Deadly Valentine

by Jenna Harte

  "Do you know what would happen to those shares if Mr. and Mrs. Showalter die?"

  Tess swallowed hard. Her mouth was dry, but now it wasn't just from smoke damage. "I don't know."

  "Detective Showalter's their only son. Wouldn't he get them?"

  Tess squirmed in her bed. "I don't know. I do know he doesn't want to work in the family business."

  Detective Johnson inclined his head. "Interesting that you didn't say he's not a murderer."

  "I don't think he is," she said feeling guilty for not saying it first. "He was working that night. You must know that."

  Detective Johnson didn't respond, which left Tess wondering if Daniel really was working that night.

  Tess heard movement at her door. "Is there room for one more?" The investigator from the Showalter's fire entered her room.

  "Mike," Detective Johnson said. "You on the case?"

  He nodded, "Looks like you lured the firebug to your house."

  Tess nodded.

  "I'm done for now," Detective Johnson said. "Let me know if you think of anything that might help."

  "How bad is it?" Tess whispered to the investigator. Her voice was getting hoarser with each word she spoke.

  "Bad enough," he answered. "Let's hope you have some friends that will let you crash on their couch when you get out of here."

  Tess had known it was bad, but hearing it out loud was difficult. That was her home. A place she'd made for herself and it was gone. Just like everything else in her life.

  "I didn't like what I saw in the bedroom," he said. "Treadmills aren't meant to go through doors."

  "I couldn't get the door open," she managed to say.

  "No. It was nailed shut."

  Tess felt her stomach pitch as she realized it wasn't some strange fluke that had her trapped in her fiery room. Even though Detective Johnson had been questioning her, she still wondered if maybe the fire had been an accident. But now she knew for certain; she was supposed to have died.

  "Nailed shut from the outside. All doors and windows along the kitchen, the living area and bathroom too. It would have taken some time," he said. "Did anyone know you were going to be away yesterday?"

  "Regina. I left the office early."

  "Could have done it earlier, while you were at the office as well," he said. "There's more."

  More? Tess wasn’t sure she could handle any more.

  "Your office was burned too. It's not as bad as your home, but-"

  "How bad?"

  "It's mostly files. The arsonist made a bonfire out of your files. The sprinkler was tampered with as well, but just in your office. Once it spread the sprinklers from the other areas of the building helped prevent it from overtaking other offices. Any idea who'd want to do this?" he asked.

  "Probably the same guy that attacked Tom." She took a sip of water from her cup to cut down the burning in her throat.

  "That fire was different. If it is him, he changed tactics. And he wasn't just after you, but your documents as well."

  "Just like when Asa was killed," Tess said.

  "There was a fire that night too?" he asked.

  "Just in a trash can."

  "What documents do you think he was after?" he asked.

  Tess didn't know, but she couldn't help but wonder if it was the information linking Jack to Delia. How weird that Delia too was killed in a fire. Tess wanted to mention that, but felt that it was too far-fetched.

  "Maybe he thinks Tom and I know something." She could hear her voice starting to fade.

  "What?"

  "I don't know."

  "So burning the paper was getting rid of evidence and killing you and Tom was about getting rid of loose ends," the investigator summarized.

  Panic hit Tess in a rush. "Oh God! Jack. Jack has my files." If the murderer was after the files, Jack was in danger too.

  "Who's Jack?" the investigator asked.

  "I gave him the files. He could be in danger." She reached for the phone by her bed.

  "Hold on. I can call. Tell me who this Jack person is."

  Tess' voice was too far gone to tell him everything. So she simply wrote down his number and begged him to call. She realized that if the files did put Jack in danger, then the information about Delia could be the reason.

  She reached for the pitcher to pour more water, so she could tell the fire investigator about Delia, but the movement caused stabbing pains into her side.

  "Let me help you." He poured the water into her cup and handed it back to her.

  She took a sip and then asked. "Are you able to look into old cases… like a fire over 30 years ago?

