Evening Hours

by Mary Lynn Baxter

  “Underneath that good-ole-boy facade, Benton, you’ve got some big balls. Even though I could slit your throat for a little of nothing, I’ll admit I admire you. Having said that, I’ve ruined a lot lesser men than you for a lot lesser infractions.”

  “Whatever you dish out, I have coming.”

  “And more. Get out of my sight before I change my mind.”

  “Hi, Daddy.”

  “Hi yourself, sweetheart.”

  “Come in and sit down.”

  Edgar strode toward Kaylee just as she walked from behind her desk. “First I want a hug. It seems like ages since I’ve seen you.”

  “It’s only been a few days, but I want a hug, too.” Kaylee smiled. “Hugs are always good.”

  “You betcha,” Edgar exclaimed, grabbing her and giving her a hard squeeze. Afterward he sat down, where his eyes scanned the room. “You know, you really got a good thing going here.”

  Kaylee eased into the chair next to him.

  Edgar frowned. “Your leg’s bothering you.” A flat statement of fact.

  “Not really,” Kaylee said in an evasive tone.

  “Hey, kid, don’t forget who you’re talking to.”

  She gave him a limp smile. “I’m okay, really.”

  “Just okay’s not good enough for my girl.”

  “But that’s the way it is, and we can’t change that. This bum leg is as good as it’s ever going to get.”

  “I’d like to think that’s not so. Medical science is coming out with new medicines and procedures every day.”

  Kaylee reached across and pressed his arm. “You’ve always been my cheerleader, and I suspect you always will be. Just in case I haven’t told you how much I appreciate that, I’m telling you now.”

  “I know.” Edgar cleared his throat, then added, “Let me take you to lunch.”

  “Sorry, Dad, no can do. You know the ‘big’ show is coming up real soon, and I’m nearly nuts trying to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.”

  “It won’t be perfect, Kaylee.”

  “You’re right, but I want it to be as close to perfect as possible.”

  “That’s my girl.” He grinned. “So what did you want to see me about?”

  “How do you know I didn’t just want to see you?”

  He gave her a look. “Like you just said, you’re too busy to waste time.”

  “Excuse me, but spending time with you isn’t a waste of time.”

  “Whatever,” Edgar countered with a smile in his voice.

  “You’re right, I do have a reason.”

  “I’m at your disposal.”

  Kaylee sank her teeth into her lower lip for a second. “It’s about Uncle Drew.”

  “What about him?”

  Was there a note of caution in his tone or had she imagined it? On closer observation, she thought she must’ve imagined it, because his demeanor was as calm as ever. “Did you know he’s being investigated?”

  Edgar was clearly taken aback. “No.”

  “Well, he is,” Kaylee said flatly.

  “I suppose Cutler told you.”

  “Yes, he did.” She paused and took a breath. “I don’t know much about Drew’s work, how he makes his millions, but I can’t believe he does anything illegal.”

  “Kaylee, you know I can’t discuss Drew’s business with you. As his employee and friend, that would be unethical.”

  “Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

  “It’s okay. Hey, you don’t worry yourself about that, you hear? If anyone can take care of himself, it’s Drew Rush. Like you, he’s a survivor. You should know that.”

  “Did you know that Drew is Cutler’s birth father?”

  Edgar didn’t so much as blink. “Yes.”

  “How long have you known?”

  “Just found it out.”

  “Me, too. I still haven’t gotten over the shock.”

  “It’s one of those things where truth is stranger than fiction.”

  “I’m still reeling.”

  “How does Cutler feel?”

  “Vindictive as hell, to put it bluntly. However, he won’t discuss any of the particulars or the details. I’m pretty much in the dark.”

  “Don’t look to me to fill you in. I was stunned myself.”

  “I love Uncle Drew and I love Cutler. I feel caught in the middle.”

  Edgar leaned closer to her, his eyes piercing. “Don’t you dare get caught in the middle. Those two will have to work it out.”

  “It’s not that easy, Dad. Cutler’s my husband and Uncle Drew’s my mentor.”

  “Still, you stay out of it. Promise me.”

  “I won’t promise, but I will try and take your advice.”

  “Don’t just try—do it.”

  Kaylee angled her head. “You know more than you’re telling me.”

  Edgar’s expression remained bland. “Not about Drew and Cutler’s relationship, I don’t.”

  “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you, Dad?” Instantly a look of hurt crossed his face, changing his features. “Sorry. I know better than that. Forget I said it.”

  “I will.” Edgar leaned back in his chair. “It’ll all work out, honey girl. You just wait and see.”

  “I have to think that or else—” Kaylee broke off, pulling her lower lip between her teeth again.

  “So are you happy?”

  She flashed him a brilliant smile. “Ecstatically.”

  Sudden tears appeared in Edgar’s eyes. “That’s a praise.”

  “Oh, Daddy.” She got up and hugged him again. “You’re such an old softy.”

  “When it comes to you, I’ll admit it. I’ve dreamed of this day since we lost your mother. You having a home and family, that is.”

  “I won’t ever have a family, Daddy,” Kaylee said in a soft but matter-of-fact tone.

