhouse
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Gigi erupts when Jess unilaterally hires a crew to demolish her barn and start a garage. At the clinic, she treats Jess’s mother, Noelle, and brings her home for dinner. Jess arrives worn down and confides a growing meth threat tied to Wes Drummond, raising stakes for the town and their relationship.
Summary
Gigi leaves furious voicemails after learning Jess hired Ryan to demolish her barn and start a garage without consulting her. In the lounge, she vents to Maisy, who is thrilled that Dr. Everett Carlson asked her out. Jess texts Maisy that she is still babysitting, further stoking Gigi’s anger.
During her clinic shift, Gigi treats Noelle Cleary, a frail woman with a sprained wrist and a chart suggesting frequent injuries. Realizing Noelle is Jess’s mother, Gigi calls Jess, who is on a distant callout. To help, Gigi brings Noelle to the farmhouse, collects Rowen, and starts dinner; Maisy arrives and borrows outfits for her date.
Jess arrives exhausted. He greets Rowen, kisses Gigi, and checks on Noelle. After Noelle and Rowen go upstairs, Jess explains his day: he revisited Jack Drummond about stolen fertilizer, suspecting Jack’s son, Wes, who is advancing into meth production. A dealer hinted a flood of product is coming, pointing to a hidden mountain cookhouse Jess’s team hasn’t found.
Jess makes Maisy promise secrecy, especially from Noelle. The evening underscores rising town danger and highlights friction in Gigi and Jess’s relationship over control and communication, even as their bond deepens through caring for Noelle and sharing dinner.
Who Appears
- Gigi (Georgia) GentryProtagonist; enraged by Jess’s unilateral barn decision; treats Noelle’s wrist; hosts Noelle, Maisy, and Rowen for dinner; supports Jess despite conflict.
- Jess ClearySheriff; authorized barn demolition without asking Gigi; arrives exhausted; reveals investigation into Wes Drummond’s meth operation and hidden cookhouse.
- Noelle ClearyJess’s fragile mother; sprains her wrist; frequent prior injuries; spends the evening at the farmhouse and bonds gently with Rowen.
- MaisyFriend and nurse; excited about date with Dr. Everett; babysits Rowen; promises to keep Jess’s meth investigation confidential.
- Rowen (Roe)Gigi’s daughter; delighted by Jess; entertains Noelle and shows her room; present at family-style dinner.
- Dr. SeaversClinic physician; examines Noelle, diagnoses sprained wrist, and prescribes painkillers; asks Gigi to arrange Noelle’s ride.
- Wes DrummondOff-page antagonist; suspected meth producer tied to stolen fertilizer; target of Jess’s escalating investigation.
- Jack DrummondWes’s father; victim of fertilizer theft; refuses to implicate Wes despite Jess’s pressure.