Texas Baby Cover-Up

by Virginia Vaughan

  Before she could agree to him making that request, another thought occurred to her.

  “I just remembered Lisa brought a box of things and stored it in my closet a few months ago when they were replacing her floors. She didn’t want the contents ruined, and she never returned for it.”

  She jumped up, went to her bedroom and opened her closet door. Zeke followed her, and when she pointed to a box on the top shelf, he easily reached for it and pulled it down. He placed it on the bed, and she opened the top. It was a box of papers. “Looks like her important documents. No wonder she didn’t want them ruined.” She found an envelope marked “Birth Certificates” and opened it. She pulled out a folded sheet of paper with the name Brady Michael Adams listed at the top. Hope rang through her that they would finally know if the mystery man from the day care was indeed Brady’s father. She scrolled down the page, but it was blank where the father’s name should be listed.

  She handed it to Zeke and fell onto the bed. “There’s no father listed.”

  He glanced at it and then returned it to the box. The excitement they’d both felt moments ago faded. “And you have no idea who she was seeing when she became pregnant?”

  “I didn’t even know her then. We met when I moved in here, and she was already several months pregnant by then.”

  He pulled out another envelope, opened it and scanned it. “You should see this, Kelly.” He handed her the papers. It was a legal document with the words “Last Will and Testament” in bold letters at the top. Kellyanne felt the sorrow of her friend’s death hit her again. “She had a will.”

  “Look who it names as Brady’s guardian in the event of her death.”

  She scrolled down the page and was shocked to see her own name along with instructions on what to do in the case of her untimely death. “She wants me to take Brady.”

  “She trusted you.”

  “I guess she did.” But how could she be expected to look after Brady when she hadn’t been able to take care of her own baby?

  She put her hands over her face as sorrow swept over her. She and Lisa hadn’t known each other long, but they’d become good friends, and Lisa had taken on the role of a protective older sister, the sister Kellyanne had never had growing up. Having Lisa look out for her was somehow different from having five older brothers always in her business. She hadn’t minded Lisa’s overprotectiveness. Lisa had always said she’d made enough mistakes in life and didn’t want Kellyanne to have to repeat them.

  “I’m sorry about your friend,” Zeke said, kneeling beside her. “You’ve had all of this thrust at you, and you haven’t even had time to grieve for her.”

  “She was a good person, and she loved that baby so much, Zeke. She wanted so much for him.”

  “We’ll figure this out.”

  She touched his face and wanted to fall into his arms. “We? Does that mean you’ll stay with me?”

  “I’m not going anywhere until I know you’re not in danger. Your brother would hog-tie me and cook me over a fire if I let anything happen to you. I should call and update him.”

  She grabbed his arm. “Don’t you dare. This isn’t any of his business.”

  He knelt beside her again. “Kellyanne, he’s your brother and my boss. I have to tell him.”

  She’d run as far from Courtland County as she could get to get away from the prying eyes of her family. Having five older brothers and being the only girl and the baby of the family meant she had everyone watching her every move. She’d endured their overbearingness more times than she cared for. This wasn’t Josh’s jurisdiction, and it wasn’t his business. “He doesn’t need to know.”

  “I’m only in town for a few days, and I haven’t even gone to most of the seminars I signed up for. He’ll want to know why I wasn’t there. What should I tell him?”

  “I don’t know, Zeke, but I need you here, and I need you to protect my privacy.”

  “He’ll just call the local cops and speak to Detective Shaw.”

  “It’s not his business.” She got up and walked to her dresser, hanging her head as the tears threatened to come again. She didn’t want her business broadcast to the rest of the family and have to endure questions and lectures about moving away and living on her own. She didn’t want their opinions. She wanted everyone to stop treating her like a child and let her live her life. In fact, given that Josh knew about Lisa’s murder, she was surprised that none of her brothers were already knocking on her door and demanding she return home.

  Zeke stood behind her and gripped her shoulders. “If you really don’t want me to tell him, I won’t. It’ll be our secret.”

  She turned and stepped into his embrace, burying her head against his chest and basking in the feel of him as he tightened his arms around her. She soaked in the musky scent of his cologne, cologne she’d bought for him years ago, and she was thankful to know he still used the same scent. It reminded her of simpler days when the only things she had to hide from her brothers were her meetups with Zeke. They’d run off the first boy she’d ever brought home, interrogating him relentlessly until he’d decided being with her wasn’t worth being on their bad sides. She knew they hadn’t threatened him or been mean, but she also knew how intimidating they could be. From that day forward, she’d determined to never give them that opportunity again. She’d never brought home another boyfriend for the family to grill. Not even Zeke.

  Especially not Zeke.

  If only Zeke had come with her when she’d left town. They might have had that family she’d dreamed about having with him. But his life was in Courtland, and his grandmother had been ill. He wouldn’t have left her, so Kellyanne hadn’t even bothered asking. He’d never been able to leave Courtland County, no matter how badly the town and life had treated him. She’d thought he would want a fresh start, but he was stuck in a town that would forever see them both as kids.

