Till The Dead Speak (Killer Affections Book 2)

by Jerrie Alexander

  “Why would your father hate your hair?”

  “Because my natural color is red. For some bizarre reason, he equated the color with evil. Called it the devil’s mark. He was convinced I had a demon dwelling inside me. So much so that he reminded me often.”

  “He sounds like a fanatic. Where did that color come from? No one in our family has red hair.”

  “I have no idea. A freak of nature? I got rid of it years ago because it reminded me of my father.” She sipped at her coffee.

  “I’m sure Charlie liking it helped.”

  “He loved it almost as much as he loved me. Did I tell you he always called me Ruthie?”

  “No, you didn’t. I can’t picture you as a Ruthie.” It struck Samantha how little she knew of her grandmother’s past.

  “People in love often have nicknames for each other.”

  “You and Charlie were very young to have been in love.”

  “Samantha.” A touch of irritation had slipped into her grandmother’s tone. “Age had nothing to do with it. I may have been sixteen and had to sneak out to see him, but I loved him.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful of your feelings. Did any of your friends know where you’d gone?”

  “I wasn’t allowed to have friends. I’m guessing nobody in town knew that I’d been sent away. My aunt said Dad spread the word that I’d run away.” Nana was silent for a minute. “Charlie’s letter is in my room. You may read it if you like.”

  “I’d rather you tell me what he said.”

  Nana watched the sea for a moment, then said, “He said I had vanished and without me, he had no reason to stick around, so he hit the road. It sounds like he had quite the colorful past riding the rails for a few years before joining the military. Curiosity got the best of him years later. By then, he felt that it was too late in life to contact me.”

  “I’m so sorry he didn’t know the truth. It’s just wrong.”

  “We’re talking about a small Texas town in the early sixties. There were no advocates, no teen shelters, and no help from my mother. Women had very few rights back then and teenagers had none.”

  “It must’ve been hard…living back then.”

  “It wasn’t hard. That’s the way it was.” Nana wrung her hands. “The letter was short and simple. He didn’t explain any further. I’m sorry. I know you’re desperate for answers, but I can’t help you.”

  Samantha had counted on an explanation. “So he cleared his conscience by leaving everything to me?”

  “Maybe. It appears you’re his only blood relative.”

  “I went to his house the day I arrived. Two men were there and had ransacked the house. Whatever they were looking for, they must not have found it, because The Cage was broken into last night and the offices were torn apart.”

  Nana leaned over and grasped Samantha’s hands. “You’re scaring me.”

  Samantha had to explain Linc’s theory. “Linc doesn’t believe Charlie committed suicide.”

  “If he didn’t…then he was murdered?” Nana coughed on a sip of coffee. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “I guess I wanted to believe Linc was wrong, but someone broke into the restaurant.” Samantha took a deep breath and shared the incident at the airport and the two near misses with the black SUV. “The police need proof so he’s going to conduct an independent investigation.”

  “Then we have to do everything we can to help him.”

  “I’m staying a couple of days longer than planned, but I have a job waiting.” Samantha laughed when her grandmother’s eyes lifted. “I know. I just can’t imagine quitting my job.”

  “Call and resign. What are they going to do, refuse to give you a good reference?”

  “For the first time in my life, I’m undecided about what to do. It’s hard to know whether I should go home or stay here.”

  “I understand. And you’re upset the letter didn’t tell you what you wanted to know, but you need to move on. I’m going to, and so must you. Charlie loved me, and I believe he died loving me. It’s enough.” Her eyes closed for a moment. “Life doesn’t always turn out the way you’d planned.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. We may never know his reasons, but I have to let go of my resentment. I’ve been mad at him way too long.” Her grandmother sighed. “I’m heading home today, but I’ve paid your room through the week. I have firsthand experience with how slow probate court can be. If you decide to stay longer let me know, I’ll cover your expenses.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll be fine. I should hear from the attorney soon. After I sign the papers, there’s nothing here for me in California.”

