by Jude Pittman
“No way!”
“Of course she didn’t but like I said. It’s one of those cases. He was given community service and probation, plus he’s been ordered to stay away from Marcy and her property.”
“Lot of good that’ll do if he’s determined.”
“Exactly. Which is why Stella made me an offer. Seems Marcy has to travel to Los Angeles in two weeks for the awards, and all the parties and stuff. She’s asked Stella to see if you and I will go with her – as her guests of course – stay in a suite at the Beverly Wilshire, and attend the parties and other events, and of course the award nights, and just stick close. I told her I wasn’t licensed to practice in California, but what she really wants is a bodyguard to stand in for Ben. She asked Stella to tell me Ben had called and begged her to get me to agree.”
“That’s sweet. I don’t blame Ben. I’d want you too.” Gillian turned in the swing and leaned into him. They shared a long kiss.
“So what do you think Gill? We never did get a chance to go on a honeymoon. First it was foaling time and then the Martin took me all the way down to El Paso, and what with one thing and another – your stables and my PI business, we’ve been run to ground this past year. I think we could use a little Hollywood style R&R. What’ya say?”
“I say oh yes, you bet your life. My papa didn’t raise no fool, I’m not about to turn down a free trip to tinseltown.”
“Good. I’ll let Stella know. I’m sure you two will have lots to discuss, like what the heck we’re supposed to wear for some of those parties. I don’t mind a monkey suit for the awards ceremony, but I hope we’re not expected to break the bank for every party she decides to attend.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it Galahad.” Gillian patted his arm and leaned her head against his shoulder. I have a feeling you and I will be the least important spectators at the parties. As long as we’re not in beach wear it’s doubtful either one of us will warrant a second glance. I’ll talk to Stella and we’ll get it sorted out.”
“Good. That’s your department. I need to stop by the Sheriff’s Department and have a chat with Gus. Apparently one of their parolees skipped his check in and seems to have disappeared. They’re shorthanded right now and Gus wants me to see if I can run him to ground.”
Kelly got up from the swing and held out his hand for Gillian.
“That’s great,” she came to her feet with a smile on her face. “It’ll be nice to have you home for a few days. Seems like every case you’ve taken this past couple of months has had you running all over the state.”
“I know. This suits me fine too. Especially since I have a pretty good idea where to start. It turn out our boy’s from around Plano. My biker friend Fred Todd grew up in Plano. If anyone knows what one of the home boys are up to, it’ll be Fred.”
“Well, I’ve got chores to do, so I’ll let you get on with your biker chasing, and I’ll take myself out to the barn.” Gillian lifted her head for a kiss, and Kelly happily accommodated. The last year had been the happiest one he could remember in a very long time. He and Gillian fit like a couple of old timers who’d watched each other grow up. They’d both had their personal sorrows and the highs and lows of young love and growing pains. Even though this was Gillian’s first marriage and Kelly had done some hard healing from the tragic loss of his first wife, he and Gillian seemed to be at the same place in their lives. They fit each other’s lifestyles, they met each other’s needs for companionship, and as a special bonus, his gentle kitten of a wife, was nothing less than a full grown tiger when the two of them shut the bedroom door.
Life was good, and a trip to the west coast where they could hob nob with the movers and shakers and live the high life was something both of them were prepared to take full advantage of. Neither of them had stars in their eyes, and as long as he kept Marcy safe and handled the business end of things, it should be just the kind of adventure the newlyweds would thoroughly enjoy.
* * *
Gillian no sooner came back in from the barn than Stella was on the phone. “Oh Gill, I’m so glad you said yes. Of course I’m worried to death about Marcy, but I also wanted so bad to see you and Kelly have the chance to get away and have some fun. It’s going to be so fan-damn-tastic for the two of you.”
Gillian tried to get a word in, but Stella kept right on gushing.
