“Who would want to murder Lucy St. John?”
“I’ve got plenty of people on my list of suspects,” Jenessa said.
He frowned and stopped his fork midair. “Like who?”
Ramey was the first name to pop into Jenessa’s head. Not that she would kill her mother and bury her body up at the lake, but someone who wanted to keep Ramey’s parentage a secret would have a strong motive—and there were several of them. Should she tell Michael what she knew about who had likely fathered Ramey?
“No names.” She waved her hand at him. “It’s too early to be putting them out there, Michael, but there is a very scandalous bit of information I discovered.”
“Scandalous?” He cocked his head. “Like what?”
Jenessa shared what Aunt Renee had told her about Lucy’s affair with Grey Alexander and how she was fairly certain he was Ramey’s biological father.
“Grey Alexander is Ramey’s father?”
“Shocker, huh?”
“Are you sure?”
“Not a hundred percent, but pretty sure. There would have to be a paternity test, that is, if Ramey wants to know.”
“Haven’t you told her yet?”
“Not yet, not until we get confirmation from the lab.”
“That would make her Logan’s sister.” He stuck the last forkful of his pie in his mouth. “I never would have guessed.”
“Well, half sister, but that’s not for public consumption, though.” If word leaked out, in this small town, Ramey would be humiliated at being the subject of widespread gossip.
“Oh, no, of course. Mum’s the word.”
When they were finished with their pie, she took their plates and rinsed them in the sink. “By the way, how’s your little guy doing? Looking forward to kindergarten?”
“That’s all he talks about—well, that and you.”
“Me?” Jenessa’s brow wrinkled, as she dried her hands.
“Seems you made quite an impression on him at the bakery the other day, old friend.”
She laughed at the characterization, turning from the sink to face him. “He seems like a great little boy.” Envy wasn’t an emotion she was used to, and she pushed it down. “You’re doing a good job with him, Michael.”
“Thanks, I’d like to think so. It’s been difficult raising him alone, with his mother gone and all. Thank God I have my mom and dad to help. I’d be lost without them.”
They stood by the sink, gazing into each other’s eyes. No words passed between them for a long moment. Jenessa was sure he was going to lean down and kiss her—she sensed it in his eyes and the tilt of his head. She was ready, even anxious for it. As he lowered his face to hers, she put a hand on his chest and pushed up on her toes, her lips within inches of his.
Chapter 20
Michael was so close that Jenessa felt his hot breath on her lips. Then, he stepped back unexpectedly.
“I can’t do this right now. I have Jake to think about.”
Her feet fell flat. “I don’t understand.”
“I saw you kissing Logan tonight. I have to be careful who I get involved with, for Jake’s sake.”
The romantic moment was lost.
She crossed her arms and rested her hips against the counter. “What you saw was Logan kissing me good night, and it was no more than a peck. I was as surprised by it as you were.”
“Kissing you good night…so you went on a date with him?”
“I already explained that. We were just two old friends catching up over a hamburger. It wasn’t a date, Michael. Please believe me.”
“Listen, Jenessa, when you’re nothing more than just friends, you don’t kiss on the lips.” Out of nowhere, Michael grabbed her by the arms and pulled her against him. His lips were on hers, kissing her fiercely, deeply, then he released her just as fast.
Her body went weak and her legs wobbly, like they were filled with hot fudge. She couldn’t catch her breath. Her hands grabbed onto the counter behind her for support.
Message received.
Michael stood staring at her, like he had surprised himself by what he had done. “I have to go.” He shot off down the hallway and the sound of the front door closing resonated through the house, leaving her with her mouth hanging open.
~*~
With the lap drawer of her father’s desk still locked, there was nothing more to do that evening. So, after Michael left, Jenessa headed to bed, still confused by what had happened.
She sunk back against her pillows, a soft flicker of moonlight swaying through the curtains. It captured her attention momentarily, but when she closed her eyes, Michael’s face came rushing into focus. The memory of his mouth so hungrily on hers caused her lips to pulsate and tingle.