  “From the way Linc kept looking at you yesterday, I’d say there could be. He’s interested in you. I’ve seen the look before, many times.”

  “You’re reading something into a glance?” Samantha squirmed at her grandmother’s insinuation. “There’s nothing between us except business. He wants to buy The Cage, and I have a feeling he’d do anything to get it. Including me.”

  Her grandmother sputtered over a swallow of coffee, wiping the corners of her mouth with a napkin before replying. “That might not be a bad thing. As long as you keep your perspective, two people enjoying each other’s company for a few days can be very rewarding. Two words of caution…be careful. Even after the state and feds get their part, you’re going to be a wealthy woman, and after I die you’ll be even richer.”

  “We’re not talking about you dying. I don’t want to hear it.”

  “You’ve always been a realist, Samantha. Don’t change now. Your life has changed with Charlie’s death, and when I’m gone it will happen again. I hope you’ve found love by then, because not everyone will be looking out for your best interest. In the meantime, I’m glad this hasn’t affected our relationship.”

  “Nana,” Samantha said, understanding her grandmother’s concern. “You’ve always been my hero. I love you more than anything.”

  “I love you, too,” her grandmother said.

  “Two beautiful women in one place. A guy couldn’t get any luckier.” Linc’s voice stirred Samantha’s memory of their kiss.

  Her grandmother stood and pulled Linc into the hug. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she glanced at Samantha. “I’ll leave you two in each other’s capable hands.”

  “You’re not leaving.” Linc slapped a hand over his heart.

  Nana looked Linc straight in the eye, stood on tiptoe, and said, “Don’t you hurt my granddaughter. I have contacts in Vegas. You don’t want me to ask them to look you up.”

  “Trust me. I’ll take good of her, but I have a problem with you leaving. Please don’t go. Stay and enjoy the rest of the morning with us, we’re going to spend it on the beach. Look.” Linc reached into a monster duffle bag and produced an economy size jar of spray-on lotion. “I brought industrial strength sun block.”

  “Isn’t it a little early for the beach?” Nana said sweetly. She was weakening by the second and Samantha had to bite back a laugh.

  “No and you’d be doing me a favor. My reputation will be off the charts if I have two gorgeous women hanging out with me.”

  Samantha knew he’d won the battle when her grandmother’s cheeks flushed. His flattery had sealed the deal.

  “Does anybody ever say no to you?” Nana purred. “One more day, then I really must get to Las Vegas. I’m scheduled to play in a Texas Hold’em tournament at the Bellagio this coming weekend.” Nana signed the check. “You’ll have to find a shady spot. It’s the only way I do extended sunlight.”

  “Shade for the beautiful lady coming up.” His hand went back inside the bag. “Sam, Maggie sent three suits for you to choose from.” His smile was downright lethal. “They all looked good to me.”

  “Those are supposed to be bathing suits?” Samantha took the small pieces of cloth from him.

  “What a thoughtful thing to do,” Nana said. “We’ll change and join you shortly.”

/>   “We can’t stay here. This stretch of sand is known as Billionaire Beach. Not everyone is allowed to play on it. I’ll go swap cars with Dave and meet you two out front.”

  “Well I’m not everyone, her grandmother insisted. “You stay right where you are. I’ll have a membership, or pass, or whatever to this beach in a few minutes.” She whirled on her heel, marched over to the concierge’s desk, and spoke a few words to him. A second later, she nodded at Linc and headed inside.

  “Damn. She’s got clout.”

  “After four husbands, she’s earned it.” Samantha laughed knowing her grandmother would bypass the elevators and headed for the stairs.

  “Four?” Linc swallowed.

  “Careful you’re not number five.”

  “I’m pretty certain I couldn’t afford her.” Linc laughed at her grandmother’s grand exit.

  “She doesn’t need your money.” Samantha took the bathing suit and left him to ponder her statement.

  ****

  Leo braced himself before walking in the boss’s office. Sweat ran down his back, soaking his underarms. He pushed open the outer door and saw the administrative assistant behind the desk. Air whooshed from his lungs, and he prayed he wouldn’t have another run in with Dylan. Leo smiled at her and strolled to her desk.

