Deadly Valentine

by Jenna Harte

  "I didn't expect you back so soon," Regina said as Tess poured the dark brew into her "Lawyers Get You Off" mug given to her by Kate when she'd passed the Virginia Bar Exam.

  "I wasn't allowed to see Tom."

  "Oh. That doesn't sound good."

  Tess wrapped her hands around the mug savoring the warmth. "It's not. It's one of those wait and see situations."

  "I'm sorry," Regina said. "Do you want me to reschedule your afternoon appointments as well?"

  "No. Were you able to reschedule this morning's appointments?"

  "Well, one of them. Mr. Snyder wouldn't reschedule and he wouldn't tell me why. And Mr. Tanner cancelled for today, so you just have two appointments."

  "Did he say why?"

  "No. It was weird. Kind of like he and Mr. Snyder were in cahoots."

  "Cahoots?"

  "You know… I think the legal term is conspiracy."

  "I know the legal term. Why did you think they were conspiring?"

  "They both seemed to be holding back. They didn't want to give a reason, they just wanted their final bill and that's it."

  "Final bill?" Tess bit her lip. Mr. Snyder and Mr. Tanner were only a small part of Tess' practice, but they'd been loyal to her and had even referred new clients. "Can you pull their numbers so I can call them?"

  "Here they are," Regina stood and handed a stack of folders to Tess. "There is also the Wagner's Partnership deal for today. There's only one person I couldn't put off. Mr. Valentine."

  "How hard did you try?"

  Regina's lips twitched. "Not very hard. He's nice to look at."

  "Hmm." Tess said. "When will he be here?"

  "Noon."

  Checking her watch, Tess found she only had two hours before Jack would arrive. She spent the first few minutes getting her thoughts and to-do's organized. At the top of her list was calling Mr. Snyder and Mr. Tanner. Neither of them was home nor had an answering machine. She moved on to the Wagner file to reacquaint herself with the case of a partnership going very, very bad. The entire case felt like a divorce and she feared that it would end up the same; the two parties splitting up the assets and going their own ways.

  "He's here," Regina chimed as she gave a soft knock and opened the door.

  "Send him in," Tess said knowing by Regina's tone that she was ogling Jack. Tess stood behind her desk as he entered. Her heart did a giant flip at the sight of him. How he did that she didn't know. He set a basket down on her coffee table and then moved to her. He smiled down on her as he put his hands on her arms and pulled her to him.

  Tess peeked around the wall of body. "Be sure to shut the door behind you, Reg."

  Regina made a face, but complied. When Tess heard the door latch click into place, Jack's mouth was on hers sending her toes curling and her brain fogging. When he pulled back she shook her head to clear it.

  He gave his head a shake as well. "It's the best kind of high isn't it?"

  "Not bad." She motioned for him to sit as she took the chair beside him. "Do you want coffee or something?"

  "No. I'm good for now," he said with a wink. His expression turned more serious. "How'd it go this morning?"

  Tess told him about Tom and her conversation with Helen.

  "She's lucky she didn't get hurt too," he said.

  "I know. I think she knows it too."

  "Did she have any idea who it could be or why?"

  "No except like the rest of us she thinks it's related to Asa."

  "Kind of strange though that it took so long. It's been nearly a week since Asa was killed."

  "It gets stranger. I went to the house to pick up some things for Helen. The arson investigator told me that the police had collected some items they thought may have broken when Tom was hit. He said he thought it was a laptop."

  "He hit Tom with a laptop?"

  "Apparently. But here's the thing, there was a laptop sitting on Tom's desk. It was melted, but not broken."

  "So the assailant hit Tom with another laptop and took it with him?"

  Tess nodded.

  Jack's eyes narrowed. "What are you thinking?"

  "I'm thinking the same thing you're thinking; that Tom took Asa's laptop after he was murdered."

  "Why would he do that?"

  "I don't know. Protect his client maybe?"

  "It still doesn't make since why Tom was attacked now."

  "Maybe the assailant didn't know about the laptop until now," Tess offered.

  "So you think that's why Tom was attacked?"