Was he lying in his bed thinking about their kiss as well?
She rolled onto her side, snuggled against her pillow, and drifted happily off to sleep.
~*~
Early the next morning, the sound of the phone ringing shook Jenessa out of a dream. With her eyes half-shut and her mind still in the dream-fog, she fumbled around the top of the nightstand for her cell phone.
She offered her first word of the day—a raspy sleep-laden hello.
“Good morning, sunshine.”
“Ramey?” Jenessa raised herself on one elbow, peering over at the alarm clock on her nightstand, her eyes still blurry from sleep. “What time is it?”
“It’s seven thirty. Sorry, did I wake you?”
Jenessa could be polite and lie, but the sleepy sound of her voice would betray her. “I was asleep, but it’s time to get up.” Her father’s voice echoed in her ears, admonishing her not to sleep the day away. “What’s up?”
“You never called me back last night. Remember? The date with Logan? You were going to dish.”
“Ugh! It wasn’t a date. I keep telling everyone that.” Jenessa plopped back against her pillows.
“Everyone? Who else did you tell?”
“Michael.”
“Oh, girl, now you really have to tell me about last night. Don’t leave anything out.”
Jenessa gave Ramey a detailed account of her dinner with Logan, the unexpected kiss, the squealing tires, and her phone call with Michael that got him over to her house.
“He wasn’t able to pick the lock, so I still have no idea what’s so important in Dad’s drawer that he felt he had to lock it up, but I’m not giving up. Aunt Renee forbade me to damage it, so I’ll try everything else first, but I am going to get that drawer open, one way or the other.”
“What do you expect to find in it?”
“I don’t know, but it’s obviously something Dad didn’t want anyone else to see.”
“Oh, before I forget, the other reason I called was to tell you I found a photo of Phony Tony Bologna with my mom.”
“Did you find his name?”
“Yes, Tony Hamilton. Does that help?”
“We’ll see. I’ll check him out. There’s likely more than one Tony Hamilton in this country, so the photo will help me identify him.”
“You? What about the police?” Ramey asked.
“Of course you’ll need to tell Detective Provenza you remembered his name, but I’d like to get a peek at the photo before you hand it over to him.”
“I stuck it in my purse, so next time I see you, it’s yours,” Ramey said. “So…what happened after Michael tried to pick the lock? And don’t tell me nothing.”
“We had some pie and talked.”
“And…”
“And he kissed me. Then he left.”
“Woohoo! I knew it!”
“Don’t get carried away, Ramey. It probably didn’t mean anything.”
“So it was just a little peck, like Logan gave you?”
“Not exactly.”
“Spill, girl.”
“It was a great kiss—”
“The kind you feel all the way to your toes?”
“Yes, but then he ran off like someone had lit his pants on fire.
”
“Hmm, like you?” Ramey chuckled. “Say, listen, why don’t you come down to The Sweet Spot and have breakfast? We can talk more then. I’ve got to get back to work.”
“If you’ll save me a—”
“Pecan sticky bun. I know. It’s already done.” Ramey laughed again. “I sure don’t know how you eat the way you do and stay so skinny.”
~*~
After getting ready for the day, Jenessa sat down at her laptop and began searching for Tony Hamilton. She made note to check for Anthony Hamilton as well.
She came up with several possibilities, but until she got a look at Ramey’s photo, she couldn’t go any further.
Within the hour, Jenessa walked into the little café, dressed for the weather in a deep red tank top and slim white slacks. She took her place in line behind two others and gazed around. The tables were mostly empty, glad she had waited long enough to miss the morning rush.
Ramey was not behind the cash register or the bakery case. Jenessa figured she must be working in the kitchen. As she reached the counter, Ramey emerged with a pink box, surely filled with some delectable treat.
“Hey, Jenessa! I saved you a sticky bun in back. Order your coffee and I’ll bring it out to you.”
“Who’s the box for?”
“That’s for me,” said a familiar male voice behind her.
Jenessa spun around. “Charles.” She offered him a friendly smile. “What’s the occasion?”