  “He’s expecting me.”

  “Have a seat. He’ll be with you in a minute.”

  An hour later his nerves had returned and so had the sweat. He was going to bust his bladder if he didn’t take a piss soon. He stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  She looked up. “He’ll see you now.”

  Fuck. Had the wait been deliberate? A way to make him squirm? If so, it had worked. He tamped down the urge to bolt to the bathroom, got up, and walked into the boss’s office.

  “Come in, Leo. Have a seat.”

  Leo complied, launching into the spiel he’d rehearsed all morning. “I conducted a thorough search of Charlie’s office. I stripped it apart. Where ever Charlie hid the pictures, it’s not in his office.”

  “I’m aware of the break-in.”

  “You are?”

  “I told him.”

  Leo jumped at the sound of Dylan’s voice behind him. He turned and gave the asshole a nod.

  “Yeah. You made the news.” Dylan lounged in a cushioned chair with one leg thrown over the armrest. “A tiny little story.”

  “Albeit a small blurb in the paper.” The boss shot Dylan a sneer, which shut him up. “It still drew attention to that restaurant.”

  “They’re not looking at me,” Leo protested as sweat formed on his forehead. “I trashed my office, too.”

  “You took care of the deposits before you searched?”

  “Of course, and I waited a long time before I went back.”

  “And did you find anything of interest?”

  “No and I searched Charlie’s office thoroughly.”

  “Then the daughter has the pictures. Maybe she doesn’t realize their importance.”

  “You want me to arrange an accident?” Leo asked.

  “I do not.” The boss waved off any answer. “Dylan assures me that he can handle this situation. You’ll take direction from him.”

  Leo’s heart sank. If the rumors were true, the old man’s contempt for his junkie son was legitimate. Dylan really was a crazy bastard. “I really think we should suspend the drops for a while.”

  “Hell no. You get those offices straightened up. Be ready Thursday night.” The boss picked up his pen and began to write.

  Leo sat there for a minute, stunned that he’d been pushed to the side. He rose and hurried out of the office to the restroom. In turning him over to Dylan, the old man might as well have stamped expendable on his forehead.

  The wall between the toilet and office was thin and though the air conditioner vent, Leo heard enough to turn his bowels to water. What father called his son a fuckup and a pussy? He threatened to cut him out of the business without a dime? Life just got tougher for Leo because Dylan had just been handed his last chance.

  CHAPTER 9

  Samantha stood back and studied Linc. He had stretched out on a beach chair wearing nothing but black swim shorts. Her stomach knotted as her gaze took a leisurely stroll down the length of his body. His muscular chest rose and fell under a sprinkling of hair of light brown hair a couple of shades darker than that on his head. A pencil thin line ran down his abdomen and disappeared under his waistband.

  He hadn’t moved, leading her to believe he’d fallen asleep while waiting. Samantha tiptoed around to the side of his lounge chair to get a good look at him. A hint of a smile gave him away. Damn him, he’d been awake the entire time.

  “Do I pass inspection?”

  “Barely.” Embarrassed she’d let him catch her lusting after his body, she looked around for her grandmother. “Where’s Nana?”

  “You had to have just missed her. She couldn’t understand why it was taking you so long to put on a bathing suit.” Sliding his sunglasses down the bridge of his nose, he stared at her with wide eyes. “Nice cover-up. But the hat has tourist written all over it.”

  “I tried on all three of those bikinis. Then I ran down to the gift shop and looked at their suits. They were skimpier than Maggie’s.” Samantha gasped in a breath before continuing her tirade. “So then I had to go back upstairs and put on one of them. I stopped by the boutique and bought this cover-up and hat on the way out.”

  Linc’s smile just kept getting bigger. “I’d hate to see you get wound up.”

  Heat rushed to Samantha’s cheeks. “Sorry. The more I tried to hurry the farther behind I got.” Time to change the subject. “Shouldn’t you be arranging for a security company to come out?”

