A Murder State of Mind Boxed Set

by Jude Pittman

Chris nodded.

  “Do we know what happens to Alex’s shares in Wyatt Recording?” Kelly put in.

  Mark shook his head. “They haven’t released the details yet. My understanding is that Alex’s shares in Wyatt Recording were part of his own holdings, separate from Wyatt Enterprises. If that’s true, Alex and Mike could’ve had some kind of buyout arrangement. I’ll see if I can find out.”

  “You mentioned a couple of things.” Mark turned back to Chris.

  “This one’s just a rumor but it might be worth checking out. It seems Alex was a bit of a Don Juan where the ladies were concerned and word is that lately, his attentions had centered on the wife of one of Wyatt’s marketing reps.”

  “That’s it,” Kelly slapped the table, grabbing both Mark and Chris’s attention.

  “No, I haven’t gone nuts.” He grinned at them. “I just remembered what the hell it was that’s been nagging at the back of my mind.”

  “Well give, man.” Mark turned his full attention on Kelly.

  “I don’t know if Marcy mentioned it when she was talking to you,” Kelly said. “But when I was asking her about that episode in the restaurant, she told me that before they had their little scene, Alex had been visiting friends at some of the other tables.”

  Mark nodded. “I remember. There was the guy who sent them a bottle of wine. Then... Oh, yes, Winn and Theresa Gordon. That’s right, she did say Winn Gordon worked for Alex.”

  “That’s him.” Chris said. “And the scuttlebutt is he’s a maniac when it comes to his wife. Everybody at Wyatt Recording has been waiting for the blowup between Winn and Alex.”

  “I’m not finished,” Kelly said. Their heads swiveled back.

  “It was while she was telling me about waiting for the cab. She said something about it being the last straw when Winn Gordon attempted to put his arm around her.

  She felt humiliated, knowing he’d witnessed the scene inside and that’s when she took off after the bus.”

  Mark frowned. “So just where did Winn Gordon go after Marcy took off down the road?”

  “Exactly,” Kelly said. “I’d say Mr. Gordon’s movements need some attention.”

  Mark reached in his pocket for some bills. “It seems to me we’ve got our work cut out for us. Kelly, you’re going to head on back to Dallas and get started on that end and Chris, I guess you’ll be spending a bit more time with the Wyatt Recording folks.”

  “We still haven’t got much to go on,” Mark said, joining Kelly out front. “But I feel a hell of a lot better now than I did before we all got together.”

  “There’s my cab,” Kelly said, sticking out his hand. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you and Chris. I think we’ll make a damn good team.”

  Kelly climbed into the cab and gave the driver instructions back to the Hampton Inn, where he asked the cabbie to wait while he grabbed his bag and settled his bill.

  * * *

  Kelly snagged a seat on the three o’clock flight, then he wandered down the concourse to a bank of telephones. He found an empty one, dug out his calling card and when he got the dial tone, punched out Cam’s number. Two rings later, he had a familiar voice in his ear.

  “Indian Creek Hideaway. How may I help you?”

  Kelly chuckled into the receiver. “Well, Stella, I see you’ve taken charge.”

  “Kelly! We were just talking about you. How’s it going? Did you see Marcy? How is she? Have they let her out of jail?”

  “Whoa, girl. One thing at a time. No, I didn’t see Marcy. They’ve still got her downtown but Mark expects she’ll be back home sometime tomorrow. She’s fine, though. And you were right about Mark. He’s an ace and you can rest assured he’ll take good care of Marcy.”

  “So what are you going to do now? Have any of the gas station attendants remembered her?”

  “Not so far but they’ve got a lead on a gal who might have spotted her at a 7- Eleven. She’s been on vacation but she’s due back Monday and we’ll know more then. Meantime, I’m heading back home. Mark’s got a local man, Chris Thorne, who’s going to concentrate on this end while I check out the Dallas connection.”

  “Oh, gee, I guess that means you’ll be wanting your place back.” Her voice sounded so forlorn that Kelly laughed out loud.

  “Like it there do you? How about if I give Shorty a call and arrange for you to move into Anna’s place? He might charge you a couple of bucks for rent but it won’t be much. Will that suit you?”