  "I don't know. But if Tom knew something, wouldn't he have been a target sooner? The fact that he was attacked a week later must mean that the assailant was after something else."

  "Or that the assailant only just learned that Tom knew something. Maybe he's keeping a secret for Asa."

  "Could be. But why now? What has happened that's different?" Tess asked.

  "Did something happen at the funeral yesterday? You did say that Tom seemed a little off after you talked to him. Maybe someone overheard you two."

  "Yes, but he didn't tell me anything. And wouldn't that have made me a target too?"

  Jack's eyes darkened. "I don't like hearing that. Did you tell Deputy Dan about this?"

  "No." Tess felt her stomach tighten. She stood to reach over her desk for her coffee. What she really wanted was something a hundred proof, but the imported dark brew would have to do. She took a sip and then leaned back against the desk.

  "It really bothered you what he said this morning, didn't it?" Jack asked.

  "Bother isn't the right word. Hurt. Angered. I've been so close to him for so long. I'm shocked by it."

  Jack's head tilted as he studied her. "I still can't see it, but I suppose it's possible that you have feelings for him-"

  "Oh please, not you too."

  His lips twitched slightly. "Me too what?"

  "Everyone in town thinks that someday Daniel and I will be together. It's not happening."

  He gave a slight nod as he bit his lower lip. She had the impression that he had a retort that would probably make her annoyed at his arrogance. He was wise to hold it back. She was impressed he could.

  Finally he said. "So is it guilt then?"

  "Guilt?"

  "You're representing the man that he believes killed his uncle and attacked his father. Maybe you've got conflicting feelings about that."

  "A little, maybe."

  "Or maybe," he said standing up and moving towards her. "Maybe you're worried that they aren't as fond of you as you are of them. Maybe you're worried that Helen will turn on you as quickly as Daniel did." His hands rubbed her arms loosening the tears in her eyes.

  "Are you a shrink too?" She sniffed and willed her eyes to stop leaking.

  He smiled. "No. I just read people pretty well. And it makes sense considering your history."

  She gave a snort. "Yep. Everyone dumps Tess."

  He gave her a sharp shake. "Not everyone."

  It was so easy to let him comfort her, Tess thought. Easy, but dangerous. Eventually her time with him would come to an end. Once this investigation was over he'd either return to D.C. or end up in prison and she'd be alone again.

  "You don't believe me," he said. "But time will tell."

  "So what did you bring for lunch?" she said moving towards the basket he'd brought.

  He followed her and opened the lid pulling out a white paper bag. "Ridows."

  "Ridow's Bagels?"

  "You look disappointed. Were you expecting caviar and champagne?"

  "It is what your people prefer." She said referring to the elite crowd Jack traveled with now that he was rich.

  He laughed. "They're more your people than my people. And I know how you feel about your people. Besides, there's something gross about fish eggs."

  She sat on the couch taking one of the bagel sandwiches from him. "I think you made a perfect choice. How do you know about Ridows anyway?"

  "I make it my business to know all the fine cuisine
in the areas I'm staying in." He sat on the couch next to her. "Speaking of which, I was thinking that tonight I could take you out on a real date – no caviar – but something a little more upscale than Ridows."

  Tess had barely time to open her mouth when he said, "Before you say no –"

  "How do you know I'm going to say no?" she asked.

  "Because you always say no. It's like a knee jerk reaction especially if it's something related to you personal life…or me."

  She frowned, but didn't respond because he was right. Darn him.

  "I haven't taken you out on a real date. I put the cart before the horse so to speak," he said with a waggle of his brows. "I want to do this right, Tess. So before you say no to a date with me, at least take a moment to think it over."

  She swallowed a bite of her sandwich. "I need to pass, but not because of a knee jerk reaction. I told Helen I'd bring her things by the hospital and I was hoping to visit with Tom."

  Jack nodded. "I'll accept that."

  "That's a surprise."

  "No knee jerk rejections, no knee jerk coercion." He grinned. "But you did say earlier that you weren't allowed to visit him. If that happens, will you let me take you out?"

