Wicked Fun: An Ivy Morgan Mystery Books 7-9

by Lily Harper Hart

  “That wasn’t the question,” Ivy pressed. “Did they fight?”

  “Of course they fought. They were brothers. You said it yourself: Siblings fight.”

  Ivy absentmindedly scratched her cheek as she stared at Lionel. His stance suggested he was open and telling the truth, but he seemed awfully evasive for someone who worked overtime to give off an “aw shucks” vibe. “Did they fight about money?”

  “It’s a farm. Money is the biggest thing there is to fight about.”

  “Do you know something you’re not saying?” Ivy had no idea why she asked the question, but she couldn’t stop herself. Curiosity was always one of her biggest curses. Oddly, it was one of her biggest strengths, too.

  “I know a lot of things I’m not saying,” Lionel replied. “They’re not necessarily about this, though.”

  Ivy opened her mouth to push Lionel further but that’s when Jack found her. The look he shot in her direction as he strode toward her was one that promised snippy comments rather than kisses and snuggling.

  “Why did you take off?”

  “I didn’t take off,” Ivy replied, flashing a smile. “I walked into the barn and got to talking with Lionel.”

  “Yes, it was an absolutely delightful interlude,” Lionel deadpanned.

  Jack made a face as he stared down the man. “Okay,” he said after a beat. “Are you ready to go, honey? It’s getting cold and I want to get you back to town.”

  “I thought you were taking her to Bellaire,” Lionel interjected. “That’s what you told Wayne when you approached him, isn’t it?”

  Jack narrowed his eyes. “Were you eavesdropping?”

  “I was working. It’s not my fault you have a voice that carries.”

  “Yes, well, things change,” Jack said, gripping Ivy’s elbow as he drew her closer. “We’re going back to Shadow Lake.”

  “Okay then. Have a nice drive.” Lionel turned on his heel and it was only when he was already out of the barn that Ivy realized he never denied knowing something about Ron’s death. He merely said he knew a lot about a variety of different things.

  “Are you okay?” Jack asked, his expression reflecting concern as he brushed his knuckles over her cheek.

  “Yeah. He’s just a weird guy.”

  “Did he say anything to you?”

  “A whole lot of nothing.”

  “Join the club,” Jack said, grabbing Ivy’s hand as he dragged her toward the car. “Wayne wasn’t exactly helpful with the information either. I’m starting to get the feeling that no one really wants us to solve this thing.”

  “You don’t really think Wayne is hiding something, do you?”

  Jack shrugged. “I think something weird is going on out here. Now we just need to figure out what it is.”

  Twenty

  “I don’t know what you want me to do with this information … mostly because it’s not really information.”

  Instead of being impressed with Jack and Ivy for coming up with a workable theory, Brian looked annoyed as he stared down each half of the couple in turn.

  “How can you say that?” Jack complained. “Ivy remembered the story about the buried money. You didn’t. Wouldn’t you have been on the job back then?”

  “Actually I was and I honestly did forget about that story,” Brian conceded. “Good job, Ivy. That honestly explains a few things. Or, well, at least it gives us a direction to look. Perhaps someone believed the stories and shot Ron because he wouldn’t – or maybe even couldn’t – reveal where the purported money was buried. It gives us a lot to look at.”

  “It does?” Ivy’s eyebrows flew up her forehead. “Can you tell me what it explains, because I’m honestly completely confused.”

  Brian smirked at her wrinkled nose and shook his head when Jack winked at her. “You two are sick. You’re actually vomit inducing. I’m still stuffed from yesterday. Do you want to make me sick?”

  “I don’t really care,” Jack said. “We need to focus on the problem at hand. Wayne said that Ron did the money gag as a way to mess with his employees. I don’t believe that, though. He seemed … nervous.”

  “Do you agree with that?” Brian leveled his gaze on Ivy.

  “I didn’t hear all of the conversation,” Ivy admitted. “I got bored with the gun talk and headed into the barn. That’s where I ran into Lionel. Now … he was definitely off.”