  “That’d be perfect. At least here I feel needed and back home I’d have nothing to do but worry about Marcy. You know Kelly, I haven’t had this much fun in years.”

  “Great. Then that’s settled. I’m catching a three o’clock flight, so I’ll be home around six. Bubba’s got the key to Anna’s cabin and we can get you settled this evening.”

  “Thanks, Kelly. I just hope I’m not putting you out too much.”

  “My pleasure. Shorty will be delighted to rent the cabin and since I’ll be spending most of my time over in Dallas, it’ll be good to have you around to keep an eye on the dogs. How are Jake and Lucy making out?”

  “They’re so adorable. Jake’s a bit aloof. I think he’s making sure I know that I’m only a temporary replacement around here. Lucy’s an absolute sweetheart. Gus stopped by here last night and he said to tell you Lucy’s owner was hanging on by a thread. I didn’t want to ask without talking to you but I’d love to have her if it turns out that she has to look for a new home.”

  “That’s too bad about the old fellow. I hope Gus gets those punks. I’ll give him a call when I get back. Meantime I don’t see any reason Lucy can’t move in with you, at least until we know what’s going on with her owner.”

  “Thanks, Kelly. We’ve gotten pretty attached and since I can’t seem to interest you in keeping me company through the long nights, at least I’ll have Lucy to keep my bed warm.” The mischief was back in her voice.

  Kelly chuckled. “You’re really suffering, aren’t you, gal? I’ll bet you’ve already got poor Cam strutting around like a Rhode Island rooster.”

  “Kelly McWinter, you’re terrible.” She bubbled with laughter and Kelly smiled to himself. He’d hit that one on the head all right.

  “Okay. I’ll get everything set up and see you around six.”

  “‘Bye, Kelly and thanks. You’re a sweetheart, you know.”

  “Oh, sure, soft soap. I’ll talk to you later.” Kelly grinned, pressed the receiver down, got a dial tone and punched in Shorty’s number.

  He was pleased about Stella. He had figured she’d fit in with the Creek folks and her job at the Hideaway was just the tonic she needed right now.

  “You have reached Indian Creek Properties. Please leave your name and telephone number and we’ll return the call as soon as possible,” an electronic voice droned in Kelly’s ear.

  “Hey, Shorty, this is Kelly. I’ve got a friend who wants to take over Anna’s cabin for a while. I don’t know how long she’s going to stay but I’d say at least a couple of months and maybe longer. Her name’s Stella Davis and yes, she’s one of Anna’s relatives. I’ll get a key from Bubba and take her over there tonight. Leave a message on the machine if you have any problem with that, will you? Otherwise, I’ll have her give you a call in the next day or so to work out the details.”

  Kelly’s third call was a bit more personal. He leafed through his wallet for the paper where Gillian had scribbled the number of her riding stable, found it and dialed. He smiled and leaned against the booth while he waited for the connection. He was having a hard time keeping thoughts of Gillian out of his head and reminding her about their date for the Stagecoach gave him a good excuse to call. Maybe he’d even get lucky. With Stella settled at Anna’s, his cabin would be free and it sure would be nice to have Gillian around for the weekend. He hadn’t had that warm, cozy feeling of sharing his space with a special woman for a long time.

  “Hello! Lake Country Stables.” Her voice, brisk and slightly breathless, sounded
in his ear.

  “Gillian, Kelly here. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “Kelly, no. I’m glad to hear from you. Hold on a sec will you? I just came in from giving a lesson. Let me send her off to walk the horse.”

  Kelly smiled. She sounded happy to hear from him. “Are you home?” Her voice was back in his ear.

  “Nope, I’m in Nashville, at the airport. I’ll be flying in tonight, though. I thought I’d check and make sure we’re still on for Friday night.”

  “You bet we are. I was wondering if you were going to make it this time.” She laughed, a pleased sound that made him glad he’d called to confirm the date.

  “Nothing could keep me from it. I’ve a suggestion to make, if you’re up for a bit of togetherness.”

  “Sounds intriguing.”

  “I hope so. I’m planning on hanging around the cabin this weekend and I sort of hoped you’d keep me company.”

  “What about your house guest?”

