Texas Pride

by Gerry Bartlett

  “He didn’t give her enough!” Maria dabbed at her eyes. “She had days when she didn’t get out of bed because she felt so bad. But would he give her more for her pain? No. He said the medicine was bad for her. He kept it locked away. I begged him to give her more.” She gripped her purse handle, her knuckles white. “Why didn’t that stupid man die instead of my sweet lady?”

  “Sweet lady?” Billy got up and pulled a chair next to Maria. “But you testified that Evelyn was mean to Rupert. Called him names, even in public. That doesn’t sound sweet to me.”

  “Oh, yes, she had her ways.” Maria sniffed. “Personality, I call it. Rupert laughed at her. Thought it was funny when she called him a dumb shit.” She faced Billy, her eyes hard. “Not so dumb, I think. He married a rich woman and was letting her suffer. I think he was making her pay at the end for that name calling. She made him look a fool in front of her rich friends.”

  “Maria, is it possible that Evelyn wanted to die?” Billy asked that in the soft, persuasive voice he used when he was close to worming the truth out of a reluctant witness.

  “Of course she did!” Maria sobbed. “She was ready to go. God was calling her.” She bent her head and took the handkerchief Billy pressed into her hand. “So much pain, so many years of fighting that disease. She was tired.”

  Billy had to lean closer to hear this last word. “But you say Rupert wouldn’t help her. He let her suffer. Why?”

  “He said he wanted her awake. So she could know him. Talk to him. If she was too doped up, she was as good as dead.” Maria dried her eyes and blew her nose.

  “Does it make sense then that he would shoot her?” Billy had to hide his satisfaction. He’d just turned Maria into a witness for the defense. He should have asked her permission to record this. But he saw the light of awareness in Maria’s eyes. She got it. There was no going back now.

  “No, it doesn’t.” She said this as if to herself. She grabbed his hand. “I was wrong, wasn’t I? Rupert wanted Mrs. Greene to live longer. They played these bad games. Sex.” She shuddered. “The police told me he claimed he was tied up in the bathroom. I believe it. That was something they liked.” She couldn’t seem to stop shaking and Billy picked up the throw Mai made him keep on the couch and put it across Maria’s shoulders. She hugged it around her.

  He gave her time to calm down. “So you believe that a masked man might have come in and tied up Rupert? Left him in the bathroom? That it’s possible he would have thought it part of their usual games? Gone along with it?”

  “Yes, I suppose so.” She stared down at that expensive purse before she let it slide from her lap to fall to the floor.

  “Would Evelyn have been up to that then?”

  Maria’s breath hitched. “She’d been having a good day. Several good days in a row. I was happy for her. She’d gone to get her hair done. I was hopeful that this was a turning point. The doctors, so negative. They could have been wrong!” She clutched the throw. “Of course it was foolish. She was going to die. She’d lost weight, her hair dull, even with fresh color on it.”

  “Could she have felt good enough to arrange a surprise for Rupert? Maybe called a man to come in for one of their games that night?” Billy reached for his tablet. “I need to record the rest of our conversation. Do you mind?”

  “No, go ahead.” She watched him start it on the computer. “Mrs. Greene would do that. Set up games for them. I didn’t understand it, but she loved Rupert. Adored him. Those were her words. She wanted to make him happy. So bringing in handsome young men was something she did from time to time.” Maria crossed herself. “I cannot understand such sins. But I had to keep my thoughts to myself. She paid me well and, since she was so sick, I did what I was told without complaint.”

  “What did she tell you to do the night of the murder, Maria?”

  “I was to turn off the security system that night before I went to my room. I knew to ignore any sounds I heard. In the years Rupert had been with us, I knew what would be happening.”

  “But then you heard the gunshot.” Billy took her hand. It was ice-cold.

  “Yes. I’d never heard that before. I ran. It is a long way from my apartment over the garage to the master suite. But I ran to see what had happened. When I got there, I saw Rupert holding her in his arms. He was covered with her blood. I called 911.”

  “Did he tell you to call an ambulance?”