  Brian’s lips quirked. “I see. Jack, did you think Lionel was acting weird?”

  “I didn’t talk to Lionel. I was focused on Wayne.”

  “So basically you’re saying that you had two strange conversations and neither one of you have outside corroboration.” Brian couldn’t help but be amused. “This is why we don’t generally take our significant others investigating with us.”

  “Told you,” Ivy muttered.

  Jack balked. “I took her with me because she’s got great instincts and I value her opinion.”

  Despite her agitation, Ivy couldn’t help but smile. “Oh, you’re so cute. I’m going to scrub your back like crazy in the bathtub tonight.”

  “Oh, geez.” Brian pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead. “I may have to punch someone. Since I don’t hit women, that means you’re in my target zone, Jack.”

  “She’s cute enough that I’m willing to take the punch.” Jack’s eyes flashed with amusement as Brian groaned. “Go ahead and do it.”

  “Don’t tempt me,” Brian warned, extending a finger as he blew out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know what to do with any of this information.”

  “Perhaps we should return to the farm and you can question Wayne and Lionel with us,” Ivy suggested.

  “Us?” Brian’s eyebrows flew into his hairline. “Since when did you graduate from the police academy?”

  “I … meant with Jack,” Ivy replied, choosing her words carefully. “I thought I could go along as an observer, not part of the investigative team.”

  Brian pressed his lips together and stared at Jack. “I don’t know … .”

  “Oh, come on,” Jack pleaded. “What could it possibly hurt?”

  “I’ll agree to it if you tell me why you really want her there.”

  Jack stilled, confused. “What do you mean?”

  “Why do you want her there?” Brian repeated. “It’s not just her instincts. You want her there for another reason. Tell me what it is.”

  “I … .” Jack licked his lips as he decided how to answer. Brian was hardly in the dark when it came to Ivy’s newfound abilities. That didn’t mean Jack wanted to put his girlfriend on display.

  Thankfully for Jack, who couldn’t come up with an acceptable answer, the door leading into the department opened at that exact moment to allow Margaret entry. Jack slapped his hand over his eyes when he realized who he was looking at.

  “Crap.”

  “It’s nice to see you, too, Jack,” Margaret drawled, sarcasm practically dripping from her tongue.

  Brian darted a worried look in Ivy’s direction. “Did I miss something?”

  “It’s a long story,” Jack automatically answered.

  “I kicked her out of my house yesterday,” Ivy offered.

  “Apparently not that long,” Jack conceded, peering between his fingers. His mother remained standing in front of the door. He was mildly disappointed to realize he didn’t imagine her appearance.

  “Hello, Mrs. Harker,” Brian called out. “Can I help you with something today?”

  “Actually you can,” Margaret replied. “I could use some tea. I was hoping to go to the coffee shop and indulge my craving.”

  “It’s right around the corner,” Brian supplied. “It shouldn’t be busy this time of day.”

  “I know where it is.” Margaret’s expression was unreadable. “I was hoping I could get some company for a little bit. I hope it’s not out of line to ask.”

  Jack and Brian exchanged a furtive look and Jack opened his mouth to answer before Brian could. “I can’t go with you, Mother. We have a
lead on our murder case and have to drive out to the McDonald farm. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

  “I’m not disappointed,” Margaret said primly. “In fact, I was expecting that answer. I’m not here for you anyway.”

  “You’re not?” Jack was confused. “Brian is going with me.”

  Margaret shot Jack a “well, duh” look and rolled her eyes. “I’m not here for Brian either. I’m here for Ivy.”

  Ivy went slack-jawed, her face draining of color. “I … what now?”

  “I thought you and I could go for tea together,” Margaret said. “We haven’t had a chance to spend any time alone. I was hoping to rectify that today. You know … have a little girl talk.”

  “Oh, someone look out the window for zombies,” Jack muttered. “I think the end of the world is finally upon us.”

  Brian poked his partner’s shoulder and mutely shook his head, offering a silent warning in case Jack fell further off the rails.