  “Stella? Oh, she’s moving into Anna’s cabin. She and Cam seem to have hit it off fine and she’s enjoying the Hideaway. She’s decided to stick around, at least until she knows where things stand with Marcy.”

  “You’re quite the matchmaker, aren’t you?” Gillian’s laughter bubbled in his ear. “I’d love to spend the weekend. Want me to come Friday afternoon?”

  “Terrific. I’ll throw something on the stove. Just don’t expect too much.”

  “Deal. Although I’ve a hunch you’re pulling a fast one. You’ll probably pick up some takeout and then come Saturday morning, you’ll remind me it’s my turn to do breakfast again.”

  Kelly laughed. “You’ve got my number already. I better get off the phone before my plane takes off without me. See you tomorrow.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  The warmth in her voice brought another smile to his lips and he headed for the ramp with an extra spring in his step.

  The flight was fast and uneventful. He retrieved Old Blue from the Park N’ Fly and turned into the Hideaway’s front lot at exactly five-thirty.

  The place was hopping. Kelly pulled open the door and caught a glimpse of Stella bent low over the pool table studying the cue ball. Across the table, Leroy leaned on his stick and swiveled his eyes between Stella’s elevated rear end and the ball she was lining up on the table.

  Kelly glanced over at the bar, caught Cam’s eyes pinned to the same spot and chuckled out loud.

  “Looks like things have livened up around here,” he said, his voice raised to compete with the twang of Willie’s guitar blaring out of the jukebox.

  “Kelly!” Stella dropped her stick and flew into his arms.

  “Ham,” he muttered against her hair. She giggled and winked at him. “It won’t hurt to keep him guessing.”

  “Okay, tease, get back to your game.” Kelly grinned and left her to it while he joined Cam at the bar.

  “How’s it going?” Cam asked, filling a cold mug and setting it in front of Kelly.

  “Not bad. We worked out a few details. Tomorrow I’ll get over to Dallas and see what I can find out.”

  “I’m glad you’re working on this, Kelly. Stella puts up a good front but I know she’s worried sick about her niece.”

  Kelly nodded and picked up his mug. “I thought you two might hit it off.” Cam blushed. “Yeah, thanks.”

  “I’m going to move her stuff over to Anna’s place as soon as I finish this beer.”

  “Oh, that’s all taken care of. Shorty dropped by a couple hours ago. He gave Stella the key, so Leroy and Marty went down to your place and hauled all her stuff over to Anna’s.”

  “Good deal.” Kelly took a swallow and set his mug back on the counter. “My ass is dragging a bit so it’s damn nice to know everything’s done. I think I’ll head on home and check in with Jake.”

  “Okay. Will you be along later tonight?”

  “I don’t think so, Cam. I want to get over to Dallas first thing in the morning. I kind of figured to kick back and watch a bit of the boob tube tonight. I got a question for you, though. What’s the chance of getting together a small shindig for Saturday night? Nothing fancy—just some grub and maybe a couple of guitar pickers out on the patio.”

  “No problem. You know this bunch... any excuse for a party. What’s the occasion?”

  “No occasion. Let’s just say I’m trying to impress a lady.”

  Cam’s face fell and Kelly slapped him on the shoulder and laughed.

  “I’m referring to Gillian. Stella and I are good friends, period! I’ve invited Gillian to spend the weekend with me and I’d like her to get to know some of the locals. Of course, we’re still getting acquainted but I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a bit of each other.”

  Cam beamed. “Hey, that’s great news. You bet I’ll get a shindig going. I’ll get Jackie and Bill and a couple of the other boys together and we’ll have us a regular old hoedown.”

  Kelly laughed. “Whoa now. Don’t go overboard. Let’s keep it small with just a few folks. All we need is a bit of grub and a couple of boys to do some pickin’ and grinnin’. I’ll spring for the groceries and we’ll pass the hat for the boys.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll get it set up.”

  Kelly stopped at the pool table to give Stella a hug and promised to call if he heard anything more about Marcy.

  Jake and Lucy were on the front porch when he pulled into the yard. Jake spotted Old Blue, leapt off the porch and raced Kelly to the garage, barking all the way.