The little bells jingled and Jenessa turned toward the door.
“Dad,” a boy moaned from the doorway. “What’s taking so long?”
“I’m coming,” Charles said to the boy, who looked to be ten to twelve years old.
“Who’s this?” Jenessa smiled at the boy.
The boy glanced at her, then turned his attention back to his father. “Come on, Dad. We’re gonna be late.” He backed out of the doorway and let it glide shut.
“That’s my son, Charlie. We’re headed out on a camping trip with his troop and I’m afraid we’re running a little behind. That’s what these doughnuts are for.” He raised the box to her before turning and striding toward the entrance. “Thanks, Ramey,” he cast over his shoulder.
“You’re welcome.”
Charles paused in at the door and twisted back to her. “Don’t forget, Sunday night.”
Ramey’s face lit up. “I won’t forget.” Her gaze followed him out the door and to his pickup, parked at the curb.
Jenessa watched Ramey’s expression, her smile not fading. “What’s happening Sunday night?”
Ramey continued to watch as Charles backed his truck out of the parking space and sped off. “What?”
“What’s happening Sunday night? Your turn to dish.”
“Oh nothing. We just have a date.”
“A date?” Jenessa firmly planted her hands on both of Ramey’s upper arms, effectively holding her for questioning. “When were you going to tell me?”
“He just asked me, when he ordered the doughnuts.” Ramey grinned and shrugged out of Jenessa’s hold, waltzing behind the bakery case. “I still can’t believe it myself.”
“You honestly didn’t have any inkling that he liked you?”
“Well…he’s always been rather friendly. I thought he was simply being a nice guy.”
“Ramey’s got a boyfriend,” Jenessa sang, taking a seat at a nearby table.
“Stop that.” Ramey swatted a hand at her. “It’s not like we’re in junior high.”
“Oh, I’m just having fun with you.” Jenessa grinned. “Charles is a great guy, from what I’ve seen so far. But you’ll have his son to think of, too.”
“I know, but I love kids. And I’ve known Charlie his whole life.” Ramey brought Jenessa’s coffee and bun to her table. “I could say the same thing about you—Michael has a son.”
“That’s right.” In her excitement over Ramey’s date with Charles, she wasn’t even thinking about the similarity to her and Michael.
No sooner were the words out of Jenessa’s mouth than the bells tinkled on the door, and Michael stepped through with Jake.
Chapter 21
“Hello, ladies,” Michael said with a smile as he and his son entered the café.
Jenessa jumped from her seat and stepped toward them. “Michael, what a surprise.” She bent down to face Jake on his own level. “Good morning, Jake.”
“Hi.” Jake gave her a little grin and looked up at his father. “She’s pretty.”
Jenessa glanced up at Michael and stifled a giggle. She crouched down beside Jake. “Thank you. That was so sweet. I think you’re a rather handsome little fellow too.”
Jake pushed his little shoulders back and stood tall, pride beaming on his face. Then he intensified his gaze and cocked his head. “What about Daddy?”
Jenessa glanced up at Michael before refocusing on Jake. “I suppose he could be considered the tall, dark, and handsome type—some girls like that sort of thing.”
She shot a mischievous smile up at Michael as he leaned back dramatically, his hand over his heart, looking crushed.
The subtle interaction was completely lost on Jake, who had already switched topics. “Daddy? Can she come to the fair with us?”
“Oh, Jake, I don’t think she would want to—”
“I’d love to.” Jenessa stood and her gaze flew from Jake to Michael. “That is, if I’m not intruding on father-son time.”
A smile spread across Michael’s face, lighting up his eyes. “Not intruding. Love to have you.”
Jenessa peered down at her watch. “I have an interview to do in about half an hour, but I could catch up with you after that.” She crouched back down to Jake’s level. “Would that be okay?”
Jake nodded his head up and down in a deliberate motion. “Yes.”
“Now, what can I get for you two gentlemen?” Ramey asked from behind the counter.
“Just a coffee, my usual,” Michael replied.
