Coming Home: Baytown Boys Series

by Maryann Jordan

  “Hang on, babe, let me greet you first,” Mitch said, pulling her head from his neck so that his lips could meet hers. After being in the presence of both Thomas and Vanessa in one day, he reveled in the freshness of Tori.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jason move toward his motorcycle with a grin and a wave. Holding onto Tori’s ass with one hand, he tossed up his other in a return greeting, before carrying her up the steps and into the house.

  Regretfully, ending the kiss, he peered down at her, visually taking her pulse. “Everything okay here?”

  “It’s been fine, Mitch. But I want to know what happened today. Please don’t keep me in suspense.”

  Nodding, he said, “Let’s go out back so we can talk privately.” He linked fingers with her, leading her through the kitchen and out to the patio.

  The scent of freshly mown grass filled the air and the sound of children playing next door reminded her of playing with Mitch many years ago. Sighing, she willed her heart to stop pounding as she wondered what Mitch would report.

  Sitting next to her on the glider, he said, “Okay, we’ll start with Vanessa. She reacted the way we expected…very defensive. She claims she went right back to Virginia Beach and didn’t stay in town at all. I met her husband…he came in with their attorney.”

  Eyes wide, Tori admitted, “I’ve never met him. They got married about six months ago and I tore up the invitation. I assumed by the way she was dressed and the way she looked at grandma’s funeral that she had married a man with money. Something she always wanted.”

  “Well, he shut her down pretty quick and I got the feeling he probably did that often, so all may not be as hunky-dory as she had hoped.”

  “I know she looks suspicious but, honestly Mitch, she’s got money now. We don’t like each other but I can’t convince myself she would try to poison me.” She looked out over the yard for a moment, noting the flower gardens that she and her grandmother meticulously planted over the years. This little oasis was one of her hideouts when she had been a child and Vanessa was on one of her rampages about being stuck in Baytown for a week. Sighing deeply, she said, “But maybe I just don’t want to believe that she could do something so horrible.”

  Mitch wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his warmth. Kissing the top of her head, he said, “We’re not ruling anyone out yet.”

  Nodding, Tori leaned up and twisted to look at him once more. “And Thomas?”

  “He claims he came here to let you know he’s getting married again.” Mitch did not have to wait long to see her reaction.

  Barking out a laugh, she said, “Seriously? He thinks I would give two hoots about him getting married again? God, what a conceited ass!”

  Laughing at the expression of disgust on her face, he asked, “So I take it you don’t care?”

  “Nope, not at all. You know, I was more upset over their betrayal than I was when we actually got divorced.”

  “Well, I overheard him and his fiancé as we left and I have the feeling she was extremely pissed that he came over here. I believe it was something he planned on keeping from her. And to be honest, I don’t think they’ve got the perfect relationship either.”

  Giggling, she said, “Would you think less of me if I told you that I’m not exactly torn up over their lives not being perfect?”

  Laughing along with her, he shook his head. “Nope, I would think it made you perfectly normal!”

  They sat quietly on the glider for a few more minutes, she tucked into his embrace.

  “Just to let you know, I’ve let Jason off the hook tomorrow. Katelyn and I are going sea glass hunting early in the morning and then we’re going to her house to do some baking for the Fisherman’s Fair.” Sighing, she said, “My kitchen is far superior, but we’re afraid no one will buy anything if they find out it was made here. I know you all kept a tight hold on the information, but with a few of the other guests staying at different B&Bs in town, I’m sure the rumor mills have been working.”

  “It should die down soon,” Mitch assured. “And we will find who did this.” Standing, he held out his hand and gently pulled her up from the seat. Taking her face in both hands, he soothed her cheeks with his thumbs, lost in her gaze. “I’ve got to go home to check on things there. The guys and I are having a meeting about the American Legion and then I’ve got a staff meeting first thing in the morning.”

  “I’m fine here,” she replied. “I’ve got Jason and another couple staying here so I won’t be alone.”

  Kissing her longingly, he admitted, “It’s only been two nights but I don’t want to be apart.”

