Killing the Secret

by Donna Welch Jones

  “The girls saw his penis that night by the lake?” Tye asked.

  “Yes, but I thought it was okay because none of them wanted to get the championship taken away from them. Jamie and Loretta had their own secrets. Bud could hold that over their heads if they threatened to tell his. Everything was fine until Bud’s husband became a bigwig.”

  “You called her Bud?”

  “Yes, I couldn’t bear to call him Mariah. He became Mariah Rose, but I called him Bud. Rosebud was my wife’s nickname. So I called him Bud and told him it was after his mother.”

  “What brought on all the killing?”

  “Bud became obsessed with becoming First Lady. As Donovan was mentioned more and more frequently as a possible nominee, Bud became paranoid about the others telling his secret.”

  “Sounds like you knew he killed those women.”

  “I didn’t have proof, only fear.”

  “What about the story of Mariah’s brother still being alive?” Tye questioned.

  “If you thought her murdering brother was alive, then you’d have a logical suspect and you’d leave Bud alone.”

  “So you made up that story to save Bud?”

  “Yes. I had to give you another murderer. I sent you looking for a person who no longer existed. If you hadn’t gone nosing around Bogota, my plan would’ve succeeded.”

  “Sean, you’re an accessory to murder.”

  “I know, but it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing left for me anymore. Are you taking me to jail?”

  “Not yet. You just stay here and I’ll be back by to talk to you some more later.”

  The steady rock and squeal returned.

  Tye squinted his eyes as he adjusted to the brightness of the outside world. He organized his thoughts. First, he’d phone Clay and have him come over and sit with Sean to be sure he didn’t hurt himself. Second, he’d go to Judge Simpson to get a court order for a psychological evaluation of Sean. Third, he’d return to transport Sean to his new accommodations.

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Mariah’s eyes scanned every face she passed as she went toward the elevator at the Tulsa Marriott. No one would be looking for her, unless Curly Boy got a surge of conscience.

  She entered her room stopping to put her laptop on the desk. A few minutes later, she’d purchased tickets from Tulsa to New York to Switzerland.

  The soap stung the bloody pocks on her body and she quickly sprayed the warm shower water to lessen the sting. Using twice the recommended amount of Aleve did nothing to relieve her misery. A doctor visit would have to wait until she was out of the country.

  She knew how close her call to death had been. At the very least, she should be running from law enforcement in her pursuit. At the most, she should have disappeared in a fiery inferno. She saw herself as invincible—risen from the ashes to pursue her self-anointed mission. Her only goal was the pursuit of the ultimate terror and sorrow for Sheriff Lexie Wolfe. The woman who destroyed Mariah’s future would be tortured then a stake would be hammered through her heart.

  She packed her bag and straightened the wig. The lipstick, powder, and all things feminine were trashed. She was the man in the mirror again.

  The cab took him to the airport. This, the first leg of his journey, would end in a couple of days in his chateau in Switzerland—a free man.

  Mariah had died a second death and this time she’d remain dead. Bud would have plenty of time to rest, recover and plan before he returned to America in a year or two as a new woman.

  Chapter Fifty-Four

  The flames surrounded Lexie—red and yellow flares of hotness. Gray smoke engulfed her body. It crept up into her nose: choke, choke, choke, cough, cough, cough. The flares of fire were taller than she. They met and formed an arch above her head.

  Mariah stood in the distance wearing Turner’s hat and badge. She yelled, “Burn, Sheriff, burn!”

  “No, no, no!” Lexie screamed. The blanket flew from her body and her eyes rounded in terror. Her deep cough shot pains through her heaving chest.

  “It’s a nightmare.” The woman in scrubs said as she lowered Lexie back to the pillow. “You’re safe here.”

  Lexie took her outstretched hand in both of hers. The nurse petted her hair with her free hand. “It’s okay now. It’s over. The fire is over.”

  Releasing her hold, Lexie sat up on the bed. “I’m sorry. It seemed so real.”