  “I’m not sure I’ve ever had girl talk,” Ivy hedged. “Um … .”

  “You don’t have to do this,” Jack whispered, his expression serious. “You’ve done enough.”

  Ivy knew that was true. She also knew that if she didn’t at least give it one more shot she would always regret it. She owed Jack at least that much if it meant putting his family together. He deserved it. Heck, he deserved more.

  “I would love to have some tea with you,” Ivy announced, swallowing hard. “I think that sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon.”

  Jack cocked his head to the side. “That means you won’t be able to go back to the farm with us.”

  “That’s fine,” Ivy said, mustering a smile. “I think this is more important.”

  Margaret beamed at Ivy. “I couldn’t agree more.”

  IVY OFFERED Jack a half-hearted wave, their eyes connecting as Brian pulled out of the parking lot and she moved to the sidewalk to join a waiting Margaret. Even though she agreed to a tea party with Jack’s mother, she couldn’t help but feel an involuntary twinge of regret when she realized Brian and Jack were leaving without her.

  “Do you wish you would’ve gone with them?” Margaret asked when Ivy reached her side.

  “I’m sad about being cut out of the investigation, but I think some tea and conversation with you is probably a good idea.” Ivy did her best to appear strong and confident even though her insides twisted at the potential outcome should things go wrong. “We need to talk about a few things.”

  “We do indeed.”

  Margaret followed Ivy to the coffee shop, watching as the younger woman ordered two mugs of tea before sitting at a corner table. Since it was early in the afternoon the cafe was largely empty. Ivy figured that played to her advantage so she leaned back in her chair to get comfortable as Margaret squeezed a lemon wedge into the steaming liquid.

  “I should probably start,” Ivy said, collecting her thoughts. “I’m not sorry about kicking you out of my house yesterday. If you’re expecting me to apologize, you’re not going to get what you want.”

  Instead of reacting out of anger, Margaret barked out a laugh that sounded eerily similar to Jack when he was caught off guard and found something she said hilarious. “I don’t expect you to apologize. In fact, I think kicking me out of your house was the smartest thing you’ve done since I arrived.”

  “Seriously?”

  Margaret nodded. “Seriously,” she confirmed. “Ivy, I’ve been terrible to you since I arrived. I admit it. I want to apologize and yet … I’m not sure I can.”

  It was a quick admission, and while Ivy wanted everything wrapped up in a nice bow, part of her understood Margaret’s reticence to cede all of her power. “You don’t have to apologize to me. This is a hard situation. I don’t expect or need an apology.”

  “I’m not sure I would be so gracious in your position.”

  “I’m not being gracious. I’m being practical. You’re Jack’s mother. I love Jack. More than anything, I want him to be happy. If I want to ensure that, I need to find common ground with you.”

  “You may not believe this,” Margaret said, her voice cracking. “I want Jack to be happy, too.”

  “Then you need to unclench your grip a little bit,” Ivy suggested. “I’m not going to pretend to understand what you went through when Jack was shot, but I think I have an idea what Jack went through.” Ivy couldn’t own up to the dream walking so there was no way to explain to Margaret that she’d lived through Jack’s ordeal more than one time when he traveled back in his memories.

  “Does he talk to you about it?” Margaret appeared terrified to hear the answer.

  “Not so much anymore, but we spent a long time talking about it when we first got together. He had a lot on his plate when he came to town. We’ve worked through the bulk of it, though.”

  “Does he have nightmares?”

  Ivy almost smiled. Most of the dreams they shared these days were of a playful nature. “I don’t believe so. Everyone has nightmares, of course, but I don’t think Jack has a lot of them.”

  “That’s good.” Margaret gripped her hands together and stared into her mug. “Jack’s never going to come home, is he?”

  “Margaret, he’s already home.”

  Margaret let loose with a long sob and dropped her face into her hands. Ivy did her best to remain calm, but she had no idea how to soothe the woman. In the end, all she could do was sit back and watch.