  Reveling in the warmth of his lips moving over hers, she muttered, “Then come back here after you’re done. I don’t care how late you are.” Reaching into her pocket, she retrieved a key. “Here…this is for you.”

  Grinning, he took the key in his hand. Kissing her once more, lingering over her lips until he forced himself to pull away, he whispered, “I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

  Chapter 18

  Mitch walked into the bar and headed straight to the back room, coming up short when he turned the corner and saw who was in attendance for the American Legion planning meeting. The Baytown boys were all there, plus their fathers, a few of their grandfathers, Jason, Ginny, Burt, two younger men he did not recognize, and about six older men, including the ones who had spoken to him earlier.

  “Wow, looks like we have the support we need,” he joked. Getting down to business, he said, “I’ve got the American Legion Development and Revitalization Procedures here. I have completed the questionnaire with the help of Dan.” Nodding toward one of the older gentlemen sitting at the table, he continued, “From what I can see the closest American Legion is at the very north of the Eastern Shore and its membership has dwindled. The building it is located in is being sold for part of a redevelopment plan and so they need a new home. It’s still a viable chapter, but the hour and a half it takes from someone down here to drive there has become prohibitive.”

  He handed a stack of papers to Aiden to pass out and continued. “I have applied for moving the chapter to a location near us and have already had the Legion commander of that chapter agree. He’s quite elderly and no longer wants to bear the burden of running it. In your packets you’ll see what we’ll need to make this happen. I need signatures from all of you and anyone you know who will take part in this organization. You will also find forms for what you’ll volunteer for and what the program needs to look like.”

  He pinned the group with his stare and said, “You need to understand…this is no old-war-horse-sitting-around-telling–war-stories kind of organization. We’re to support each other, other veterans, the community, assist with youth groups…and it cannot be done by just the same people over and over. So take the packet home tonight and look it over. We will have a meeting in three days to vote to see if we can support moving the American Legion to Baytown.”

  The attendees applauded, stunning Mitch, his blush evidence of his surprise. As the group began looking over the forms, one of the unknown younger men walked over. Tall, with shaggy hair, and dark brown eyes, he stepped up, his hand out for a shake. “Chief Evans,” the man’s deep voice greeted. “I’m Gareth Harrison. Four year tour with the Air Force.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Mitch said honestly, gripping his hand firmly. “Call me Mitch. I haven’t seen you around town, but I’ve been meaning to come by. I heard there was a private investigator in Baytown.”

  “I’ve got a little house about three miles south of town,” Gareth explained. “I’ve been wantin’ to come in and introduce myself to you, but knew you were busy…and now even more with the murder investigation.”

  Mitch waited, seeing what Gareth wanted to talk about.

  “I’ve got my business here in town, but my office is more understated…the town council won’t let me have a huge sign on my window,” he said, a smirk on his face. Rubbing his chin, he explained, “Look, I know yo
u probably don’t need my services, but…if you ever do…I’m available to assist. I want to get my business off the ground.”

  He held Mitch’s gaze, but Mitch observed a mixture of pride and uncertainty there. Smiling, Mitch nodded. “I’ve got no problem working with a PI,” he assured. “In fact, when I worked with the FBI I had a private investigation firm I worked with on regular basis…and am proud to call them my friends.”

  Grinning, Gareth heaved a sigh. “I’ll look forward to helping anytime you need me.” Looking around at the others in the room, he added, “And this, helping veterans, this is a good thing, Mitch.”

  The gathering cheered once more as Aiden called out, “Beers all around!”

  *

  Slipping back into the Sea Glass Inn an hour later just as a storm was brewing, Mitch quietly made his way into the bathroom, taking care of business before shucking his clothes. Walking back into the bedroom, he saw the moonlight reflecting off the bay and through the glass door, covering Tori in a mist of light. He stood for a moment staring down at the beauty as her chest rose and fell in sleep.