  One brow rose. "That's before your time. Why would you be interested in an old fire?"

  "It might be related."

  That had his other brow rising. "I'm listening."

  "About 34 years ago a woman, Delia Jackson and her baby were killed in a fire. It was ruled an accident. Kerosene." She was down to a whisper, so the inspector moved closer to her.

  "Unfortunately those fires are common. What would make you think it was related?"

  "Delia's information was in a folder on Asa's computer the night he was killed."

  "I won't even ask you how you know that."

  "It seemed odd, so I looked into it. At the time of her death she worked for Senator Worthington."

  This time his face fell. "The Senator? You want me to check an old case involving the Senator? A case that's over 30 years old and was ruled an accident?"

  Her head bobbed up and down.

  "Ms. Madison I like my job."

  She'd had hoped that he would be intrigued by the idea. But she reminded herself that he was a native of Jefferson Tavern, and of course wouldn't do anything that went against the town's top family. She couldn't blame him. Things weren't going so well for her.

  She gave a sheepish smile. "The woman's mother thought the fire was suspicious."

  "Then she should have filed a complaint back then."

  "Against the fire department and the Senator?"

  "You have a point. But I still don't see how the fires can be related."

  "I know it's far-fetched, but there are four fires involving people who are connected to the Senator and his family or friends."

  He thought a moment. "I'll pull the records, but that's all I can do."

  She smiled and whispered, "Thank you."

  "You keep trying to talk and you're going to need a throat transplant. Get some rest. I'll call this Jack character and check back with you later."

  The fire investigator was barely out the door when Daniel rushed in.

  "Tess! God are you alright?" He grabbed her hand and squeezed. She winced at the pain. "Sorry. What happened?"

  Unable to say more, she pulled out the pen and paper and gave him the basic gist of what she'd been through. As he read the note, she studied his face. Why would Detective Johnson be so curious about Daniel? And why didn't Daniel have an alibi for the night Asa was killed? But his face remained concerned, worried even.

  When he looked at her again, she saw what he was thinking, but he didn't want to ask.

  She shook her head. He didn't do it, she wrote on the paper.

  "You said he was angry."

  Friday. Not yesterday.

  He took her hand again. "Agree to disagree. But I'm sticking around to keep you safe."

  She took the paper back. Where were you the night Asa was killed?

  He gave her a quizzical look. "You know. I was called to work. You heard the call."

  The whole time?

  He shifted. Tess noted the discomfort on his face. "What's this about?"

  Detective Johnson questioned me.

  He moved away from her, paced the area beside her bed. "So now you think I killed him?"

  She didn't respond.

  "I can't believe you, Tess. Jack fought with Asa and stole information off his laptop, and you still defend him. I wasn't even in the house and have a short window of unaccounted for time
, and you think I did it just because Asa and I didn't see eye to eye about my profession?"

  Tess wrote quickly. See how easily circumstances can make one look guilty.

  "So you're teaching me a lesson?"

  She shook her head and wrote. Suspect everyone. Look at every one. Find proof.

  "I'm not a part of the investigation. I only know what I get from Johnson. And it leans towards Jack."

  Then why was he asking about you? Tess wrote.

  The reminder bothered Daniel. He shook his head. "I don't know."

  Where were you that night?

  He sighed, as if he was resigned to something. "You're going to be really ticked when you hear this," he said. "I did go on the call. When it was done, I figured Asa would be in the middle of whatever the hell he was going to do and … well…I didn't want to go. So I drove up to Jefferson Ridge."

  Were you going to come back for me????

  "Yes. Of course. I just figured you fit in more with them anyway and dad was there. I'd just show up near the end and not have to suffer-"

  Tess madly scribbled on the paper. Left me to suffer?

  "I told you that you'd be ticked. I'm sorry, Tess. I really am."

  It still left him without an alibi unless someone saw up on Jefferson Ridge. But she looked into the eyes of her friend and knew he wasn't a killer. You should be nicer to Jack. Circumstances for you aren't so good either.

