After Six

by Jeannette Winters

  Logan had to resist grabbing him by the collar and threatening him. The only thing preventing that was the gun strapped to his shoulder holster. So he resorted once again to throwing his last name around. “I don’t think you know who I am, do you? I’m Logan Henderson. If you need a presidential order to reopen the case, I’ll call him.”

  That got the sergeant’s attention. He immediately was flustered. “We don’t want any trouble here. This case is so old. I’m not sure if anyone is around from that time. Most of the guys move away when they retire.”

  “But you’re going to check, correct?”

  He nodded. “I’ll make some calls, but I can’t promise anything.”

  Logan once again made sure he was heard. “I’m not going anywhere till I find someone who knows something.”

  The sergeant took his number and Logan left. As he passed, he took in the description of the dispatcher who was still on the phone. He was old enough to have been on the case thirty years ago, but he wasn’t an officer. I wonder who you’re talking to.

  Logan walked outside and headed across the street to grab a coffee. He could feel the dispatcher’s eyes on him the entire time. This was good. He’d made his presence known. Of course, he was unarmed and alone without backup. That was bad. The only thing he had going for him right now was no one knew any of that.

  He didn’t even have a chance to finish his first cup of coffee before the sergeant called him.

  “Mr. Henderson, I’ve located someone who might be able to help you. He’s retired, but was a patrolman at that time.”

  Patrolman? He knew damn well they pulled a name of someone who didn’t have any real authority back then. They were still playing a game, the same one they’d been playing with Cori all these years. Who the hell do they think they’re protecting? They’re not picking the right side.

  “Don’t jerk me around. I want the name. You know damn well what I’m talking about,” Logan demanded.

  “Sir, it’s not that easy.”

  “It’s about to get a lot harder if you don’t give me some real information.” Logan ended the call. Next time the sergeant called he’d better have something significant.

  From his seat, he could see everyone coming and going from the police station. When the dispatcher exited the building, Logan knew he needed to talk to that man. He threw some bills on the table and headed out the door. He hopped in his rental and tailed him for a few miles. Once they were outside the town limits, Logan wasn’t sure if he was tailing the guy or being led by him. Either way, he wasn’t going to turn off the road. He’d come this far, and that guy knew something.

  Logan didn’t try to keep his distance any longer. No one else was on the road, and it was obvious what he was doing. He pulled up beside him, honked his horn, and told him to pull over. The guy nodded and turned off the road. That wasn’t what he meant, but they were driving down a dirt road that didn’t look like it was often traveled. A great place to ditch a body.

  He laughed to himself, thinking this is the type of stories Alex writes. Here he was, living it. Hopefully living through it.

  As they finally stopped Logan waited in his car until the guy got out. Only then did Logan leave his vehicle.

  “You’re foolish to come here.”

  That was something Logan had figured out for himself. “I’ll leave when I have some truthful answers.”

  “You think you want to know, but you don’t.”

  Logan wasn’t in the mood for riddles. He hadn’t come all this way to be told he wasn’t going to like the answer. That was a given already. All he wanted was proof to deliver to Cori. Only then did he believe she’d find peace of mind. Maybe.

  “Let me be the judge of that. So tell me what you know.” The old man looked around as though even now he was worried about talking. They were in the middle of nowhere. It’s me you should be worried about right now.

  “You truly have no idea of the can of worms you’re about to open,” the man said while keeping his eyes on their surroundings.

  “Just tell me. Who’s responsible for the death of Joe Sparks?” Logan barked.

  The man finally made eye contact and said, “Your family.”

  Logan wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. Brice hadn’t been old enough to do such a thing, and he was the eldest. Then who? All of a sudden he had such a sick feeling in his stomach. His father had ruined so much in his lifetime. Had James also been a murderer? Logan didn’t want to believe that, but it didn’t surprise him either. Each time he thought it couldn’t get worse, it always did.

  “You better start talking. I want to know everything. Why would a Henderson care about a winery?”

  “It had nothing to do with wine. It had to do with deep-rooted hate between the two families.”

  “We don’t know any Sparks.” Well at least, we didn’t until recently.

  “Not you. Your grandmother knew Joe Sparks.”

  Logan didn’t know much about his father’s mother at all. His father spoke of her very briefly, and they had only met when she was sick and fragile. He knew there was no love between them, then again, James didn’t love anyone, so that hadn’t surprised him one bit.

  “What does she have to do with this?”

  “When Joe Sparks first came to this country your grandparents hired him to work in their garden. He was young, and for a few years he made their garden a showpiece. Then your grandfather passed away, and your grandmother was . . . lonely.”

  God, don’t tell me we’re related to the Sparks. “And?”

  “They became lovers. But he had his own dreams of owning a vineyard, and he left to pursue them. He’d asked her to go with him, but she forbade him to leave. But he left anyway, and she hated him for it. What I know is she thought he’d fail and come crawling back to her. But Joe didn’t. Instead, he built one of the most sought-after vineyards in California.”