  “Nothing to be sorry about, Sheriff. You had a hell of a day yesterday, and I mean H-E-L-L in all caps.”

  “That it was,” Lexie agreed.

  “I forgot. I came to tell you about a visitor. Adam from the paper wanted to talk to you. I’ll tell him to shove off if you’re not up to it.”

  “Ask him to wait ten minutes, then he can come in. May I have some water?”

  “Of course and I’ll give him the message.” The nurse handed Lexie her water to sip.

  Ten minutes to the minute, or probably to the second, Adam arrived at the door to her room.

  “Is it okay if I come in?” he said meekly.

  “Of course, Adam.”

  “I see you have the paper.”

  “Yes, I did read your story before I fell asleep. I woke up from a bad dream and scattered it on the floor.”

  Adam bent down and started folding up the sheets. “So what do you think of the story?”

  “I think that one of these days you’ll leave Diffee and become a big time reporter. It was great! I especially appreciated your kindness toward me. Maybe the folks who wanted to lynch me will reconsider.”

  “My story was picked up all over the United States and even in some foreign countries.” He said the words in rapid succession, as if saying them quickly wouldn’t be bragging.”

  “You did a great job, Adam. I’m proud of you.”

  Lexie thought that his face wasn’t going to have enough room for his grin.

  “I need to work on the next edition. I wondered if you’d let me take a photo of you in the hospital bed?”

  “Well, Adam, generally the answer would be ‘No.’ However, since it’s for you, I’ll agree to a photo this time. Let me warn you—it will probably be the last time.”

  “Thanks.” He pulled his camera out of a bag.

  Lexie smoothed her hair down with her hand, then pulled the sheet up to her armpits.

  Adam suggested that she pretend to be reading the paper, so she cooperated.

  When finished photographing, Adam paused at the door and turned back toward her. “I knew they were wrong about you.”

  A blonde nurse stuck her head into the room. “Adam, they need you downstairs. They just brought your grandpa into the emergency room.”

  “What’s wrong with him?” Adam’s voice was a barely audible whisper.

  “They said it’s his heart.” The nurse ended up speaking to his back as he hurried out the door.

  “Are Adam’s mom and dad already downstairs?” Lexie questioned.

  “No, his folks are dead,” the nurse replied. He and his grandpa are my neighbors. That’s all the family the boy has as far as I know.”

  “Poor kid.” Lexie shook her head.

  “I need to return to my medicine rounds. I’ll be back to check on you in a few.”

  “Okay. I know you have to wait until I’m asleep so you can wake me up.” Lexie grinned at her nurse.

  “It’s people like you who give us nurses a bad reputation,” she said with a wink.

  Lexie’s cell phone rang its familiar tune.

  “Hello,” she said to Tye. “Yes, I’m doing fine. I’d like to escape from this place so I can get some sleep. No, I’m not causing any trouble. Our friendly town reporter, Adam, was just in my room getting a story when a nurse came and got him. His grandpa was in the emergency room with a heart problem. Kid turned white as a ghost.”

  “Tye, are you still there? I can’t hear you?” Lexie listened for a response then continued, “You don’t need to come up tonight. I’m doing fine.”

/>   Lexie felt confused by his next words. She asked, “Why are you coming up to be with Adam?” The phone clicked and the connection went dead. That’s strange.

  She considered turning on the television but her body decided on an alternative. The air conditioner lulled her back to sleep. The dream that followed was of a redheaded man who kept kissing her again, and again, and again.…

  Chapter Fifty-Five

  Tye rushed to his truck, not sure of what he was going to do when he got to the hospital. He knew he wanted to be there for Adam. The emergency room was empty except for a boy in a ball uniform holding his right arm while trying to be brave. His mother was yelling about the evils of baseball to a man who must have been the kid’s father.

  “Where is Dr. Carr?” Tye stopped the first nurse he saw.

  “On the third floor in surgery. There’s a waiting room up there for family.”