  He bowed his chin. “A husband’s considered family. And he’s good to you.”

  “So far, he’s perfect.”

  Edgar rolled his eyes. “No man’s perfect. You’ve just got newlywed-itis.”

  She grinned, then stood. “Thanks for stopping by.”

  He stood, as well. “Are you dismissing me?”

  “Yes.”

  He grinned, then ambled out.

  Later that morning Kaylee made her way into Sandy’s office and closed the door behind her.

  “So how did your visit with Nicole go?” she asked, coming straight to the point.

  “I got nowhere,” Sandy responded in an exasperated tone. “I might as well have been talking to a stump.”

  “I have no choice, then, but to go to her parents.”

  “Or let her go.”

  Kaylee sat down, her thoughts troubled. “I hate to do that. She’s truly one of our brightest and upcoming stars.”

  “True, but if she can’t walk the runway, what good is she to us?”

  “None, as far as the agency goes. But we’re about more than that, Sandy.”

  Sandy’s face turned red. “You’re right, we are. That was a selfish remark, and I apologize.”

  “No need to apologize. Right now all our nerves are frayed, especially the girls’.”

  “You said a mouthful there,” Sandy said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so strung out.”

  “As we both know, there’s a lot riding on this Versace show for them and for us.”

  “That’s why they’re nipping at each other’s heels like crazy,” Sandy said.

  “How about Barbie and Jessica? Unless you haven’t kept me informed, they apparently haven’t tied into each other lately.”

  Sandy frowned. “Not physically, but the tension between those two is so thick you could slice it with a knife.”

  “Well, as long as they keep their mouths shut and do their jobs, we can live with the tension.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Sandy pushed a stack of photos aside and rested her chin in her hands. “So what about the packet of pills? Have you decided how we’re
going to handle that yet?”

  “I told Cutler about them last night.”

  Sandy’s brows shot up. “And?”

  “He wouldn’t say until he checks them out, has them analyzed.”

  “I’ve been keeping a close eye on all the girls. To date, I haven’t seen any signs of anyone being high.” Sandy shrugged. “But then, I’m no authority on the use of drugs.”

  “Hopefully when they realized the stuff was gone,” Kaylee said, her features pinched, “they panicked and closed up shop. Either way, we’re in for a world of hurt if this gets out of hand.”

  “Cutler will help us, won’t he?”

  Kaylee heaved a sigh. “Only if it’s within legal boundaries.”

  Following that statement, they both sat in troubled silence.

  Thirty-Four

  “You look lovely this morning, but then you always do.”

  Kaylee flashed Cutler a dazzling smile, which sent an electric current through him. He gave a start. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he had fallen in love.

  No way.

  Love didn’t enter into the deal. He’d made a bargain with her father that he would honor. But love? He couldn’t allow himself to go down that path.

  Love hurt. Love made demands.

  Love possessed.

  Look what had happened to his mother. Cutler shuddered visibly.

  “What’s wrong, darling?”

  Cutler cleared his features. “Nothing. Why?”

  “You just looked odd for a minute.” A twinkle appeared in her eyes. “You’re probably tired, since you didn’t sleep much last night.”

  “And just whose fault is that?”

  “Not mine,” Kaylee responded with obvious innocence.

  He snorted with a grin. They had spent the biggest part of the night making love. Neither could get enough of the other.

  “We really should sleep more,” Kaylee said in a musing tone. “With all we have on our plates.”

  “Not on your life, sweetheart.” Cutler’s tone was emphatic. “Hey, it’s early yet. Let’s get some more coffee and sit on the deck.”

  “Good idea. After the gully washer last night, it’s a bit cooler this morning.”

  Soon they were sitting in the comfortable lounge chairs sipping on their beverages, the sweet smell of flowers wafting to their senses. Cutler broke the silence. “I’m acting like I don’t have a thing to do today.”

  “Me, too.”

  Neither moved, however.

  “Some days I feel like the boat I’m trying to keep afloat has holes in it and is sinking fast.”

  “You’re not going to lose the election,” Kaylee said with conviction, reaching out and taking his hand.

  He squeezed it. “I wish I could be that sure.”

  “Just trust me.”

  “But it’s more than the election. My workload’s eating my breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

  “Which case is coming up next?”

  “The abortion clinic.”

  “Ouch.”

  Cutler blew out a harsh breath.

  “I know how you feel about being overwhelmed,” Kaylee said. “I’m there right along with you.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry for you.” Cutler’s gaze was tender.

  “It’s not your fault my girls are using drugs. By the way, thank you again for testing the pills and finding them to be illegal drugs.”

  “I’m here to help.” He winked. “Among other things—like ravishing your lovely body.”

  “We both know that’s not true,” Kaylee said with a catch in her voice. “About my body, that is.”

  He drew his brows together. “Hey, I think you’re lovely all over. Doesn’t my opinion count for something?”

  Her features brightened. “Indeed it does. In fact, it’s only your opinion that counts.”

  “Good. Now, back to the drugs. I hardly think all of your girls are using.”

  “Probably not. I’m just afraid someone is actually selling out of the agency.”