  "Maybe," she said knowing she was being coy.

  "I'll tell you what. I'll call you at 6:30 or 7:00 and if you're busy, I'll see you when you get home. If not, I'll pick you up and we'll go out."

  "When I get home? How are you going to get into my house?"

  "I'll use the key under the turtle."

  "How do you know about that?"

  "Everybody has a key under the turtle."

  "Do you?"

  "Well no. I have a doorman or an alarm system depending on the home. But when I was a kid, my mom had a frog. So, are we on for tonight?"

  "I guess I could do that."

  "It's not a no, so I'll take it."

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Tess had to admit it was an enjoyable lunch. It certainly made the afternoon go faster. At the end of the day, she picked up Helen's clothes at the dry cleaners, packing them in the bag she'd prepared, and drove to the hospital. She still wasn't allowed to visit with Tom, but she learned that he was stable though unconscious. She asked the nurse to let Helen know she was there, but the nurse came back alone.

  "It’s a difficult time for her," the nurse had said. But Tess had a niggling feeling that Daniel had gotten to Helen and that she was avoiding her. Tess left the bag with the nurse who agreed to pass it along.

  Once home she was disappointed that Jack wasn't there waiting for as he'd said he would. It was a bad sign. In a few days, she'd grown attached to him. Too attached. Now she had to decide if she was going to go wherever the relationship took her or quit him cold turkey. As she opened her front door, she saw his car pull into the driveway. She watched as he pulled his tall body from the sports car. He grinned at her and she decided that she'd wait to figure out what to do about him tomorrow.

  ~~~~

  "Mr. Valentine, I'm so sorry your table isn't quite ready," said the host when Tess and Jack entered the restaurant. "Let me find you a seat in the bar and get you each a drink. On the house."

  "That would be fine," Jack said placing his hand on Tess' elbow to lead her towards the bar.

  She nearly suggested that they have dinner at another restaurant. Tolivers was definitely a date restaurant, although its bar had a reputation as a place to meet eligible singles. Tess had been to the restaurant once before, with Daniel interestingly enough. It was the one time she'd gone on an official date with him. Kate had talked her into it by suggesting that Tess wasn't cut out for a spinster's life. Daniel was polite, entertaining and safe. But she believed that safe wasn't a good way to choose a mate. She'd been upfront with him and he seemed to take the news well. Now nearly two years later, she realized that his friendship had been his way of trying to wear her down. No wonder he was jealous of Jack.

  They'd received their drinks just as she heard a woman call her name. "It is you, Tess."

  "Shelby, how are you?" Tess asked. "You remember Mr. Valentine."

  "I certainly do," Shelby said holding her hand out to Jack. He stood and took her hand. Shelby's face flushed with appreciation. Tess couldn't fault her. Jack was potent. Without waiting for an invite, Shelby sat at their table.

  "Does Daniel know you're on a date with Mr. Valentine?"

  "Oh, it's not a date," Jack said with a wink to Tess. "Tess and I are old friends. We're catching up."

  "Old friends?"

  Tess nodded. "I was once engaged to Jack's friend."

  "Wow. He must have been a real winner if you passed over Jack here."

  "Actually," Jack said leaning towards Shelby. "She was too good for him. But what could I do?"

  "Too bad she's taken again," Shelby said.

  "Too bad," Jack agreed. "Tell me Shelby, do you think I could take Daniel?"

  Shelby laughed showing all her straight capped teeth. "I can't imagine any man besting you, Mr. Valentine."

  Tess wanted to barf. "Are you here with Philip?"

  Shelby somehow managed to tear her eyes away from Jack to look at Tess. "No. This is my girl's night out. You remember. You came a couple of times."

  Tess nodded. It was another one of those things Kate had talked her into as a way to make friends and network for her fledgling law practice. The problem was, Shelby's friends only talked about shopping and how much money their spouses made.

  "Anyway, he's home taking care of the Senator and I guess Helen. You heard about Tom didn't you?"

  "Yes I did," Tess said. "I stopped by the hospital to visit Helen earlier."