  “Thanks.” Tye trotted to the elevator.

  Adam was looking out the window when Tye walked in. “How’s your grandpa?”

  Adam turned. “Not good. His heartbeat went down to thirty and the doc’s putting in a pacemaker. Told me not to get my hopes up.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Tye sat on the leather sofa near the window.

  “You here visiting your sister? She let me take her photo for the newspaper.”

  “She’s the one who told me your grandpa was taken to the emergency room. Did you get to talk to him?”

  “For a minute, but he wasn’t making any sense.” Adam’s eyes glazed.

  “How’s that?”

  “He kept saying he was sorry, then something about finding my brother. I don’t have a brother.”

  Tye sat silently, unsure of what to say. He’d made a promise, but Carr had tried to tell Adam the truth himself.

  Tye took a deep breath and said, “Your grandpa was sorry because he never told you that you were adopted at birth by his daughter and her husband. You were the biological son of two teenagers. The girl’s father arranged for the adoption. The boy never knew about you until recently.” Tye knew his onrush of information was overwhelming.

  Adam’s face reflected the emotional turbulence inside. “I’m sorry. I need to be alone now.” He sunk into a chair by the window.

  “I’ll be in Lexie’s room if you want to talk.” Tye slowly rose from the sofa.

  Adam’s voice stopped him as he reached the door. “I have a brother?”

  “Yes,” Tye answered, “a twin brother.”

  “Where is he?”

  “I don’t know. The two of you were separated at birth.”

  Adam turned his chair toward the window, shutting out Tye and the rest of the world.

  Tye took the stairs to Lexie’s room. Sleeping soundly, she didn’t stir when he entered. Seating himself in the chair beside her bed, Tye was relieved he didn’t have to make conversation.

  A few minutes passed before Adam came to the door. The door banged against the wall with the strength of his entry.

  Lexie startled from sleep. “What are you people doing here? Watching me sleep?”

  “How do you know so much about me?” Adam’s voice stuttered.

  Tye answered calmly, “I’m your father.”

  “What?!” Lexie’s mouth gaped open.

  “Who is my mother?”

  “Jamie Evans. She doesn’t know that I found one of our sons.”

  “She gave us away?!”

  “Jamie was a scared teenager who did what her dad told her.”

  Adam’s voice resonated with unbelief, “You didn’t know about me?”

  “No. Your grandpa admitted it to me when I was at his place the other day. I promised not to tell you the truth until after he died. But from what he said to you about your brother, he wanted you to know.”

  Tye glanced over at Lexie’s face. The only way to describe her expression was a mixture of shock and joy.

  “I know this is probably not the time to say this, but I’ll say it anyway. I’m so glad you’re my nephew, Adam.”

  Lexie reached her hand toward Adam. He held it for just a second before he walked out of the room.

  “Wow! You sure know how to wake a girl up. How long have you known about Adam?”

  “Not very long. I hope someday he’ll forgive us for messing with his life.”

  “I’m sure he will.” Lexie smiled.

  “Damn, you seem awfully happy for a woman with a brother who is about to have an emotional crack-up.”

  “Not every day that I get a nephew. I like the thought of being Aunt Lexie.”

  “It may take him a long time to accept us,” Tye warned.

  “You maybe, but I’m really nice. He’ll like me long before you ‘cause I didn’t do anything that he needs to forgive me for.”

  Tye couldn’t help but laugh. “I think all those pills are making you loopy.”

  “I only tell the truth, brother dear, drugged or not.”

  “Jamie needs to be told, so that’s my next mission. I hope she handles it better than our son. I’ll pick you up in the morning to take you home.”

  “Okay. Congratulations!”

  Guilt dampened Tye’s spirit as he drove toward Jamie’s house. He knew Adam was hurting, but he couldn’t help picking up on Lexie’s happiness over having Adam in their lives. To have a son was something he’d never thought would be realized, and now he had two.”