  She heard fussing from down the hall, breaking whatever spell there was between them. Brady needed her. She pushed away tears and stepped out of Zeke’s embrace. She didn’t have time for sorrow or grief or even self-pity. She had a child to think about, and even though it wasn’t the one she longed for, she loved Brady and would do her best for him. And she would keep him safe even if it was the last thing she ever did.

  * * *

  Zeke returned to his conference for afternoon classes, assuring Kelly he would be back to check on her later that day. She was fine with that. She had no plans except to try to get some rest. Her head was still aching, and she felt worn down by the events of the past twenty-four hours. The possibility that Brady’s dad could show up and walk off with him, combined with the uncertainty of knowing he might have taken part in Lisa’s murder and her attempted abduction weighed heavily on her mind. Was this Jim Durban really Brady’s father? She needed more information on this man, information only the police could verify.

  She picked up her cell phone and dialed Detective Shaw’s number. When he answered, she explained about the man who’d gone to the day care to try to get Brady.

  “I know. Your friend Deputy Tyler already informed me. I wish you or the day care had called me when it happened.”

  “The man gave his name as Jim Durban. I found Brady’s birth certificate in a box Lisa left in my closet, but there’s no father listed. Is there any chance you can check this guy out for me?”

  He gave her a low chuckle. “Aren’t I the one supposed to be doing the investigating?”

  “I’m not investigating. I just want to know what to do in case he shows up again.”

  “You don’t let him near you or the kid without a court order. Besides, if he shows up, Brady’s paternity may be the least of your worries. It’s possible this guy was involved in the attack against you and in your friend’s murder. Text me the photo. I’ll check him out.”

  “Thank you, Detective Shaw.”

  She sent the
text and put away her phone, but she still couldn’t rest. Her mind was spinning with the details of everything that had happened. She was right that this man might be responsible for the attack against her. She pressed her hand against her head and wished she could remember more, wished she’d pressed Lisa more about the argument she’d had with the man at the fundraiser. She’d heard Lisa tell him she had evidence and that she was going to expose him. But what evidence did she have, and what was she going to expose? And had it gotten her killed?

  She needed visual stimulation. She typed in the congressman’s fundraiser and immediately found photographs of the event, and even a few from the after-party. She glanced at the faces of those in the photographs. No one seemed familiar. No one stood out.

  She grabbed Brady and headed out. She needed to try to jump-start her memory. Maybe if she was there, back in the conference room, something might spark a memory. It was a long shot, but at this point, it was all she had. Figuring out who Lisa argued with during that party might help her discover who killed her friend.

  She pulled into the parking structure for the West Hills Hotel and Conference Center, took out the stroller and strapped Brady in before heading toward the entrance. She found the conference room where the event had taken place. The tables were once again set for an event, and the white dishes and glassware gave her a familiar feeling. The plush carpet beneath her feet sparked a memory she couldn’t quite grab hold of, but she thought she recalled laughter and music. She glanced up and remembered there had been brightly colored balloons on the ceiling.

  Detective Shaw would get around to questioning everyone who was there, but Kellyanne didn’t want to wait on police procedure. She knew all too well the investigative process could be tedious.

  “What are you doing here?”

  She turned to see a woman dressed in heels and business attire. Her hair was upswept, and she held a clipboard.

  “Who are you?” Kellyanne asked.

  She smirked. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”

  “My name is Kellyanne Avery.” She reached out her hand. “I was here the night before last with Lisa Adams.”

  The woman’s harsh expression softened, and she smiled and shook Kellyanne’s hand. “I heard about Lisa on the news. I’m so sorry. Do they know what happened to her?”

  “Not yet.” She shuddered, recalling seeing her friend’s blank expression and lifeless form. “But it looks like someone shot her.”

  She gasped and pulled her hand back. “You saw her?”

  “I found her. Someone attacked her inside her apartment.”

  The woman’s hand fluttered to her necklace. She looked like she was going to break down, but she quickly regained her composure. “My name is Casey Morgan. Lisa and I both volunteered on Senator Davenport’s campaign a few years ago. I’m an event planner, and they still call me whenever they need something. I made the arrangements for the fundraiser the other night. I’m here now prepping a different event.”

  Kellyanne didn’t know any of Lisa’s coworkers or friends. Lisa had seemed to cut them off, choosing to spend all her time with Brady or with Kellyanne. “Were you and Lisa close friends?”

  “We were for a while.”

  “Then you know who Brady’s father is?”

  “Who is Brady?”

  She felt her heart fall. So they weren’t such good friends. She motioned toward the stroller. “Brady is Lisa’s son. I’m trying to figure out who his father is now that’s she’s gone.” She reached into her purse and produced one of her business cards with her name, occupation and phone number. “I’m a social worker with DFCS.”

  Casey took the card and nodded, but tears smudged her mascara. “I didn’t even know she’d had a baby. We hadn’t seen one another in a while. She quit the campaign and seemed to drop off the face of the earth. I never knew why.”

  “When was that?”