  “No. He was crying and rocking her. I think he knew it was too late. That she was dead. The gun was on the floor next to them. The police said it had been wiped clean of fingerprints.” She stared at the floor. “I also called Mrs. Greene’s stepchildren. They paid me each month to tell them what was happening in the house. So I had to report.” She looked up. “You may think this is wrong, but I was worried about Mrs. Greene. Now I see I was right to worry.”

  Billy patted her hand. “Do you know how Evelyn arranged for the men who came to play those sex games?”

  “What?” Her eyes widened. “I just told you about her death and you ask that?”

  “What if the man who came to play was the one who killed her? What if Evelyn paid him to put her out of her misery? To end her suffering? Do you think that’s possible?” Billy dropped her hand.

  Maria’s lips trembled.

  “How did Evelyn find the men she hired to play their sex games? Do you know?” Billy pressed the point even though Maria looked close to losing it, her eyes brimming with tears again.

  “Computer. She told me you could find anything on the Internet. It was a joke to her.” Maria had shredded his handkerchief with restless fingers. “She made me promise that after she was gone I would destroy it. Because she didn’t want the Greenes to see how bad she had been with Rupert.”

  Billy hated to hear that. “Did you? Destroy it?”

  “I couldn’t do it. But I hid it. The police came in and searched the house, but not my rooms over the garage. They had no reason to go there. So I put her computer away, before they had a chance to see it.” Maria grabbed Billy’s arm. “I had to honor her last wishes. She was a lady with many friends. Wanted to leave money to the hospital. A generous lady. I couldn’t let her be remembered as someone who played sex games with her young husband, could I?”

  “I understand, Maria. But I need that computer.” Billy stood. “You were being loyal. That’s a good thing. But would Evelyn really want the husband she loved to spend the rest of his life behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit? I have to prove his innocence. If I can show that she hired a hitman to end her own suffering, I can help Rupert go free. Evelyn would want that.”

  “Yes, she loved Rupert. But for everyone to know—”

  “I promise that if what I need is on that computer, I’ll keep this as quiet as possible. Hiring a hitman and hiring a sex partner are two different things. I can take evidence to the DA and make sure it’s not made public knowledge.” Billy hoped he could keep that promise.

  “You must swear it. I never liked Rupert. If he sits in jail, it will be for his sins.”

  “But Evelyn loved him. Think of her.” Billy helped Maria to her feet.

  “What are you doing?” She glanced at his desk. “What about the will?”

  “I want you to take me to the house now and give me that computer.” Billy picked up the will. “Do it for Evelyn. Because, Maria, she left you a million dollars in her will. Wisely invested, that will keep you in comfort for the rest of your life. You will never have to work again. Don’t you think that’s reason enough now to help me save the man Evelyn loved?”

  Chapter 16

  “I think we’ve caught a break on Sally’s case.” Billy had stopped by Gran’s house on his way home.

  “What do you mean, Billy?” Gran paused the TV even though it was time for Wheel of Fortune.

  “The judge who came down so hard on her was just appointed to the state Supreme Court
. Which means he won’t be hearing Sally’s case now. I think I can work with this new judge. You ever hear the term ‘wet reckless’?”

  “Watch your mouth, boy.” Gran frowned at him. “I’m pretty sure that’s how you were conceived.”

  Billy laughed, couldn’t help it. “Why, if I didn’t know better, I’d think my eighty-five-year-old grandmother had a dirty mind.”

  “Quit laughing and explain yourself.” Her cheeks were pink and she couldn’t look at him. “And I won’t be eighty-five until the end of November.”

  “Wet reckless is what they call reckless driving while under the influence of alcohol. Sally didn’t hit anyone and was just a block from home. I think this lesser offense will fly with the new judge.” Billy dropped down onto Gran’s old print couch and got poked in the butt with a loose spring. The damned thing had to go. He was buying her a new couch this year for Christmas. Or maybe that birthday.

  “A lesser offense. So not DUI or DWI, whatever they’re calling it these days? What will that mean for her?” Gran leaned forward, her eyes alive again. It had been a while since he’d seen that.