  Jamie came to the door in a long terry robe. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

  “I wasn’t planning to be here, but I wanted to tell you in person.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “Dr. Carr told me that Adam Cox is our son.”

  “Oh, my God!” she cried out. Tye pulled her to his chest and held her.

  “Does he know about us?” Jamie asked breathlessly.

  “He does now. It’ll take him awhile, but I think he’ll come around.”

  “Where are his adoptive parents?”

  “They were killed in a plane crash a couple of years ago. That’s why he came to Diffee—to live with his grandpa. Carr was in heart surgery tonight. Must have thought he was going to die because he tried to tell Adam the truth.”

  “Shouldn’t we be with Adam?”

  “He’s not ready for us yet.” Tye shook his head. “We need to give him time. I’m going to drop back by the hospital to see how Carr is doing. Do you feel okay with me going?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Jamie gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

  Tye wondered about the questions Jamie didn’t ask, but when the shock wore off he’d probably get an earful for withholding information from her.

  Tye went to the hospital information desk to ask about Carr. The lady at the counter offered a friendly smile that Tye didn’t have energy to return.

  “How is Dr. Carr doing?” he asked.

  “Dr. Carr delivered my daughter thirty years ago. He’s a good guy.”

  “I agree. How is he?”

  “He’s stable. The surgery went well. You just missed his grandson. Said he needed to go feed the animals.”

  “Thanks,” Tye said. He returned to his apartment to stare at the ceiling all night.

  Epilogue

  Tye and Red had forced Lexie to stay home two days, threatening all sorts of medieval tortures if she didn’t comply. Today was her first day back at work. It was good to see the flowers on Delia’s desk and the unmatched file cabinets.

  Delia jumped up from her desk at the sight of Lexie. “My dear girl, how are you doing?”

  “Here’s the town heroine returning to work,” Tye announced. “Quite the story Adam wrote about you in the paper.”

  “Adam does have a flair for the overstatement.” Lexie grinned.

  “You deserved every word of it.” Delia hugged her gently.

  Lexie felt the comforting fit of her old chair. “Delia, do you mind going to the restaurant and picking up some breakfast for the three of us?”

  “Sure. Are pancakes and bacon o
kay?”

  “Perfect.”

  “How’s Beth?” Lexie turned to Tye after Delia left.

  “She’s got a long road to recovery, but they say she’ll make it.”

  “Turner?”

  “He died, Sis. Lost too much blood.”

  “I feel so bad about that. He was just helping us out, not even his job.”

  “I still find it hard to believe that Mariah murdered her friends.” Tye shook his head.

  Lexie verbalized her thoughts. “For someone born a male, who wanted to be a female, it was the ultimate prize—First Lady of the United States.”

  The room was quiet for a few moments.

  Lexie traced the scar down the side of her face. “It’s time to find our father’s killer.”

  Tye stood and walked toward her. “We will find him,” he promised. “And my other son?”

  Her hand reached to grasp his.

  “Yes,” she answered. “We will find them both; one out of hatred, and the other out of love.”

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank the following individuals, who provided encouragement, and recommendations during the writing process: Author Karen Cornell, Author Susan Case, Author Maureen McMahon, Author Peggy Fielding, and Dan Case, Publisher. A special thanks to former Pawnee County Sheriff Roger Price, who gave me insights into the role and duties of an Oklahoma sheriff. Thank you to my daughters, Amy Grimes Price and Kimberly Grimes Roberts, who cheered me on, and are the joys of my life.

  Sheriff Lexie Wolfe Novels

  Killing the Secret

  Somebody is murdering the women who played on a championship high school basketball team twenty years ago. Sheriff Lexie Wolfe searches for the link between the women that provoked someone to want them all dead. Lexie’s investigation intensifies when a local woman dies and the towns’ people blame her for the death. When Lexie discovers there are three secrets instead of one she fears more will die while the investigation goes in multiple directions. Her dilemma is further magnified by the fact that one of the women appears to be destined to be First Lady of the United States—provided she doesn’t die first.