  “Could be. And if that’s the case, then the problem is much more serious. But then, I’m preaching to the choir.”

  “Sandy and I are meeting with the lot of them this morning.” Kaylee sighed. “I can’t imagine any of them confessing.”

  “Count on that not happening.”

  “So how do I handle it?”

  “For starters, let them know you’re on to their little sideline and you intend to find out who’s involved, then deal with them accordingly.”

  “Should I tell them I’ve notified the police?”

  “Not at this point. Wait and see what reaction you get.”

  “Even though they fight like cats and dogs, they stick together. Does that make sense to you?”

  “Sure does,” Cutler countered quickly. “They’re pretty much all guilty of hiding secrets. In many instances, those secrets are the same.”

  “So to rat on thy cohort is to rat on thyself.”

  “Exactly.”

  “It looks like I’m facing an uphill battle,” Kaylee acknowledged in a weary tone.

  “I’m facing it with you.”

  She smiled. “Thank God for small favors.”

  “Do you have any idea who the culprits might be?”

  “Not really. Three of the girls have been at odds, and there’s a lot of tension. But like we just said, no one is willing to give the other up.”

  “Women,” Cutler muttered.

  “What can I say?” Kaylee’s tone was lamenting. “Temperaments, good and bad, are a by-product of this profession.”

  “A hazard, if you ask me.” Cutler smiled, then sobered. “You found the drugs in a pair of overalls?”

  Kaylee nodded. “With lots of pockets.”

  “I’m guessing that more than one model wears the outfits.”

  “Right. Although we’ve narrowed it down to five girls. Those are the ones I’m going to zero in on.”

  “Still, you’re doing the right thing by speaking to all of them. There’s also the possibility that one of the others could have planted the drugs there for reasons we may never know.”

  “This latest debacle couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Versace show is next week.” Kaylee paused with a shudder. “More than that, it makes me sick to think those young girls are abusing their bodies in such a vile way. I thought anorexia was bad, but drugs…” She let her voice play out.

  “Don’t kid yourself. There are millions of bored, overweight housewives who are sucking down on amphetamines every morning with their glass of orange juice. They get two for one—a buzz and dead appetites.”

  Kaylee shook her head. “I can’t imagine living like that.”

  They were quiet for a moment, listening to the birds chirp and watching a squirrel jump from one limb to another as if its legs were on springs.

  “While we’re on an unpleasant subject,” Kaylee said into the silence, “there’s something else I need your opinion on.”

  “Shoot.”

  She told him about Nicole’s bruises and how the model refused to admit there was a problem.

  “Man, you’re getting hit with some heavy-duty stuff.”

  “Again, it couldn’t have come at a worse time,” Kaylee said ruefully.

  “You said I’d win the election. I say this show will come off without a hitch.”

  “Nicole won’t be in it for sure. And she’s one of my stars.”

  “I thought makeup could perform miracles.”

  “She’s too bruised.” Kaylee’s voice trembled.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart. You think it’s her boyfriend who’s using her for a punching bag?”

  “No, I don’t. I’ve met Scott. He’s just not the type.”

  “Keep in mind you never know what goes on behind closed doors.”

  “True. Still—” She broke off and looked away.

  “Why don’t I do some checking into her background?”

  “You can do that?”

  H
is lips twitched. “I’m the D.A., honey. Remember?”

  “Sorry.” She gave him a sassy grin. “You can break the laws and get away with it.”

  He pulled his head back. “Whoa, girl. That’s not funny.”

  “You’re right, it isn’t.” Kaylee wrinkled her nose. “But I was only kidding.” Cutler wished he could be sure about that—Drew jumping to mind. Since that remained a sore spot between them, they didn’t discuss him. But the undercurrents were there with the potential to explode at any given moment.

  As if Kaylee could read his mind, her face lost its color. Unwilling to delve into that taboo subject, he drained his cup, then stood. “I’ll call you later.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Keep your chin up. Everything’s going to be all right.”

  She rubbed a hand up and down his arm. “For you, too.”

  He grabbed her hand, squeezed it, then turned and strode off.

  “Angel, bring me up to date.”

  Cutler had gone straight to the office and called in his investigator. He didn’t have much time to play catch-up as he was due in court, so every minute counted.

  “I wish I had better news, but I don’t,” Angel told him straightaway.

  “That’s not what I wanted to hear.”

  “I know, boss. Sorry.”

  “Before you give me what you do have, I want you to run a check on a young woman named Nicole Reed.”

  “Am I looking for anything in particular?”

  “She’s one of Kaylee’s models who’s a victim of abuse, or so it appears. Bruises and scrapes. You get the picture.”

  “I’ll get right on it.”

  “Also, I want you to check on the drug dealers around this area.”

  Angel’s big eyes became bigger. “What’s that all about?”

  “Another of Kaylee’s problems. Someone’s either using or dealing in or out of the agency.”

  “Man, I hate that for Kaylee.”

  “Ditto. That’s why I’m trying to help. Now, back to matters at hand.”

  Angel opened his notebook. “Nothing new yet on Jenkins, though he did dismiss another suspicious case.”

  “How about Andrews or his sister?”