Deadly Secrets

by Jude Pittman

  “No, not nailed down but what we’ve got looks good. Why don’t you meet me over at the White Bull? We’ll have a cup of coffee and mull things over a bit.”

  “Good idea. I’ll catch you there.”

  Getting ready to go, Kelly allowed himself a smile of satisfaction. Gus’ willingness to meet and talk was a sure sign he had a few doubts about the case. One thing Kelly knew about his former partner—if Gus had been convinced of Cam’s guilt, there’s no way he’d set up a meeting to discuss things with Kelly. That being the case, Kelly might still get the approval for his trip to Houston.

  With that in mind, Kelly packed a bag for an overnight stay, gave Jake an affectionate rub and headed for Old Blue. Enroute, he stopped at the bait house. The sun had its high beams on and Bubba was sprawled out in a lawn chair reading a Louis L’Amour paperback and taking advantage of the warmth.

  “Hey, Kelly, what’s up?” he asked when Kelly hopped out of the truck.

  “I’m headed for Houston. I’ll probably be back early tomorrow afternoon but just in case I’m held up, how about keeping your eye on things. There’s nothing going on at the flea market, so if you’ll just do a walk around later tonight, that’ll be good enough. Jake’s got plenty of food and water but maybe after you’ve done the market you could stop off at the cabin and make sure everything’s copacetic.”

  “Sure, Kelly. No problem.”

  “Thanks. I’ll catch you later.”

  The White Bull on 28th Street had been one of Gus and Kelly’s pit stops back in the days when they were a team. It felt good to Kelly, sliding across the cracked red plastic of the same old booth they’d always chosen.

  “Like old times,” Gus mumbled, his mouth stuffed full of biscuit. Kelly nodded and called the waitress over.

  “I’ll have the biscuits and gravy,” he said, pointing at Gus’ plate. “And throw a couple of eggs on the side.” She nodded, filled his coffee cup and headed for the kitchen.

  “Well!” Kelly took a sip of hot coffee and looked at Gus. “Are you gonna tell me what’s been going on?”

  Setting his fork on the plate, Gus leaned back and met Kelly’s look. “It seems your friend left out a couple of things when he told you about his run-in with Anna.”

  “I’d kind of figured that out,” Kelly said. “Okay, let’s hear the worst.”

  “We found Cam’s prints on that box of Anna’s. Of course her’s were on it and Bubba’s, but he had a reason—so he said. We had enough to get a warrant on Cam though, and it’s a damn good thing we did. We weren’t inside his place ten minutes before we found Anna’s note tucked away in the bottom drawer of his desk.”

  “What’s his story?”

  “About what you’d expect. He claims he went down to Anna’s cabin to see if she’d come back from the flea market. He says the door was unlocked so he walked in and went to her bedroom to see if maybe she’d passed out on the bed. That’s when, according to his story, he spotted the box pulled out of the floor and busted open. He claims the note was right on top and without thinking, he grabbed it and got the hell out of there.”

  “He’s probably telling the truth about that door. Most of the Creek folks leave them unlocked and Anna was no exception.”

  “Yeah well, she may have left her door unlocked but not the box. Cam admits he went inside her cabin looking for that note. That nails him for burglary right there.”

  “Sure it does but you’re not after a burglar, for God’s sake. You’re after a murderer.”

  “What makes you so sure that if we’ve got one, we haven’t got both?”

  “I don’t know. Call it my gut if you like. And don’t try and tell me that you’re locked in on this either. I know you, Gus. If you were set on Cam for the big one, you wouldn’t be wasting time jawing with me. You’d be out busting your ass to get your case against him nailed down. So what gives?”

  “I have been busting my ass, as you so delicately put it but I admit there’re a couple of things bothering me. For one thing, it’s not like you to get on your high horse the way you have about this Cam character. That bothers me a bit.

  “Then there’s the scarf. How the hell did Cam get his hands on it? We’ve already established that he never left the Hideaway Saturday afternoon, which is when Krystal says she lost the scarf.

  “What really bothers me though is the note. Cam admits knowing Anna’s will cancelled his debt, so if he killed her, why in hell would he take the note? It just don’t make sense.”