  I heard Tori was back in town and ran over to the Sea Glass Inn to see if she wanted to play. Her grandmother opened the door with a big smile and said Tori was in the hammock in the back yard. Sending me through the house, she instructed me to grab some freshly baked cookies on my way out. Never one to turn down cookies, I grabbed a handful.

  Running out onto the patio, I saw Tori on her back in the new hammock strung between two old trees. She wasn’t moving and I almost decided to sneak up and scare her. I tiptoed over, but instead of shouting “Boo!” I simply stood and stared. She was asleep.

  She was only ten and I was a big, almost-man at twelve, surely too old to be staring at her. But I couldn’t help it. She was so pretty. Her red hair had lightened to a gentle reddish blonde and the splash of freckles across her nose called to me.

  She looked like a princess in a fairy tale…one where the handsome prince needed to kiss her to wake her up. Without thinking, I bent over and kissed her cheek softly, then watched in fascination as her eyes fluttered open. It took a second for her expression to change from confusion to a huge smile.

  Suddenly embarrassed, I shoved my hand out to her, saying, “Um…your grandma wanted you to have a cookie.”

  We both looked down and saw that the chocolate chips had melted on my hand, leaving the cookies a gooey mess. Before I could pull my hand back, she grabbed it and dragged a finger over my palm, scooping up some of the chocolate. Grinning, she stuck her finger in her mouth, licking the sticky sweetness. “Can’t let chocolate go to waste!” Her smile was huge…and I knew it was just for me. If I didn’t know it before then, I knew it now…I was in love with Tori Bradford.

  In the middle of his memory, he startled when Tori’s eyes opened, taking a second to break into a wide grin. The smile pierced his heart and, before he could hold back the words, they slipped out. “I love you.”

  She lifted her arms, reaching out to him and drew him in. Holding each other close, she whispered in his ear, “I’ve been in love with you since I was six years old.”

  He rolled her over, pinning her underneath him, kissing her until they were both breathless and made love far into the night.

  *

  The five officers reviewed the interviews from the previous day along with the information that had been gathered.

  Using the old-fashioned white board on the wall, Ginny taped up a few more pictures. “So we’ve got an ex-husband and sister, both having had an affair…or at least a drunken night of sex…and both, uncharacteristically, visited Baytown the day of the poisoning. So both had opportunity.”

  Burt spoke as Ginny taped a picture of Vanessa’s husband and Thomas’ fiancé up on the wall, “These two didn’t have opportunity that we know of and probably no motive, but after yesterday’s interviews, I think they have influence over the others.”

  “Hailey was definitely not happy that Thomas came to visit his former wife. He claims it was to let Tori know in person about his upcoming marriage but, according to Tori, they had not had contact since the divorce and she had given him no indication she was interested in what he did.”

  Mitch added, “I thought it was interesting that Hailey resembles Tori in looks so much. The reddish hair…blue eyes. She had a hard look about her…not Tori’s easy smile, but definitely I’d say Thomas either has a type or he’s trying to replace his first wife.”

  “I got the same feeling,” Burt agreed.

  “What about the sister?”

  “She’s got anger issues and a dominating personality, until it comes to her husband. I got the feeling he definitely runs the household there,” Mitch reported. “He showed up with his attorney and shut us down fairly quickly.”

  “Nelson Hurkamp is an investment broker in the Virginia Beach area. You saw his house,” Ginny said. “He bought it recently, after he married Vanessa. He’s been married before but divorced his first wife about four years ago.”

  “Reason?”

  “Infidelity—hers not his, according to the court records. It also appears she walked away with a modest settlement.”

  “Okay, let’s get back to motive,” Mitch said. “The only reason I can see as motive is money. Tori’s beachfront, large, brick home is valued at almost a million dollars. Her grandfather would never have thought the old home he bought and restored would be worth so much, but it is. As the Hurkamp’s attorney pointed out, if Tori dies intestate, then the mother will receive everything, not the sister.”

  “Did you talk to the mother yet?” Grant asked.