“Now, the first thing you’re going to need to do is make some decisions about your wardrobe. You’re a little thinner and a few inches taller than I am, but I was quite a bit skinnier the year before Andrew died, and I had a gown especially designed for me by Valentino to wear to the Governor’s ball in New Orleans. Naturally I didn’t go, and the gown has never been worn. It may require a few adjustments, but it’s a stunning emerald green mid-calf length and should be about knee length on you. You’ll be a knockout in that gown.”
“Stella. I can’t take your Valentino. My God it must have cost you a fortune and you’ve never even worn it.”
“No and I’m never going to. Listen Gil, we both know that Cam’s a 100% good ol’ boy, and there’s never going to come a time when he’s going to willingly attend anything where I need to wear a Valentino. Nope, I’ve been to all the fancy parties and formal balls I’m ever going to go to, and that’s just dandy fine with me. I love my life just the way it is, and I’m thrilled at the idea the gown might finally be worn. I almost gave it away to the Salvation Army truck this summer but something made me hang onto it just in case. Well, now it seems like there was a perfectly good reason for that. Will you come by tomorrow and try it on and at least see if it’s something you’d like to wear before we do anymore arguing about it?”
“Of course I will. I’m so relieved you might have something I can wear. Trust me I’ve been tearing my hair out ever since Kelly announced this thing trying to figure out how I’m going to get a dress suitable for the awards dinner without having to sell a couple of horses.”
“Oh yeah. Like you’d really do that.” Stella, who knew full well how attached Gillian was to every horse in her stables, laughed at the suggestion. “So it’s settled then. See you tomorrow afternoon. How about we do lunch. I’ll get Darlene to look after the lunch crowd at the Hideaway and you and I will sneak back to our place, and have ourselves a crab Caesar washed down with one of my famous bloody Mary’s.”
“How could I pass up an offer like that. I’ll see you right about noon.”
Gillian hung up the phone and smiled to herself. Stella had become one of the best friends she had in Fort Worth, and it was funny how it all came about considering the rocky start of their early relationship when it had seemed very likely they had their caps set for the same man.
* * *
Kelly headed over to Texas B’s on Belknap after he finished giving Stella the news. It wasn’t much past breakfast so there were only a couple bikes in the parking lot. Kelly pulled old Blue up next to the gleaming Chrysler parked against the back fence.
“I see you finally got her done.” Kelly walked up to the bartender and stuck out his hand.
“Yo, Jake!” Fred greeted his friend with the undercover name Kelly’d used when they met.
“Well, that’s good Fred, but that’s not my name anymore, remember?”
“Oh, yeah. Hell, I still ain’t got used to the idea you were a cop all that time when I thought I was just helping a brother biker in a jam.”
“Well, you were a lot of help, and if it’s not pushing my luck, maybe I can hit you up for another favor.”
“Cop stuff?”
“Well, yes and no. I’m not with the force anymore. I’m private. I’ll be honest though, I’m helping out a cop friend. You remember Augustus Graham?”
“Oh hell yeah. Hey, I made it into the inner circle I get to call him Gus now!”
“Damn, you must have gotten tight. He’s picky about who gets to use his nickname.”
“Funny how we ran into each other. Turns out we’ve got grandsons in the same karate school. We ran into each other at
a graduation ceremony, not long after you took down that dirty doctor. Of course we don’t talk shop, but we took to sitting together after that and kind of rooting on the kids. Nice guy.”
“The best. Well, maybe you won’t mind giving me a lead, if you’ve got one. You ever heard of Wade Clements? He grew up in Azle. He’d be about ten years younger than you, but I wondered if you remembered the name.”
“Sure I remember. His older brother Neil and I used to be tight. He went into the army, I think it was in 2001, and got shipped to Afghanistan. Didn’t make it back. I went to the funeral. Let’s see, that would be 12 or 13 years ago. He had a kid brother, must have been about 15 or 16. He took Wade’s death really hard. Blamed the government. I never did get the whole story, wasn’t there long enough, but my recollection is Neil wasn’t even supposed to deploy. He was set for a special forces training program, but for some reason his training got cancelled and he got shipped out. No special training other than Basic. Lasted about a week over there before their jeep ran over a land mine. No survivors.”