  It took Margaret a full five minutes to collect herself. When she finally raised her eyes again, she looked resigned. “Well, there are worse places to end up, I guess. This really is a beautiful town.”

  Ivy’s heart soared at the words even as she internally tempered her enthusiasm. “It’s a gorgeous town,” Ivy agreed. “Margaret, Jack is happy here. You’re not that far away. Four hours is nothing. You can come up here to visit and we can go down there. This is not the end of the world no matter what you think.”

  “You’d allow that?”

  “I don’t allow Jack to do anything. We talk things through and make decisions together. I would never ask him to keep his distance from you. That’s not who I am.”

  Margaret sucked in a steadying breath. “I thought I wanted Jack home more than anything. After watching the two of you interact for the last few days, though, I realize the thing I want most is to keep that smile on his face.

  “He loves you so much,” she continued. “He lights up when you’re in a room together. He loves your family, too. They’ve been marvelous with him. I honestly couldn’t ask for more warm and welcoming people.”

  “Then why keep fighting this?”

  “Because that’s all I know how to do,” Margaret answered ruefully. “I’m done now, though. I understand this is the new reality. I promise we’re going to make this work.”

  “That would be a nice change of pace.”

  Margaret chuckled, the sound warming Ivy’s heart. “It would, wouldn’t it? Oh, I’m out of tea. We should get some more. I’m not quite ready to brave the elements yet.”

  Ivy smiled as she got to her feet. “I’ll get us more tea. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  Ivy’s stomach uncurled for the first time in days as she moved toward the counter. The feeling only lasted a moment, because in the same instant she opened her mouth to order two more cups of tea a flash of something … something from somewhere else … invaded her mind.

  Ivy gripped the counter, her knuckles turning white as she fought the urge to let her knees buckle. She pressed her eyes shut, ignoring the curious look from the girl behind the counter as she tried to make sense of the flashes pulsing through her head.

  She saw the images in quick succession: a hole in the ground, the McDonald house, an antique gun, a hand reaching for a door, Gilly screaming as she tried to flee from someone inside of her house.

  Ivy saw all of it and her mind almost collapsed under the weight. She had no idea how long she leaned against the counter,
but when Margaret appeared at her elbow she had an inkling that she’d been out of it for a lot longer than she realized.

  “Are you okay?” Margaret looked concerned.

  “I … I have to call Jack.”

  “Of course,” Margaret said, tugging Ivy toward the table. “We’ll do it. Just sit down first.”

  “No, I have to call Jack right now. Gilly is in trouble. Now! She’s in trouble now. Where is my phone?”

  Twenty-One

  “Still no Jack?”

  Margaret looked concerned as she watched Ivy pace in front of the police station, the younger woman’s temper clearly wearing thin.

  “No, and this is so like him,” Ivy grumbled. “He’s probably purposely ignoring me because he thinks I want him to rescue me from you and instead of reading the texts he’s ignoring them or something.”

  “Or he’s working,” Margaret said pragmatically.

  “Oh, don’t be rational. I’m pretty far gone from being rational.” Ivy flashed a weak smile as she stared at her phone. She’d tried calling Jack, but it went straight to voicemail. She’d texted no less than twenty times and he hadn’t bothered responding. “I’ll try Brian. Even if Jack is ignoring me, Brian never would.”

  “That sounds like a good idea.” Margaret pressed her lips together as she watched Ivy punch a few numbers into her phone. Ivy’s forced smile slipped when she heard Brian’s cheery voice instructing her to leave a message.

  “He’s not picking up either.”

  “Perhaps they’re questioning someone,” Margaret suggested. “It’s a murder investigation, after all. They both have jobs to do.”

  “I know.” Ivy chewed on her bottom lip as she stared toward the town square. “I have to get out there.” The words were barely a whisper, but she felt better as soon as she uttered them. “I have to get to Gilly.”

  Margaret’s face remained calm and even but Ivy didn’t miss the flash in her eyes.

  “You think I’m crazy,” Ivy mused. “I can see it.”