  Shaking his head, Mitch replied, “It was too late yesterday and I wanted to speak to Tori before doing so. When we first re-connected, she commented that her mother was not well, but Vanessa made no such claim when I mentioned the mother to her yesterday.”

  “So, we might want to ascertain how ill she is,” Sam said, leaning back in his chair, patting his stomach, eyeing the box of Jillian’s pastries on the counter. Shaking his head, he said, “Damn diet. My Martha’s got me on a strict regimen…which of course I broke when I had a donut this morning.”

  Ginny twisted around and plopped the lid down on the box of pastries before turning back to grin at Sam. “Temptation resolved.”

  Shaking his head, Sam continued, “If the mom is at death’s door, maybe that would provide Vanessa’s motive.”

  “I can’t imagine Mrs. Bradford is extremely ill, or Tori would be more concerned, but you’re right,” Mitch agreed. “I’ll have you check into it and I’ll talk to Tori as well.”

  “Are we possibly overlooking someone else?” Burt asked.

  “We’re at the stage for anyone and everyone,” Mitch pointed out. “What are you thinking?”

  “Anyone jealous of Tori? Anyone want her business—after all she’s got prime real estate here in town.”

  “Who would benefit?” Sam asked. “Other inns? The small hotel in town? I can’t imagine any of those people being so desperate as to drive her out of business.”

  “Right after Mr. Dumfries died, several of her guests left and moved to different inns,” Burt replied, “and she certainly has had cancellations.”

  “That would be more of a consideration if her business was being sabotaged and someone stood to gain from her estate…but an attempt on her life?” Ginny answered.

  The group looked to Mitch who, throwing his head back in frustration, said, “All right, let’s go over the rest of what you have, starting with the finances of the Hurkamp’s and Thomas’. And keep our minds open to anything.”

  As the group headed out of the room, Mitch called Sam back. Nodding toward the chair the older man had just vacated, he watched as Sam settled down, eyes narrowed in curiosity.

  “Something wrong, Chief?”

  Cutting to the chase, Mitch eyed the veteran police officer and said, “I want to know what Corwin…or Silas, have said to you. ’Cause from what I’ve heard, your treatment of
some of the townspeople might be a little different than the vacationers who aren’t following some of our rules.”

  Sam’s eyes widened for a second as he opened his mouth to protest, then heaved a sigh instead as he looked down at his hands on the table. The silence between the two men stretched long and heavy.

  Sam sucked in a deep breath before lifting his eyes directly back to Mitch’s. His face registered a combination of resignation and relief, both noted by his Chief.

  “It started when Silas Mills became the city manager. About the time your dad had his heart attack.” Sighing again, he added, “Sure as hell wouldn’t have happened on your dad’s watch.”

  “What was it you were asked to do?”

  “Silas spent time riding around the town and started noticing some things. He didn’t like how the kids were playing basketball over at the Methodist church parking lot.” Looking up sharply, Sam said, “We patrolled that area…didn’t want drugs being involved and, honest to God, they were just good kids playing ball. But Silas didn’t like the look of it.”

  Mitch said nothing, but his lips pinched tightly.

  “Then, when we would patrol the beaches, we would always warn anyone who had glass bottles or dogs off a leash about the rules. We never had any problems. Hell, we even carried plastic garbage bags for them to toss bottles in so they wouldn’t have to walk to the receptacles. Kids would come up and talk to us. Townspeople and vacationers alike would smile and wave…like they were glad to see us.”

  “So what changed?”

  “I got called in to the mayor’s office one day and Silas was there also. Sat me down and began to tell me how the image of the town was important. How we had the only public beach around and that we wanted the town to prosper by making sure the vacationers had a good experience.”

  “Did you get the feeling it was more the mayor or city planner?”

  “Corwin Banks knows he gets elected by the townspeople, so he kept pretty quiet. But Silas Mills…he’s a piece of work. Hell, he came to work in Baytown…a quiet, sleepy little bayside town and yet he acts like he’s going to turn it into some big vacation destination.” Shaking his head, he added under his breath, “Dumb shit.”