“Damn. That’s tough. Probably explains what’s going on with Wade, though. He was arrested for hacking into the Defense Department’s computers. It was a first offense, his lawyer claimed the kid didn’t realize the seriousness of his crime. Got him off with 90 days and two years’ probation.”
“So what happened?”
“He missed his probation appointment and Gus got worried. He’s got a sixth sense when something’s going south and he wanted me to see what I could find out about Wade. Like you, Gus thinks he’s basically a good kid and something just wasn’t right.”
“Sounds like Gus’ instincts are on target. I haven’t heard anything, but I know the family’s address. They’ve got a little farm about 5 miles outside of Azle. If Wade’s hiding out there’s plenty of places to get lost out there. I’ll get you the address.”
“Thanks, Fred.” Kelly stood and followed him over to the register.
“Here’s the address. And I want to know what you find out. Don’t be such a stranger. You don’t have to wait until you’re trying to track a bad guy before you stop in and chew the fat.”
“You got it, bud. Thanks. And damn, that car’s hot looking.” Kelly took the note with the address, and made a mental note to spend an afternoon with Fred next chance he got.
Kelly headed back to the stables and called it a day. He’d get an early start for Azle in the morning. Meanwhile, he and Gillian needed to put their heads together and do some planning for the upcoming trip to Los Angeles.
* * *
“Stella was on the phone the minute I got back from the barns.” Gillian set a plate of cheese covered enchiladas in front of Kelly and took the chair across from him.
“Mmmm, these smell great and taste even better.” Kelly swallowed his first mouthful and smiled at his bride.
“I finished my shopping list for the trip, so it seemed like a healthy bribe would be in order.”
“Keep feeding me like this and you can have as many trips as your heart desires.” Kelly scooped a healthy portion of salad onto his plate and passed the bowl back to Gillian.
“Seriously. Am I going to need to go shopping for this?”
“I don’t think so. You’ve only worn your tux twice, and it looks fabulous. Those things never go out of style. The CMA is country and even your dress clothes are cowboy sporty. You’ve got more boots than a Texas bootmaker and you don’t wear hats, so I’d say unless you want another shirt or a new sports coat, you’re in good shape.”
“Great. Then I’ll leave you and Stella to take care of the shopping.”
“And what are you going to be up to while we’re buying out the malls?”
“I’m going to take an exciting little trip down to Azle in the morning.”
“Azle? Who in the world goes to Azle?”
“I’m hoping my bail jumper. I talked to Fred yesterday and he recognized the guy’s name. Seems Fred used to be best buds with this Wade’s older brother. The brother got sent to Afghanistan and never came back. The kid took it hard and got arrested for hacking into the Defense Department’s computers. I’m worried.”
“I don’t blame you. Does Wade have any reason to be mad at the government?”
“Fred remembers hearing something about Neil being deployed when he wasn’t supposed to be and he thinks maybe Wade blames the Army for killing his brother.”
“That could be real bad. I’m glad you’re going out there, Kelly. Hopefully you can do something before that boy gets himself into some really serious trouble.”
“Exactly. So let’s get these dishes done and we can relax for a couple hours. I want to turn in early tonight.”
“Good with me.” Gillian rose and helped him clear away the table. “The vet is coming over first thing in the morning so I’ve got an early call myself, and then I promised to go out to Stella’s and try on her Valentino.”
“Valentino is it? Maybe I better bring along my six shooters. I’ve heard a thing or two about them Hollywood types.”
“Oh, you!” Gillian laughed and tossed a dish towel his way. “Let’s get these done and I’ll show you what type turns us Texas cowgirl on.”