  Billy realized he was exhausted. He’d hardly stopped running the last few weeks. What with the Calhoun thing coming to a head and access to Evelyn’s computer giving them a line on a possible hitman, he’d had so much on his plate, he hardly had time to breathe, much less just chill with Shannon like he wanted to. The good news? He’d won that cruise for them. Now all he had to do was get the proposal right, buy a ring worthy of the woman, and set a date. He realized Gran was on the edge of her seat and he’d zoned out.

  “Billy? Boy, you are somewhere else. Come back here and answer me.”

  “Sorry, Gran. Okay, here’s what I’ve been working on. Sally’s psychiatrist has her on some anti-anxiety meds. He says she’s better but needs a stay in a facility. Maybe rehab, maybe something like a mental hospital to treat her depression. The judge will like that.”

  “Oh, Billy.” Gran pulled out the tissues. “What did I do wrong? Both of my daughters never did find the happiness I thought they deserved or amount to a hill of beans.”

  “Don’t beat yourself up, Gran. I don’t think I turned out so bad and I give you full credit.” Billy heaved himself out of that pit in the old couch, knelt in front of her, and took her hands. “What do you think?”

  “Yes, I’m proud of you, Billy boy.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “But my girls… I just don’t understand.”

  “I don’t either. But there’s not much we can do about it now. Sally was right about one thing. She’s got a disease. Alcoholism. Withdrawal has left her depressed. Therapy has helped her pull out of it some, but it’ll take time for her to be able to stand on her own two feet again.”

  “Shoot. That girl has never stood on her own.” Gran sat up and sniffed. “But nice try, Billy. So what do you think? Will this keep her out of jail? That’s the best I can hope for now.”

  “Then that’s what I’m going to make happen.” Billy was glad he could say that with some confidence. It was already in the works or he wouldn’t have mentioned it tonight.

  “You do make me proud.” She kissed him on the cheek.

  “Now help me out. I kind of proposed to Shannon at the Ballet Ball but I made a mess of it. I need to do it again. Right. Make it romantic. Give her a nice ring at the same time. Something worthy of her.” He pulled out his phone. “What do you think of these?” He’d downloaded a few pictures from the Internet but none of them struck him as quite right.

  “You sure she’s the one? What about her drinking?” Gran gripped his hand.

  “She’s just about given it up because she knows what it means to me. And, yes, I’m sure. You going along with this or will we have a problem?” Billy didn’t look away. “I love her. I’m marrying her. You can accept that or take the consequences.”

  “You know I only want you to be happy.” Her eyes filled.

  “She makes me happy. She’s not going to turn into an alcoholic, I promise you.” Billy held onto her frail shoulders. “Trust my judgment?”

  “I guess I have to.” She glanced at the phone he’d dropped in her lap. “Those rings aren’t good enough. If you’re bound and determined to do this, wait here. I’ve got something I think might work.” Gran let him help pull her up.

  To his surprise, she grabbed her cane and thumped down the hall toward her bedroom. What could she have that Shannon would like? Yes, Shan enjoyed vintage jewelry, but as far as he knew the Great Depression had wiped out anything of value in this family except for that bracelet he’d already given her.

  He heard Gran coming and met her halfway. “What have you got there?” She had a small velvet pouch in her hand.

  “It was your great grandmother’s. I think you could put a new sparkler in the middle.” She opened the pouch and let the ring drop into his palm.

  Billy stared down at the old-fashioned engagement ring. He knew at once that Shannon would fall in love with it. “White gold?”

  “No, platinum. Your great granddaddy’s restaurant was a hit in the twenties. He always wanted the best for Mama. That’s what I called her. She was like a mother to me after I married your grandpa. Anyway, she told me he came home with this one night. Flashy, she called it. She was almost embarrassed to wear it to church. But she never took it off. Not until…” She smiled and shook her head. “This is art deco, Billy, the style back then. I watch the shopping channel. They’re making reproductions of this now. All it needs is a new diamond where the center stone is missing.”

  “Yes, she likes old pieces.” Billy studied the delicate ring. “Gran! Are those real diamonds?”

