Deadly Institution

by Holly Copella

  “It’s not necessary to finish the dance,” she replied.

  “No, I don’t mind,” Maxwell said and smiled timidly. “You did promise me a dance, remember?”

  Jacey blushed and nodded. “Yes, I did.”

  Maxwell appeared uncertain about moving closer to dance the slow song with her, but they were soon fumbling their way across the dance floor.

  “I’m afraid I’m not very good,” Maxwell announced with a tiny laugh.

  “Me either,” she replied. “I probably wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t mentioned it.”

  Both were silent a moment. Maxwell then spoke, almost startling her. “I found some information you might find useful for a future article. Remind me to fetch it from my room before you leave.”

  “Thanks, Maxwell,” she replied. “I really appreciate all your help.”

  “It was nothing, really.”

  “I saw Brenda scouting out her next story,” Jacey announced. “She’s always one step ahead of me, I’m afraid.”

  “Don’t fear yet, I also have some interesting information on some of the people in town,” Maxwell remarked and grinned deviously. “I took the liberty of invading the government files. You’ll have enough information to write a better article than your adversary, Brenda.”

  Jacey raised a curious brow with surprise. “You invaded top secret files?” She didn’t know if she should be alarmed or proud of him.

  He shrugged then grinned. “I do it quite a bit,” Maxwell informed her. “It’s not as if I have anything better to do with my spare time.”

  Jacey bumped into Dr. Talbert and young widow Glease. He spun her around with the enthusiasm of a young man. Dr. Talbert dipped the younger woman. Jacey smiled and shook her head while watching him.

  “It’s amazing he has that much energy,” Jacey said to Maxwell.

  Maxwell’s gaze strayed along her dress, possibly admiring her cleavage. He then looked away with embarrassment. “I like your dress,” he said gently. “It’s very flattering.”

  Jacey smiled warmly with some embarrassment. It became obvious he had been looking at her cleavage. Oddly enough, she didn’t mind. “Yes, I clean up nicely,” she said with a soft laugh. “But at midnight I turn back into a tom girl.”

  His lips curved into a tiny smile, though he didn’t look at her. “Doesn’t change the woman underneath,” he remarked gently then looked at her. “You’re still beautiful.”

  She stared at him as the music stopped. She had no idea how to respond to his comment, although she wrestled with the idea of throwing her arms around him and kissing him. He stepped away from her, lifted her hand, and kissed it warmly.

  “I’d better return you before Asher thrashes me with his golden cane,” Maxwell announced while smiling warmly without releasing her hand and led her across the dance floor.

  Asher had a group of men surrounding him while he talked about the government and political viewpoints. Jacey and Maxwell approached and listened quietly as the debate continued. No one seemed able to argue his points. They finally submitted and laughed at any small joke he made. He’d won them over. Jacey smiled warmly and glanced at Maxwell. Asher turned and looked at Jacey proudly. He held his hand out to her, which she accepted and moved to his side.

  “Have you gentlemen met my common-law daughter?” he said cheerfully.

  Several men laughed warmly. He introduced her to all the men he’d been entertaining and instinctively placed his arm around her waist.

  One of the men checked her out and smiled deviously. “You’re a lucky man to have such a beautiful lady by your side,” he remarked, embarrassing Jacey.

  “She’s my world,” Asher replied with a brilliant smile. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.”

  “What do you do for a living?” another man asked. “Must be something political.”

  Asher chuckled with amusement and shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I’m too honest to get involved in that. Actually, I’m retired. I made my fortune early in life and took my leave as quickly as I could.”

  “What business were you in?” another asked.

  Asher smiled wryly. “Sound investments--the usual gamble. It just happened that it worked in my favor.”

  Maxwell gently cleared his throat and smiled lightly. “Could I have a word with you in private, Asher?”

  Asher looked at Maxwell, tilted his head with a look of confusion, then smiled and nodded. “Certainly.”