  “Hey, boy.” Kelly rubbed his hands along Jake’s back, rippling his fur and rubbing his muscles. “It’s good to be missed,” he said, reaching over and including Lucy in the rub. She shivered a bit at his touch but held her ground. She seemed to have lost some of her fear. No doubt Stella deserved the credit for that.

  Chapter Five

  Thursday morning dawned clear and warm—a perfect Indian summer day. Kelly made it into Dallas by eight and by nine, he was moving upward in the elevator of one of the glass palaces Dallas was noted for.

  On the twentieth floor, the doors slid open—smoothly and soundlessly—and Kelly walked, boot heels sinking into thick plush, over to the biggest glass door he’d ever seen.

  “I’ll be damned,” he muttered. The door was twelve feet high and twelve feet wide and Miller-Wyatt Industries was engraved in white script on black glass.

  Kelly lifted his hand, touched the round black circle set below the letters and the doors swung open into an oasis. Palm trees stood on guard in redwood buckets, ferns dangled from spun gold baskets and rainbow colored fish swam dizzying circles inside a glass-cased ocean.

  Across the room, a fortyish platinum blonde ran cold, disinterested eyes over his neat black shirt and blue jeans.

  “Howdy, ma’am.” Kelly stepped up to the desk and gave her his best “good ole boy” grin.

  She sniffed and lifted her nose a little higher in the air. “May I help you?”

  “I’d like to speak to Gavin Fletcher.” He abandoned the warmth and matched her cold stare with one of his own.

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “Nope but I think he’ll want to see me. I’m a private detective and I’m here concerning the death of Alex Wyatt.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice making it clear that she wasn’t. “Mr. Fletcher has left instructions he will not discuss Mr. Wyatt’s death with anyone except the police.”

  Kelly turned his head to stare at a door that obviously led to the inner sanctum. Then he shrugged his shoulders, spun on his heel and strode out of the room—some things just weren’t worth the effort.

  Kelly wasn’t too surprised at the reception he’d received. Getting in to see Fletcher had been a long shot. He’d have to take a different route there. Perhaps Jim would give him a hand. He pushed the elevator button and the doors slid open to whisk him back to the lobby.

  After retrieving Old Blue from the lot, he spread a Dallas map across the steering wheel and t
raced the route to Lorena Wyatt’s. Noon ought to be a good time to catch her at home. Maybe he’d have better luck there.

  An hour later Kelly pulled up in front of a large brick Tudor. Lorena and Alex obviously lived well. A row of well-tended flower plots with brick-edged borders stood out against a broad expanse of thick Kentucky bluegrass. High symmetrical hedges wrapped around the house and just behind them Kelly caught a glimpse of a double woven cedar fence. The house looked well secluded and, while Kelly waited for someone to answer the doorbell, he noted an overhead security camera recording his image.

  The door finally opened and a plump young Mexican girl gazed up at him through wide, brown eyes. “Morning, ma’am,” Kelly said and presented her with one of his American Mutual cards.

  “I’m from American Mutual and I’d like to speak with Mrs. Wyatt about the death of her husband.” Kelly’s position was a bit touchy. He didn’t want to tell an outright lie but an investigator for an insurance company was usually taken for granted in the case of an unexpected death so, with a bit of luck, Lorena Wyatt would assume his visit was official.

  The maid stepped back and motioned Kelly to pass inside. He followed her down a long hall into a small formal sitting room.

  “Mrs. Wyatt is out at the pool. I’m not supposed to disturb her out there but you can wait in here if you like.”

  “I’ll tell you what.” Kelly flashed his warmest smile. “I haven’t got a lot of time but if you’ll show me out the back door, I’ll just wander over to the pool, ask her a couple of questions and be out of her hair before she even notices she’s been disturbed.”

  The woman frowned, uncertainty flickering across her face.

  Kelly hurried on. “I don’t think she’ll mind. I only need to clear up a couple of formalities. If you tell her I’m waiting in here, she’ll have to get dressed, fix her hair and all that stuff. I’m sure she’d rather not bother and I really am in a bit of a rush.”

  “I guess it’ll be all right.” The maid’s voice was uncertain but she started toward the back of the house and Kelly followed right behind her.