* * *
“My God, you’ve really had it done.” Gillian stepped inside of Stella’s living room and gasped. The back wall consisted of a solid sheet of glass that backed onto the greenhouse and gave the illusion that you’d stepped into a tropical garden. A sandstone fireplace glinted with specks of gold. Sunbeams played with crystal prisms dangling from a chandelier and reflecting back from the glass topped table.
“Like it?”
“Like it. It’s amazing. Just as amazing as it was when I saw it up in you and Cam’s honeymoon suite in Oregon. However did you manage to get it recreated here?”
Stella laughed. “At least there’s some good came out of the Davis money. Cam won’t let me use any of it for our living, but at least I was able to convince him decorating our home with no expense spared gave me so much pleasure it sort of made up for all the misery I suffered with that family.”
Gillian slipped her arm around Stella’s shoulder and hugged her friend. “You’re right, and I’m glad Cam was smart enough to realize that. It’s gorgeous.”
Stella sniffed. “Thanks. I can always count on you. Now, what would you like to do first, eat or try on the Valentino?”
“Let’s eat.” Gillian followed Stella into the kitchen. “I’d hate to try on the Valentino, find it was just an inch or so too small, and then feel too guilty to eat the fabulous luncheon I already know is waiting for me.”
“Smart lady.” Stella continued into the kitchen. “I haven’t done much in here yet, just added the stainless steel appliances and that cooking island.”
“And again, fabulous. I swear every time I come out here it’s like you’ve done another major remodel. I love that cooking island, and the eating area down at the end if perfect, so inviting, it’s perfect to sit here like this,” Gillian hopped up onto one of the stools, “and watch your hostess prepare your meal.”
Stella laid a place setting in front of Gillian and another one for herself. “It is, isn’t it? This room’s one of our favorites. The dining room is beautiful, of course, and we have a very nice breakfast room.” She pointed to the end of the room, where the kitchen jutted out towards the greenhouse and a charming wicker table set for two sported a colorful basket of fresh flowers. “Once I’m done here, we’ll take our plates over there, but I know what you mean about this spot. Ninety percent of the time Cam and I end up perching on these stools, while we either both cook or one of us cooks and the other samples.”
With crab Caesar’s served and quickly consumed, and the last drop of bloody Mary trickled down their throats, the women adjourned to Stella’s dressing room.
“My one major indulgence since the Davis days,” Stella explained, opening the door to a cedar lined room with floor to ceiling mirrors covering two walls. “I got used to having my own
space for my clothes and being able to spend as much time as I needed picking out what I wanted. So when Cam and I started on the remodel of this house, I gave him carte blanche to do what he wanted with the entertainment room downstairs as long as he didn’t object to this one.”
“As if he would. But I have to confess, I’m surprised at you leaving yourself wide open to have your entertainment area, as you call it, plastered with portraits of every old time singer and actor that’s ever graced a Western.”
“Don’t I know it, and you’re right. That’s exactly what’s down there. Fortunately most of our friends are like you and Kelly, they’re used to Cam and probably wouldn’t believe they were in his house if there wasn’t an excess of trivia everywhere they looked.”
“You’ve got a point. Well however you managed it, I totally envy you this room. It’s every woman’s dream. Look at those shoes.” Gillian gawked when Stella pulled open one of the mirrored doors to reveal a space about ten feet long and five feet wide, with every kind of shoe imaginable lining the walls. Dresses hung on long metal racks that rotated forward and spun around like the racks in a dry cleaning store. “There’s no possible way one woman could wear all those shoes.”
“Left over from my former days of grandeur.” Stella grinned and reached for one of the garment bags that had swiveled into position.
“Here we go. See what you think.”
Gillian’s mouth fell open as she watched Stella lift the most gorgeous gown she’d ever seen out of the bag where it had lain carefully folded. She gasped in admiration as Stella spread out the gorgeous emerald green tulle gown with the plunging neckline.
“Oh my God. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life. Stella, you can’t really mean to loan me this gown when you’ve never even worn it yourself.”