  Jacey watched both men walk several feet away to an area where they could talk privately. She ignored the conversation among the wealthy men and watched both Maxwell and Asher while they talked. Maxwell initially seemed to do all the talking while Asher listened. Asher finally smiled and shook his head. When Asher began to speak, Jacey wondered about their conversation. A couple of minutes passed before both men returned. Asher captured Jacey’s arm near her elbow and smiled at the group.

  “If you gentlemen will excuse us, we’re going to have a look at the banquet,” Asher said and guided Jacey away from the group. He appeared distracted now and even a little tense.

  “Is everything okay?” she suddenly asked.

  “Yes, yes,” he replied without looking at her. He stopped her near the tables with trays of food on them and faced her. “There’s something about me I must tell you; something I should’ve told you a long time ago.” His eyes then strayed past her.

  Jacey turned and looked in the direction he stared. Jameson, dressed out of place in his police uniform, pulled Sheriff Monroe aside and was speaking to him. Jacey looked back at Asher and tilted her head. He continued to watch the two men. He looked back at her and smiled lightly.

  “I think there’s going to be a small problem here tonight.” His eyes searched hers. “Do you trust me, Jacey? And I don’t mean sort of kind of, I mean do you trust me without question?”

  Jacey stared at him a long moment with some concern and confusion to his question. “You mean do I believe you didn’t kill Roseanne?”

  Asher nodded slowly.

  “Yes,” she said without hesitation. “I’m convinced you had nothing to do with her death.”

  “I know I can depend on your help,” he said simply. “You noticed Deputy Jameson’s arrival?”

  She nodded.

  “He’s here for me.”

  Her mouth opened slightly and with surprise. “What do you mean?”

  “He’s here to arrest me for the murder of Roseanne,” Asher explained then looked around the room. “I don’t have time to explain. I just need a chance to search the basement. That’s where I was supposed to go the other day.”

  Jacey stared into his eyes then slowly nodded. “Okay, I’ll buy you some time,” she said softly. “Just be careful.”

  He smiled and winked at her. She watched him limp toward the kitchen just twenty feet away. Jacey turned in the crowd and rejoined Maxwell and the group of men. Derek glanced around the room then followed Asher into the kitchen.

  “Where’s Asher?” Maxwell asked with surprise and looked around.

  Jacey smiled lightly and shrugged. “I’m not sure. He mentioned checking out the observatory,” she announced. “I think he wanted to see the stars.”

  Maxwell laughed softly and shook his head. “He’s something. Probably knows all the constellations as well. Can I get you something from the bar?”

  “Yes, I could use a drink. Thank you,” she replied with some tension.

  “I’ll be right back,” Maxwell announced and left.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Jacey remained in the company of the group of men whom Asher had been socializing while waiting for Maxwell to return with drinks. Several men ventured off to mingle with others, but a few stayed behind and questioned her about Asher. Apparently, they were quite taken with him. Howard joined Jacey and the group of men she entertained in Asher’s absence.

  “I didn’t know you were Russell McMurray’s niece,” Howard announced with some embarrassment to hi
s earlier mix-up. “I don’t know why I didn’t recognize you.”

  “You know my Uncle Russell?” she asked. She never heard her uncle talking about the mayor before; at least not while using pleasant terms.

  “Oh, yes,” he replied. “We go way back. He helped campaign for my political run.”

  Jacey knew that was a lie. She distinctly remembered her uncle cursing and telling her mother he didn’t want that son-of-a-bitch in office. She wondered why he’d even bring it up if he were uncertain of the details. It seemed odd.

  “I didn’t realize you were friends with Konrad Asher,” Howard casually announced.

  And there it was! He wasn’t interested in striking a conversation with her; he wanted information on Asher.

  “Best kept secret in Stony Ridge,” she remarked but felt uncomfortable discussing her relationship with Asher to the mayor. She knew he was the driving force behind placing blame on Kate for Hal Burgess’ escape.

  Sheriff Monroe, looking suave in his rented tuxedo, approached them and smiled pleasantly at Jacey.

  “You look very lovely tonight, Jacey,” Monroe announced.