“Nothing for Jake? One of our famous energy bars maybe.”
“He’s got more than enough energy, Ramey. But thanks.”
“Oh, he can’t leave here empty handed. That would be criminal.” Ramey gave him a mock pout. “How about one of my very special chewy oatmeal cookies? On the house.”
A huge smile took over Jake’s face and he bounced up and down on his tiptoes. “Please, Daddy, please.”
“How can you say no to that face?” Jenessa asked.
“You’re not helping.” Michael frowned, his gaze moving from Jenessa to Ramey. “I guess one cookie won’t hurt.” He took the cookie and a napkin from Ramey and handed them to his son before turning his attention back to Jenessa. “Who are you interviewing this morning? If you don’t mind my asking.”
“Well, Detective Baxter, I’m interviewing Lauren Alexander.”
“Not detective yet. I was just curious.” He leaned closer to Jenessa and lowered his voice. “Does this have anything to do with the homicide case?”
“No, Mr. Nosey. I have to write a story on the Flower Show, and Mrs. Alexander happens to be the president of the Garden Club. However, while I have her ear, I do plan to ask her a few pointed questions about what she might know about Lucy and the murder.”
“Ever the investigator.” A slow grin crept over his lips. “Provenza won’t like you doing his job.”
“It’s my job too. You’d think he’d be grateful for the help.”
“Just don’t step on his toes. Let him think that what you’re doing was his idea and you’ll get along just fine.”
~*~
The housekeeper seated Jenessa in the formal living room to wait for Lauren Alexander. As she waited, perched on the edge of a yellow-and-white striped chair, she surveyed the room, bright with alabaster walls and tall windows, flanked with floor-to-ceiling silk draperies—a floral design in hues of yellow, green, and red.
The décor may have changed over the years, but she could still vividly remember the last time she had been there.
It was the night she and Logan had gathered both sets of parents together to break the news she was pregnant.
That night she was a scared teenager looking for help and direction from the adults. In her view, Grey Alexander had loomed large, larger than her own father even. His very presence and manner had made her knees feel like rubber. But today, she determined, she would no longer be intimidated by that man. As she gazed around at his palatial manor, a new confidence began to rise up in her. She was a professional newswoman now. She would doggedly investigate this brutal crime, she would follow the story no matter where it led her. Even if it led her to his front door.
At that moment, Lauren Alexander sashayed into the room and settled on the creamy white sofa, perpendicular to Jenessa’s chair.
“Thank you for seeing me, Mrs. Alexander.”
“Please, call me Lauren.”
Lauren was almost forty, but she looked to Jenessa to be in her early thirties—her skin firm and young looking, her body as well. From what Aunt Renee had told her, constant trips to the dermatologist and beauty spas had kept her wrinkles, and other pesky signs of aging, at bay.
The woman was slim but shapely and her clothes fit to perfection—likely designer, definitely tailored. She was a beauty by anyone’s measure—a perfect nose, full lips, long golden brown hair with blond highlights, and large round blue eyes outlined with dark lashes. It was clear how she had been able to snare Grey Alexander. Still, Jenessa wondered if it was enough to keep him faithful to wife number two.
Regardless, the woman commanded ownership of her abode. Sitting in the center of the white sofa, a myriad of colorful silk pillows behind her, legs gracefully crossed at the ankles, her hands resting in her lap, Lauren gave the appearance of a queen holding court.
“Well, Lauren, as you know, I’m here to ask you about the Garden Club and the Flower Show you are putting on in the coming week. Why don’t you tell me all about it?”
Lauren’s eyes lit up, and her face and hands were animated as she spoke about the flowers and what her club hoped to accomplish.
Jenessa had to scribble quickly in her notebook to keep up with the enthusiastic pace.
After thirty minutes of questions and answers about the flowers, and copious amounts of notes, Jenessa sensed her opportunity to turn the conversation toward the possible homicide. She would butter her hostess up before she launched into the questions.
The Lake House Secret, A Romantic Suspense Novel (A Jenessa Jones Mystery) Page 12