  It all sounded very plausible so far, but that didn’t mean a Henderson had anything to do with his death. “Couples part ways all the time. What’s so different about my grandmother that you believe she had anything to do with Joe’s death? From what you’ve told me so far, it sounds like Joe left long before he died.” If she’d been filled with resentment, surely she would have lashed out sooner rather than later.

  “He had, but she hated him for what he’d done.”

  “Which was what exactly?” Hate was a strong word. He knew why he hated his father, but he couldn’t have brought himself to kill him. Wishing him dead wasn’t the same.

  “Leave her and live a happy life without her.”

  Most people were happier not knowing a Henderson. He could see why Joe left. “So you’re saying she was heartbroken and couldn’t get over it?”

  “Heartbroken? I’m not sure she had one. Not from what Joe had said. She was many things, but kind and loving weren’t words he used to describe her.” So, this guy knew Joe personally, or word got around? I think I need to wait to hear what he has to say before I call him out on it though.

  “Yet they were lovers.”

  “Your grandmother controlled everything. All he knew of the US back then was what she allowed him to know. It was as though she’d intentionally hired him before your grandfather died.”

  That’s sick. “And he stayed?”

  “Joe saved every cent he’d earned until he could leave. After a few years, his vineyard took off and he became known as one of the top vineyard owners.”

  “And what? She was jealous of his success? She didn’t need his money.”

  “This wasn’t about money. Your grandmother had never been happy before Joe, and once Joe left, she never was again.”

  None of this was making any sense. He could get that she was heartbroken, but why wait so long to confront him? She had the resources to find him if she really wanted to. “So you’re telling me my grandmother waited until she was an old woman and came here and torched the place? Really?”

  He shook his head. “No. It was your fath
er. He confronted him. There was a huge fight, and he struck Joe and said he’d pay for what he’d done to his mother. James accused Joe of being the reason his mother hated men. A few days after that, the fire broke out, and Joe was dead.”

  Now that was something believable. His father had a temper and many times had used his fist on his own children. Striking an old man wasn’t farfetched. “How do you know all this?”

  “I worked in the vineyard for Joe. He was teaching me the ways to make such beautiful wine. When your father came and fought with Joe I was in the other room and heard everything. That is how I know about your grandmother and who killed Joe.”

  “How do you know about the rest? About what happened between Joe and my grandmother?”

  “I took care of Joe after your father struck him. He told me then about your grandmother. Your family did this to him because he refused to bend to their wishes. No one said no to either your grandmother or your father without paying the price. For Joe, it was with his life.”

  Logan knew that to be the truth. Growing up under James, if you made the mistake of telling him no, you paid a high price. Logan knew when to run and hide away with his science books where he could dream of breaking free from that hellhole one day. But not every person was so lucky. James had a way of making an example out of anyone who didn’t comply. He dealt them a lesson that one never forgot. Brice had been the one who challenged James the most. They would get into actual brawls. Father versus son. There were many days Brice wasn’t allowed out of the house because his face was swollen and his lip split. It didn’t end until Brice became bigger and stronger. If Brice hadn’t been his son, Logan figured James would’ve dealt the same revenge on Brice as he did on Joe.

  So now he knew why, but not how. “The police report is inaccurate. Why?”

  “Your family was very influential and powerful. Money can buy many things. In this case, it purchased a blind eye to everything. The Sparks family suffered a great loss, and no one will ever know.”

  One person will. Cori. What she does with it, I’m not sure. He was going to have to discuss this with Brice later; it would have a ripple effect throughout the family if Cori went public with the information.

  “How is it that you didn’t get hurt in the fire?”

  The man lifted his shirt, and Logan saw he was mistaken. The guy had scars across his stomach and chest from third-degree burns. “My legs look the same. I am fortunate that I lived at all. Joe is the one who saved me. He pulled me to safety before going back in to try and save the vineyard.” The old man sniffed. “He was a good man and your family hated him for it.”

  Logan knew people viewed him as being from that same lot. Everything about his father disgusted him. Now he had a grandmother to hate equally. Was there any end to this? Was this the generation that finally ended the cruel behavior? God, I hope so.

  “Why wait until now to speak up? Why not open up before now?”

  “Because I didn’t want James to finish what he’d started thirty years ago. He wanted the Sparks family to pay a price. They did. But I knew if what really happened ever surfaced, he’d return. That is why I work at the police station. I knew someday someone would come looking again. Someone other than Cordelia Sparks, his granddaughter. And I needed to be there to make sure no one ever knew.”

  “You’re protecting James?” That thought angered the shit out of him.

  “No! A man came to the hospital burn unit I was in and told me if I ever spoke to anyone about the Hendersons, I’d be killed and so would whoever I shared the truth with. So I shut my mouth. You’re a Henderson. This is your family. You know what I’m telling you is true.”

  “Why aren’t you afraid of me?”

  “I have a cousin on the East Coast. He was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor they said was inoperable. You took a chance when no one else would and removed the tumor. Not only did he survive, but he regained full function. That day I knew you weren’t like your father.”

  Logan stared past him. He knew he wasn’t like his father, but nothing like him might be a stretch. It was sad but one surgery blended into the next. He didn’t remember this case, but by the time someone got to him, they usually had been given a death sentence from everyone else. I’m just glad I’ve been able to save so many.