  She smiled her thanks, but she had a sneaky suspicion he didn’t join them to admire her dress. Monroe turned to Howard and appeared moderately serious.

  “Could I have a word with you, Mayor?” Monroe asked although his eyes demanded his presence.

  “Certainly,” he replied then looked at Jacey. “If you’ll excuse us--”

  Jacey nodded and watched them walk away while quietly talking. Jameson made his way through the crowd and approached her. He smiled as his eyes swept over her.

  “Good evening, Jacey,” he said warmly then cleared his throat and contained his smile. “You look, wow, fabulous.”

  “Thank you,” she replied then swept a look over his uniform. “You, uh, look official.”

  “Well, yeah, I’m sort of here on business,” he replied. “If I wasn’t, I’d certainly be asking you to dance.”

  “But since you are here on official business,” she announced, “what can I do for you?”

  Jameson fidgeted and attempted to keep the mood light. “I, uh, hear you came with Asher tonight.”

  “Yes, he was invited as well,” she replied simply and played dumb. “Is everything under control?”

  “Jill’s still leading her group in protest outside the front gate, if that’s what you mean. They’re keeping the gates locked. The butler almost refused to admit me. I had to pull official business on him,” he said with a tiny laugh. He once more became serious and curbed his smile. “Do you know where Asher is? I need to have a word with him. It’s rather important.”

  Jacey stared into Jameson’s eyes with a slightly frozen expression. “He had mentioned the observatory in the attic. I suppose he’s still there.” Her frozen look didn’t change.

  Jameson gave a warm nod and allowed his eyes to stray across her attire. “Thanks, Jacey. I’ll talk to you later.” Jameson disappeared back the way he came.

  Jacey frowned. A champagne glass was extended before her. She looked at Maxwell and accepted the glass with a tiny smile. “Thank you.”

  He nodded after Jameson, who now left the room. “What was he looking for?”

  Jacey slowly shook her head and stared at the doorway. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “I have a terrible feeling about tonight.” Jacey turned and looked Maxwell in the eyes. “Could you show me the files you’d found?”

  “What? Now?” he asked curiously with a strange look on his face. “Is something wrong?”

  Jacey nodded mechanically.

  “Doc’s going to be cranky if I disappear too,” he said gently. “Is it important?”

  She searched his eyes. “Yes, it’s very important.”

  Maxwell sighed and forced a tiny smile. “I suppose if we’re not gone too long, he won’t be too upset. I’d better tell him I’m leaving for a few minutes. Don’t go away.”

  “I won’t,” she replied softly then watched him hurry through the crowd. Jacey was grabbed around the waist. She jumped with a slight gasp and looked at Timon, who laughed heartily.

  “Didn’t mean to frighten you,” he teased with a wicked smile. “You’re jumpy tonight.”

  She held up her glass and forced a smile. “It must be the champagne.”

  “Have a few more,” Timon said. “You’ll relax.” He laughed again in his usual humorous manner.

  Jacey studied Timon for a moment then smiled more naturally. By the color in his cheeks and the boyish smile he wore, she could tell he’d had enough to drink himself.

  “Guess Brian’s out of the picture now,” Timon said while appearing pleased.

  Jacey eyed him and tilted her head with confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “He tossed you over for someone less moral,” he said and raised his brows in lustful suggestion.

  “My loss,” Jacey replied humorously with a mocking smile.

  “Yeah, some woman from town,” he remarked. “That other reporter, Brenda.”

  Jacey rolled her eyes and tried to keep from laughing. “Yes, I figured Brenda would seize Brian with her low morals to get a good story. She conducts a lot of interviews between the sheets. They’ll have a good time together.”

  “Guess my chances just increased greatly, huh?” Timon said with a laugh and a suggestive brow.

  Jacey patted his puffy, red cheek with a delicate smile. “You’re drunk.”

  He laughed and nodded. “Someone has to liven this party. Wanna dance?”