  “About a year ago.” She looked at Kellyanne and seemed to recompose herself. “However, that doesn’t explain why you’re here. I’m setting up for another event. You shouldn’t be here.”

  “I came here because I’m worried that something that happened here got my friend killed.”

  Casey paled again. “What are you talking about?”

  “I found Lisa arguing with a man. They were both very angry. Now she’s dead. I’m concerned he might have had a hand in her death. I’d like a list of the names of everyone who attended the party.”

  “I can’t give that to you. It’s privileged information.”

  “I’m sure the police will want that list too.” They may even already have it. She was pushing it, and she knew it. The last thing this woman wanted to do was talk about what happened at that party or who might be involved. Kellyanne could see the worry on her face.

  She gave Kellyanne a hard stare. “Then the police can request it. You were a guest at that party, and the accusations you’re making are deplorable. I refuse to listen to another slanderous word. You need to leave now.” She spun on her heel and walked out without another word.

  Kellyanne pulled out her phone and texted Casey Morgan’s name for Detective Shaw to check out. She seemed to know more than she was letting on.

  Kellyanne put away her phone and sighed. She hadn’t accomplished what she’d hoped, but she was more certain than ever that Lisa had been right in her decision to cut these people from her life.

  * * *

  During a break in sessions, Zeke texted Kellyanne to check in. His friend and fellow deputy, Greg Frasier, sat down beside him and shook his head.

  “You texting her again?”

  “I’m just checking in?”

  “Man, this woman’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

  He slid his phone back into his pocket, his face warming at his friend’s accusation. “She does not.”

  “From the moment we arrived in town, she’s had you at her beck and call.”

  “She’s in danger. Her friend was murdered and someone is after her. If something happens to her, Josh will have my hide.”

  “Does he know why you went to see her in the first place?” Greg was one of the few people who knew about his past relationship with Josh’s sister.

  Zeke shook his head. “No, he doesn’t, and I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell him.”

  “It’s none of my business. I’m just here for the seminars and the free meals. And for a few days without the kids screaming in my ear every five minutes.”

  Zeke smiled. Greg had three little kids all under five at home and a wife he adored. Zeke enjoyed spending time over there playing with the kids and seeing the way Greg and his wife, Carla, acted around one another. He could recognize two people in love, and they were.

  He had to admit that he was jealous of Greg. He had the life Zeke had always wanted. He was living the dream, while Zeke was still sitting on the sidelines.

  He took out his phone again and glanced at the screen. How many days had he spent waiting for Kelly’s call or text message? Too many. And he’d always ended up disappointed.

  He should have stuck the necklace in the mail and been done with it, but he couldn’t be sorry he’d come. Not when her life was in danger. Maybe he could never be the man she loved or wanted to be with, but he could keep her safe. Safe for the man who would one day take his place. It wasn’t right, and it wasn’t fair, but it was all he had. He couldn’t leave her, knowing she was in danger. He wouldn’t want to, even if his feelings for her weren’t a part of the equation.

  The announcer called everyone back inside. Zeke stood and checked his phone one more time for a message from Kelly. Nothing.

  Greg shook his head and chuckled as he headed for the conference room doors. “Wrapped around her little finger.”

  Zeke put away his phone.

  If her little finger was all he could have, he would t
ake it.

  * * *

  Kellyanne buckled Brady into his car seat and headed home. She was still mulling over what Casey Morgan had had to say and trying to force herself to recall what had happened. One thing she knew for certain, she didn’t want to be alone tonight. She hoped Zeke would come over again.

  She pushed away that thought. She was getting too close to him. Too dependent on him. He was going to be leaving soon, and she would be on her own with Brady. It was daunting to think about taking care of him on her own, but she would do it. A tear slipped down her face. She missed her friend, and Brady missed his mom. This entire episode had her thinking about family and wishing she were closer to them to ask for advice and to seek comfort. She loved them, but their need to treat her like a little girl irritated her to the point she’d gotten as far away from them as possible after high school.

  She wished Zeke were going to be in town longer, but nothing would pull him away from Courtland for long. She had to tell him about the pregnancy and miscarriage before he left town. She couldn’t keep this secret from him any longer, couldn’t let him leave town without knowing about the baby. She used her hands-free to dial his number and a soft shudder of delight filled her when his gentle baritone voice answered.

  “I was wondering if you’d like to come to supper at my place tonight. I’ll cook for you. There’s something we need to talk about.”

  “I’d love that, Kelly.”

  “Good. I’ll see you in a few hours, then?”

  She ended the call and glanced in the rearview mirror at Brady. Nervousness tickled her insides. Tonight, she would come clean about everything. She would tell him about getting pregnant and the miscarriage, and she expected that would be the end of their time together. It would be over between them once he knew the truth.

  She stopped at the grocery store, cautious as she purchased items for homemade lasagna. She breathed a sigh of relief when they made it through their shopping without incident. She hated the way her mind was now always on alert, always looking out for the next attack. Would her life ever get back to normal? She loaded the groceries and Brady into the car and headed for her apartment.