  “I’ve already taken care of that. Ham put me onto a reputable company. A sales rep will meet me for a walk through later this afternoon.”

  “Thank you.”

  He waved at someone. “Here comes your grandmother.”

  “There you are,” her grandmother said. “Take off your cover-up and let’s get in the water.”

  “You two go ahead. I’ll catch up.”

  Linc caught her gaze. “I would never do anything to frighten you. You have my word.” He handed her the can of spray-on sunblock.

  “I know.”

  Her grandmother grabbed Linc's hand, and together they raced toward the incoming waves. Samantha removed her hat and cover-up. Why was she stalling? She had no qualms about going to the swimming pool at home. She didn’t care what Linc thought of her body. She stripped down to the bikini, and then sprayed sunblock from head to toe. The twitch in her eye had become a major irritant.

  She struck out across the sand toward the ocean. The water was fairly calm today and she intended to get her feet wet.

  A frisbee sailed right in front of her. She turned too late to avoid the giant dog barreling toward her. He lunged as she stepped right into his path. The next thing she knew, she was flat of her back and his huge tongue was dragging across her face. A slimy, yucky, sticky tongue. Samantha pushed, but the mountain of an animal didn’t budge.

  “Sam, are you okay?”

  She looked into Linc's concerned face. He stood over her, dripping wet with two deep creases between his eyes.

  “I’m fine.” The dog backed up enough she could push herself up on her elbows. Straddling her legs, a bigheaded, floppy eared, giant of a dog looked at her with warm brown eyes. Gooey strings of slobber dripped on her. “Hello, big fellow.”

  “Step back, and give her some room,” a distinct baritone voice commanded. A hand reached in and grabbed hold of the dog’s collar. “Come, Gus.”

  An older man held onto the dog with one hand and extended his hand, as did Linc. Samantha grabbed them both and stood. Her grandmother ran a protective hand over Samantha’s cheek.

  “I’m sorry about Gus. He’s quite harmless.” The man had a strong, clearly upper class British accent.

  “Jules Smythe.” He bobbed his head.

&n
bsp; “He didn’t hurt me.”

  “I called him back, but I suspect he was too excited. If you’re injured, I’m happy to pay for a trip to the emergency room.” Jules’s windblown silver hair highlighted a thick slate brow.

  “Really. I’m fine.” Samantha leaned over and scratched the dog’s ears.

  “He’s a pedigreed English Mastiff.”

  “Mr. Smythe.” Linc stepped between her and Jules. “Are you aware it’s against the law to have a dog on this particular stretch of beach?”

  “Now, Linc,” Nana said. “Let’s not make Jules anymore uncomfortable than necessary.” Her grandmother purred as she beamed at the old man. “You wouldn’t Jules Smythe of the Smythe Development Company?”

  “If that’s a good thing, then I’m guilty.” He smiled. “And you are?”

  “Ruth Greenberg. This is my granddaughter Samantha Anderson and her friend Linc Hawkins.”

  “Please accept my apologies.” Jules turned to Samantha. “Let me make it up to you. Why don’t the three of you join me and Gus for lunch? Perhaps for afternoon tea? I’ll have the Captain plan on spending the afternoon at sea.”

  “You’re here by boat?” Nana asked.

  “It’s anchored a few miles out, but we can get there easily. How about it?” Jules clipped a leash on Gus and raised his eyebrows in question.

  “We have plans for the rest of the day,” Samantha answered, already knowing what was coming next.

  “Well, I don’t,” Nana purred. “I’d love to have tea with you. But, only if you’ll give me time to make myself presentable.”

  “Smashing.” Jules beamed at Nana. “How’s one o’clock sound? You’re staying here?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll call for you in the lobby.” Jules and his dog jogged back the opposite direction.

  “You shouldn’t go off with him. He’s a stranger.”

  “Nonsense. His company is well known. Looks like I may be extending my stay one more night.” Her grandmother gathered her belongings. “I need to let the desk know.”