  Jacey listened to the fast music then shook her head with a soft laugh. “No, thanks. I don’t think I could keep up with you even if I tried. And in these shoes, I’d probably fall on my butt.”

  Angela paused alongside Timon and glared disapprovingly at him with her arms folded across her chest. “Will you stop throwing yourself at Jacey,” she snapped. “You’re making a spectacle of yourself.”

  Timon looked at Angela, mimicked her stance, and made a prudish face while bobbing his head back and force. “Lighten up, Angie. You’re just jealous because she’s turning every head in this place, including your wannabe boyfriend.” He laughed at his own joke. “Poor Angie.”

  Her hateful glare didn’t even appear to faze him in his intoxicated condition. Timon then chased after the waitress with a tray of hors d’oeuvres.

  “Twit,” Angela snarled lowly while watching his departure. She shifted her attention to Jacey and gave her the same, cold look she’d given Timon. “You just stay away from Maxwell. He may show some interest in you tonight, but by tomorrow, you’ll be the same poor farm girl you were yesterday.”

  “Fuck off,” Jacey muttered lowly with narrow eyes and a cold stare. She surprised herself. She had no idea where that came from. Possibly residue from Asher’s charming personality.

  Angela snorted lowly. “I should expect that sort of comment from someone of your upbringing.”

  “What’s going on?” Maxwell asked and paused nearby. He looked at both women with a bewildered stare.

  “Nothing,” Angela replied while raising her head proudly and smiled brightly. She moved closer to Maxwell and placed her hand on his lower arm. “Let’s dance.”

  Maxwell raised a curious brow. “You’ve never wanted to dance at one of these parties before.”

  “I do now,” Angela announced warmly.

  “You’ll have to find Timon or Doc,” Maxwell said simply. “I have a prior engagement with Jacey.”

  Angela’s eyes narrowed spitefully. “With her?” she hissed then sneered. “Better keep the conversation simple. Or is it a non-verbal engagement?”

  Maxwell’s brow raised sharply. “I don’t suppose that would be any of your business,” he retorted coldly. “I don’t need to answer to you or anyone else. You’re not my mother, and you’re certainly not my girlfriend.”

  Angela folded her arms across her chest and mocked him with her smile. “As if you didn’t pursue me since we’d met,” she snapped.
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br />   “I may have considered a relationship when I first met you, but since then I’ve seen you for the coldhearted bitch that you really are.” His head sharply tilted. “Ever since we’ve arrived here, you’ve been playing some sort of game with me and abusing Jacey just because you see her as a threat. Allow me to set the records straight. I like Jacey,” he snapped. “I like her a lot. She’s interesting, and she treats me the way a man wants to be treated. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to enjoy myself for a change.” Maxwell extended his hand to Jacey.

  Jacey smiled warmly and placed her hand in his. He led her from the room with several long, quick strides. In her high heels, she had a difficult time keeping up with him. He slowed his pace once they reached the nearly empty hallway, though he didn’t release her hand.

  “I’m sorry about that,” he said gently and sighed. “I didn’t mean to start that in front of you. I can’t believe I actually said those things out loud.”

  Jacey laughed softly. “Believe me, I enjoyed it. That woman has been out to get me from the start.”

  “She has a need to control people,” he explained then looked away with a frown. “I suppose she wanted to control me too. I’ve never been overly confident, and I was just happy to feel needed, whether it was real or not.”

  “I would think you’re needed around here,” she remarked. “Doc seems to depend upon you.” He was obviously well-respected among his peers.

  He smiled with some embarrassment. “That’s a little different. I know where I stand professionally. It’s not always enough,” he said gently.

  Jacey turned and walked sideways while studying him. “I need you. Does that count?” she asked with a grin.

  Maxwell looked at her with some surprise then smiled. “You may be the only one who does,” he said softly.

  They found their way upstairs and entered Maxwell’s room. It was a neat, well-kept room. He removed a folder with several papers from the top of his desk and stared at it with some confusion. He opened it and flipped through the papers.

  “Is something wrong?” Jacey asked curiously.