  “Sure are. The ones around where the center stone should be were too small to sell. Broke Mama’s heart to part with that big diamond, but times were hard after the restaurant went under.” Gran sighed. “She did it behind Great Granddaddy’s back. He wanted to throw a fit, but they needed the money. So he just took it and never said a word.” She handed him the velvet bag. “I’m sure they’d be happy to see it used in the family again. Polished up, it’ll make a real nice ring for Shannon.” Gran held onto his wrist. “It needs a big stone for the wife of the best criminal lawyer in Houston. You take it to a reputable jeweler. Don’t let some crook set one of those fake diamonds in there.”

  “No, of course not. Only the best for my girl.” Billy hugged Gran then kissed her wrinkled cheek. She always smelled so clean and sweet. “I love you, Gran. And Shannon will love this. I guess I should let her pick out a wedding band to go with it. Something from the same time period.”

  “Yes. We buried Mama in her wedding ring.” Gran patted his cheek. “I always wondered if that undertaker let it stay or if he slipped it off before she went in the ground.”

  “Now, Gran, always so suspicious.” Billy figured living with alcoholics had done that to her. His mother had lied about everything. She’d say she’d given up drinking then sneak around to do it. Or claim she’d been laid off from a job, then they’d find out she’d been fired for coming back late from boozy lunches. He’d told Shannon’s family that good fruit could come from a rotten tree. Gran proved damaged fruit could come from a strong and honest tree. He still didn’t know why he’d been able to resist going down the wrong path.

  “I don’t think it matters how you propose to Shannon, Billy. Just tell her you love her. That’s what a woman wants.” Gran looked wistful. “I know you’ll treat her right.”

  “I tell her all the time. I never left for school that I didn’t hear you say it.” Billy smiled at her then handed her the remote control. Damn it, he was getting a little choked up. Gran couldn’t live forever and he didn’t know what he’d do once she was gone. “Now turn on Wheel. I’ll watch with you for a while.”

  “Sweet boy. I bet Shannon’s waiting for you now.” But she did get the show started.

  “No, she and her siste
rs are having a girls’ night. Like you enjoy with your lady friends.” Billy lay on the couch and kicked off his shoes. “Okay, let’s see if you’ve still got it. What do you think the solution to that puzzle is?” He laughed when she guessed it immediately. Sharp as a tack, she would say. He studied the ring she’d given him then slipped it back into the pouch before tucking it safely into his pants pocket. Tomorrow he’d go to a former client who was a jeweler. They’d find the perfect stone. Then he’d have to work out when and where to propose. Gran might be right, but he wanted to make sure Shannon had a good story to tell their kids someday. He closed his eyes, imagining a little girl with Shannon’s pretty face.

  “Billy, it’s late.” Gran shook his shoulder.

  He stretched and hit the china lamp on the end table next to the couch. Luckily, he caught it before it hit the floor. “What time is it?”

  “Midnight. You slept for five hours.” She took his hand as if to pull him up. “You needed it.”

  “Yes, I did. I hope I didn’t keep you up.” He was careful not to use her as leverage when he sat up.

  “No, this is my usual bedtime. I like those late-night talk shows. Karaoke in a car. So funny.” She laughed. “But, Billy, maybe you should just sleep in my guest room. I hate for you to drive this late.”

  “I’ll be fine.” He slipped on his shoes then picked up his tie and suit coat. He checked his pocket. “Thanks for the ring, Gran. And the nap. I don’t sleep worth a damn most nights. I feel like a new man.”

  “I like the old one just fine.” She followed him to the door and unlocked her burglar bars. “You be careful. Why don’t you sleep?”

  “My mind keeps going. Shannon’s been on me about it. Bought some kind of herbal remedy. I keep meaning to try it, but haven’t yet.” He kissed Gran’s cheek.

  “That girl likes taking care of you. So maybe she’ll turn out to be a blessing after all.” Gran patted his back as he stepped out on the porch. “See? I’m trying.”

  “I had to get over our history. So it’s no wonder you’re having a hard time with it. Shannon and I have both grown up since college. We’re different people. She respects how I feel about drinking so I’m not worried she’ll end up like Mama or Aunt Sally.” Billy yawned, still tired but awake enough to make the drive home. “I was too intense back then. Way too driven to succeed at all costs. I thought I had to control everything and everyone around me, including Shannon. Guess watching Mama so out of control all the time did that to me.” He paused. Damn if that wasn’t hitting the nail on the head.