  He laughed. "Would you defend me as ardently?"

  She nodded. He reached out and took her hand again. This time he was gentler. "I was scared to death when I got the call about the fire and your condition."

  "It's how I felt about Tom," she said in a whisper.

  "You've been through a lot because of me. I'm sorry. Dad's doing okay. He's holding his own. He comes in and out of consciousness, but so far hasn't been able to tell us much. When you can move, I'll arrange for you to see him."

  "Thank you."

  "Do you need anything? More drugs maybe?"

  She nodded. She definitely needed drugs.

  "Let me find the nurse. Oh and I called Regina. I suspect she'll be by shortly."

  Tess realized that she had no office or files to work with. It looked like Regina was going to get to put her eBay business to the test.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Tess woke to the sound of shuffling. She opened her eyes to see Regina setting several bags in the corner.

  "Oh hey, you're up," Regina said when she finished with the bags. "Did I wake you?"

  "Not really."

  "I was here earlier, but you were out."

  "Earlier? What time is it?" Tess shifted and was reminded of the wound on her hip.

  "You okay? Should I get the nurse?"

  "No I'm alright. As long as I don't move. Or breath."

  Regina dragged a chair closer to the bed and sat.

  "What time is it?" Tess asked again.

  "It’s a little after ten. I didn't want to wake you earlier, so we went to the store and picked up a few things for when you get out of here."

  "We?"

  "Mrs. Showalter was here too. With Daniel. But he didn't come shopping with us."

  "You went shopping with Helen?"

  Regina nodded. "We figured all your clothes were ruined. It's just a few things. Some jeans, a few shirts. Although you'll be pleased to know that there is not a single pair of white underwear in the lot. Tess, you've been holding out on me. I didn't know you had a sexy bra fetish."

  "It doesn't seem very professional to talk to my assistant about my underwear."

  Regina laughed. "I have a whole new respect for you now."

  "Because I don't like boring underwear?"

  "Because underneath all the professional control, you're a sexy woman."

  "I must be doped up because I can't believe I'm talking to you about this." But it was all Tess could do to keep from asking Regina to get her clean undergarments and help her to the restroom. She felt like every crevice of her body was filled with soot.

  "I also got you a tooth brush, toothpaste, the whole drill."

  "I don't think I pay you enough."

  "I also called your appointments for the day and let them know you were 'sick'. And I have all the insurance information when you're ready to tackle that mountain."

  "Now I know I don't pay you enough. But how'd you get the information. I was told everything was burned."

  "Not everything." Regina reached into her purse and pulled out a metal contraption the size of a sandwich. "This was in the firebox."

  "What is it?"

  "It’s the back-up. It doesn't have all the latest stuff, but it has enough that I think we can piece the missing information together again."

  "I can't believe you-" Tess stopped as she realized what could be on the back-up drive. "Is Ja- Mr. Valentine's information on there?"

  "Yes."

  "Do you have a safe deposit box?"

  "Of course I do. You made me get it for all the girl's birth certificates and stuff. What's up? You're looking a little panicked."

  "Don't tell anyone about that," Tess said pointing to the box. "Go the bank and hide in the safe deposit box. And don't tell anyone."

  "Okay." Regina drew out the word in a tone that suggest she thought Tess was experiencing a drug induced paranoia.

  "All the fires have involved burning documents. Someone doesn't want whatever information I have about Jack."

  "Oh." Regina dropped the backup drive into her purse like it burned her fingers. "I'll do it first thing when I leave."

  Tess hoped it would be enough. She could deal with her own mishaps, but wouldn't know what to do if something happened to Regina and her girls.

  "Where is your Valentine? Oh God, he survived didn't he?"

  It took a moment for Tess to realize that Regina had thought Jack was with her. She'd taken for granted that he'd forgive and forget.

  "He's fine, as far as I know. He wasn't with me."