  "Do you know she's staying at the house?" Shelby asked, condescension lacing her tone.

  "Yes," Tess said trying to determine why Shelby would have a problem with Helen staying at the house. She grew up there after all.

  "I feel bad for her and all, but please. That woman didn't want anything to do with us. And now all of a sudden her brother's dead and her husband is attacked. I don't think that's a coincidence."

  Tess looked to Jack who shrugged. "No, I don't think it is."

  Shelby's eyes widened. "I'm surprised to hear you say so. I know you and Helen are tight."

  "Why would my thinking Asa's murder and the attack on Tom are related have anything to do with Helen?" Tess asked.

  "Because she probably did it," Shelby said.

  Jack looked as surprised as Tess felt. "What motive would she have?" he asked.

  "Money. The Senator's undivided attention. Who knows? She could have easily slipped into the house. The back door was open. And she was home with Tom when he was attacked."

  Tess reined in her anger enough to say, "Of all the people involved, I would say that Helen is the least likely to have killed Asa or attacked Tom."

  "It's not any more nutty than me or Mr. Valentine having done it. In fact, I've been reading about these things and it's most likely to have been a family member."

  "You're a family member," Jack pointed out.

  Shelby waved her hand away. "By marriage. And I don't get anything by having Asa and Tom out of the way. I don't know if you knew this, but Asa didn't think much of me. It's all because I chose Philip over him. Petty really."

  Tess looked to Jack. "I didn't know you and Asa ever … ah…dated."

  Shelby laughed. "We didn't date. We had an affair. But I wanted a family."

  Or money, Tess thought. It was common knowledge that Asa never intended to marry again since Lauren had gotten a significant amount of money in the divorce and he wouldn't trust a prenuptial to protect his assets.

  "Unfortunately, it's just not happening for Philip and me."

  "What's not happening," Jack asked.

  "A family. The doctor says everything is working properly on us, but no babies."

  Tess took a sip of wine and tried to hide her horror at the idea of Shelby being a mother.

  "I hear there are other things you can do about that," Jack said
. Tess kicked him under the table. She didn't want to hear about Shelby's baby escapades. His lip twitched slightly in amusement.

  "But you have to take all sorts of hormone shots and be poked and prodded…ikk," she said with a shiver. "If God wants me to have babies, he'll give them to me the natural way. It's more fun that way, if you know what I mean." Shelby fluttered her baby blues at Jack.

  "I do," Jack said with a quick grin to Tess.

  Tess rolled her eyes and then looked around the restaurant for one of Shelby's friends. "Shelby, isn't that Sally … ah Sally Christenson?"

  Shelby looked where Tess indicated. "That's Sally, but not Christenson. She's Dalson now, of Dalson Pharmaceuticals. She made out really good this time." Shelby stood. "It's been fun. Call me sometime Tess and we can have lunch."

  Tess smiled, but pressed her lips together to bite her tongue.

  "It's always wonderful to see you, Mr. Valentine," Shelby gushed.

  Jack stood again and shook her hand. "Take care Mrs. Worthington." For a minute Tess thought Shelby wouldn't let go. But then her friend called her name, and Shelby broke off to go to her.

  "You enjoyed that way too much," Tess said.

  "I'll admit it was amusing. Why people need TV is beyond me. You couldn't write this stuff and sell it. No one would believe it."

  Shelby was quite a character, Tess agreed. "What do you think about what she said?"

  "I agree. The natural way is much more fun-"

  "Not that!"

  He laughed. "You mean about Helen?"

  "Yes."

  "What do you think about it?" he asked.

  "I think Shelby is nuts."

  "That we agree on."

  "Helen would never do anything so awful. Then again I wouldn't have thought Tom would be mixed up in this either."

  "You think that second computer Tom had was Asa's?"

  "Yes. But I can't figure out what Tom would be being doing with it? Why would he take evidence that could help catch Asa's killer?"

  Jack shrugged.

  "Your table is ready Mr. Valentine," the host said.

  ~~~~

  By mutual agreement, Jack and Tess decided not to talk about Asa or the case. "We are, on a date," he reminded her.