  “And now I am old and tired of hiding. The truth will die with us. Otherwise, let me get back in my car and go back to what I’ve always done.”

  “What is that?”

  “I didn’t just work for Joe. He took me under his wing when no one would give me a job. I owed him so much. He’d told me if anything ever happened to him to do one thing: make sure Cordelia and Sarah were always taken care of. I don’t have money, but I’ve been able to prevent them from ever finding out what happened. Sarah never bothered, but Cordelia is different. She’d go after your family with a vengeance; I fear what you’ll do to her.”

  I’d protect her with my life. Logan didn’t try to stop him as he got back in his car and drove off. He had the answers he’d come for. They weren’t anything he’d expected. Now he needed to return and get something very important answered before he even considered sharing this with Cori.

  He ran through the timeline in his head. He knew the approximate time Joe worked for his grandmother, but this guy hadn’t had any exact time period. They’d been lovers so long ago, and both Joe and his grandmother were dead. They were the only ones who could confirm it. He didn’t like the way things were adding up. It couldn’t be, but it sure in hell would explain why his grandmother hated him. Had she been pregnant when he left? No one ever spoke of our grandfather. Is it possible that Joe was my grandfather? Fuck I hope not.

  Cori wished he’d call. She’d given in and texted him a few times, but his answers were so short they hardly counted as a conversation. He wasn’t cold to her, but there wasn’t any affection there either.

  That should be okay with her because what had they exchanged anyway? A few kisses didn’t make a relationship. Neither did long hours of chatting. The only thing that bound them together was the lie they were both telling, that they were a couple. A couple of fools, that’s what we are. The only ones we’re hurting are ourselves.

  She was falling for him. It surely wasn’t from the research she’d done beforehand. If so, he’d be the last man she’d be interested in. It wasn’t his sexy looks either. She’d seen a part of him that touched her heart. And when he didn’t know she was watching him, the hardness left his eyes, and she knew somehow he needed her. A Henderson needing me? That’s funny.

  None of this was going according to plan, and that didn’t please her one bit. Cori knew this was supposed to be an assignment she’d given herself. It should launch her career. How could she move forward with that if she cared about him? You don’t hurt those you love.

  Oh, that word echoed in her mind. She wasn’t ready to label how she felt, especially with the big four-letter word, but it was something she was starting to feel. If not she wouldn’t give one hoot if she never heard from him again, but instead she was picking up her phone every few minutes to make sure she didn’t miss a call or text. Yeah, whatever this feeling is I hate it.

  There were so many other things she should be thinking about right now instead of how much she missed his sweet lips on hers. If he missed her as much as she did him, he’d be knocking on her door. But nothing. Instead, two days had gone by, and she hadn’t seen him at all. I’ve seen more of his family. Go figure. That’s the one place he was trying to keep me out of.

  It was ironic how things seemed to be playing out. This morning Morgan had called to see if she’d enjoyed shopping with Ziva. These people genuinely cared. It took a lot for her not to mention Logan’s disappearing act. Although everyone was acting like nothing was wrong, her gut, which was normally a good indicator, said something was. What are you doing, Logan? You’re not at your office. You’ve canceled your appointments, and your sisters-in-law don’t seem to know you’re gone.

  Cori
didn’t want to do it, but she knew one person who’d have the answer. That didn’t mean he was going to share it with her. Crossing her fingers like a child who actually believed it’d help, she called Brice.

  “Henderson here.”

  Even his voice made her shake. Brice wouldn’t be happy she was questioning Logan’s whereabouts. Digging deep, she mustered what courage she had and asked, “You wouldn’t happen to know where Logan is, would you?”

  “Who is this?” Brice barked at her.

  Like he’d know my voice. Get over yourself. You’re not that important. She was sure if it were one of his sisters-in-law he wouldn’t use that tone. Or maybe he would. Lena said he’s a hard ass.

  “Sorry. This is Cori. I’m Logan’s gir—” She couldn’t bring herself to say it. “We met at the bar a few days ago.” That sounded so pathetic.

  “I should apologize. Sorry I snapped, Cori. You’re calling me looking for Logan? Did you two fight?”

  The way he said it sounded more like he knew that answer already. Brice was covering for Logan. Why? She remembered Logan saying he didn’t want the family knowing anything. Had something changed to make him open up? Does he know that we’re not really a couple?

  That would be really embarrassing if everyone, including the ladies, knew the truth and were just playing along. It would serve her right if that were the case. She deserved nothing less. Karma’s a bitch, and I’ve earned what comes my way.

  “No fight. He’s just been . . . well you know your brother.” She wasn’t going to say anything more to him than he was to her.

  “I do and, Cori, I know he cares about you. If you care about him, trust and believe. It’ll all work out.”

  That was a completely unexpected soft side of Brice. Of course, he was married to Lena, and she was an absolute gem. Cori should’ve known there was more to him than what met the eye.

  “Thank you, Brice. I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Although she still missed him and really wished she knew what was going on, she was able to close her eyes and sleep. Just knowing Brice wasn’t worried was enough for her. For now.