  Regina looked confused. "You did go to see him didn't you?"

  "Yes, but he wasn't interested in what I had to say."

  "No!" Regina looked shocked. "He's gaga over you. No way he didn't take you back."

  "He's not gaga anymore."

  Regina shook her head. "That's not right. It's his pride. Men and their dumb pride." She shook her head again. "Fool."

  Tess hoped she was talking about Jack.

  "So when are they going to let you out?" Regina asked.

  "The doctor is making his way up the hall," Daniel said as he entered Tess' room. "Hopefully he'll have good news for you." He looked at the bags in the corner. "Mission accomplished?"

  "Yes," Regina said.

  "How about you? You're looking a little better."

  "I'm just glad I'm alive," Tess said.

  "Do you need anything? Water? Jello?"

  "I'm a little thirsty."

  "Let me," Regina said getting up to get the water. As she handed Tess the cup, her door opened again and the doctor entered.

  "You've got a full house," he said approaching her. Daniel and Regina moved out of his way. "I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"

  He was kidding right? "The good news I guess."

  "The good news is that you should be able to be discharged later today."

  "Really?"

  "I'm a doctor. I know these things. You're vitals are good. Your wound wasn't deep, just long. There's nothing we can do for you here that you can't do somewhere else."

  "So what's the bad news?" Daniel asked.

  "The bad news is that you don't have a home to go to. I can't discharge you until I know you have a place to go and someone to watch over you. You'll be able to leave, but you'll want to stay in bed and rest for several more days. While you're wound isn't life threatening, it will hurt and limit your mobility for a while."

  "She can stay at my place," Daniel said.

  Tess knew he was being her friend, but she couldn't bring herself to agree to
stay at his home. She began to feel that she was right back where she started; Daniel slowly working his way to being more than a friend. Now that Jack was out of the picture, there was nothing stopping him from resuming his quest. Or stopping her from allowing it.

  And that was her fear. With Jack she'd discovered that she really didn't want to spend her life alone. At this point Daniel was the only other interested party and the only one that Tess felt close to. It would be a safe relationship. The kind she and Brad had originally agreed to forge. It would be caring, although not romantic or passionate. Tess wasn't sure she was ready to give up on having that kind of love. She wasn't ready to give up on Jack.

  "She's needs someone to stay with her," the doctor said. "You can't leave her while you work."

  "Not a problem. I'll have Sarah come over. The Senator is in Washington, mom spends most of her day here, and Philip and Shelby are back at their own place, so no one will miss her. Plus, I think she'll be glad to be out of the house." He gave Tess a knowing look.

  "I want to wait until this afternoon to be sure. But if things continue to progress, we'll get the discharge papers ready then."

  "I'll have Walter drive Sarah to my place and I'll check back to pick you up later," Daniel said.

  Tess tried to smile, but the doubt wouldn't let her. The doctor didn't notice. He left indicating he was fine with the arrangements.

  Tess looked to Regina for support. Regina gave her a weak smile. "I'd let you stay with me, but when the girls are there, it's a mad house. Not very restful for you."

  Daniel's eyes narrowed as if he finally caught on to her resistance. "It will be fine, Tess. No complications. You can stay as long as you need or like."

  "She can stay with me."

  The voice sent her spirit soaring. But when she looked into Jack's angry eyes, her hopes plunged. He stalked into the room, eyes piercing everyone in the room.

  "Why didn't you call me?" he said his focus on Tess. "Or you?" he said slashing his gaze to Daniel. "Or you?" to Regina.

  "I don't work for you. And why would we call anyway?" Regina moved, stood in his face and waited for him to flinch. He didn't. But he didn't return the aggression either.

  "Didn't Detective Johnson or the fire investigator call?" Daniel asked in a cool tone.

  "No doubt to interrogate me."

  The testosterone was building to unbearable proportions. But all Tess could do was lie in her bed and wonder why he was here when he was still so mad at her. Done with her.