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. If Cam killed her, he’d have hauled ass back to the bar and built himself an alibi. He’d have been stupid to go to her cabin and steal that note and Cam’s not stupid.”

  “Maybe he got so damn scared after he killed her, that his brain wasn’t working.”

  “I don’t believe it. If Cam had committed the murder, his first thought would’ve been how to cover his tracks.”

  “Well, I’m not filing it but I’ll level with you Kelly. I’m getting a lot of pressure from upstairs and until something better comes along, Cam is just going to have to cool his heels.”

  Kelly nodded. “I know all about the politics. Besides, Cam shouldn’t have lied. It won’t hurt him to simmer for a couple of days. Meantime, I’ve got an idea that might open up another line.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I asked Krystal a few questions last night and I got some interesting family background that might be worth some digging.”

  “Such as?”

  “It seems Anna was a forbidden topic in the Davis household and not only that, no one will tell Krystal what happened the night her father committed suicide. That’s the reason she hired a detective to track down her mother.”

  “I already checked that out,” Gus said. “It’s the same old crap. Anna ran off with a boyfriend and when her husband found out, he blew his own head off.”

  “I don’t buy that.” Kelly frowned. “If it was a straightforward case of Anna being a Jezebel, why didn’t they just tell Krystal all the details and let her think the worst of Anna? Nope!” Kelly shook his head. “Something’s not kosher and what I’d like to do is run down to Houston and have a little chat with Krystal’s Aunt Stella.”

  Gus rolled his eyes. “That’s just what I need. You’ll go on down there and start some fireworks and the next thing I know, one of Davis’ hot-shot lawyers will be on the phone to the chief and I’ll be up to my ass in alligators.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Kelly grinned and clapped his hand to his heart. “I give you my word, I won’t stir up any shit. All I’ll do is have a go at the aunt and see what comes out. If she balks, I’ll back off and that’ll be the end of it.”

  “I ought to have my head examined but what the hell,” Gus growled. “I admit I’m not happy with some aspects of this case but my hands are tied. I’ll agree to you poking around down there in Houston—as long as it’s strictly unofficial. If I get any complaints, I won’t know a damn thing about what you’re doing.”

  “You’ve got a deal.” Kelly picked up the bill and headed for the front counter. “I’ll get the grub.”

  “Don’t think this cancels out your debt over Angelo’s,” Gus snapped and Kelly grinned back at him.

  After saying goodbye to Gus, Kelly headed for the freeway. It was one o’clock by the time he’d fought his way across Dallas and merged with I-45 to Houston. Since the trip would take four or five hours, depending on traffic and road construction, he’d decided to play it by ear about making connection with Stella. Krystal had mentioned that her uncle often stayed at the office until nine or ten. If traffic was light, he might even see her tonight.

  Luck was with him all the way and by five-thirty he’d reached the outskirts of Houston and merged onto the 610 Loop west and south. From there, he stayed on to the San Felipe off-ramp where he exited onto River Oaks Boulevard. He pulled out his cell and called the Davis residence. A woman’s voice said “Davis residence” and Kelly ask
ed for Andrew.

  “He’s not available,” the woman said.

  “Damn!” Kelly cursed under his breath. Not available might mean anything from taking a crap to being out on the town. He’d hoped to head right over there but if Andrew was home, he’d have to wait for morning.

  Putting a smile in his voice, Kelly tried again. “I’m a business associate of Mr. Davis,” he said. “I just got into town and I’d like to get hold of him tonight if possible.”

  “Have you tried the office?” The woman asked.

  “No. I didn’t figure he’d be there this late.”

  “He’s working on a deal,” she said. “I don’t expect him until midnight or later.”

  Kelly grinned, thanked the woman for her help and hung up the telephone. After he’d paid the attendant and pulled the truck away from the pumps, he scanned the map and located Pine Hill Terrace.

  A ten-minute drive took him to River Oaks and when he pulled up in front of the Davis mansion, Kelly whistled low in his throat. The place was a showpiece. White-trimmed windows and casements contrasted with the red brick exterior. The mansion shrieked of old money. Kelly struggled with a moment of apprehension before giving himself a mental shake and climbing out of Old Blue to let himself in through the wrought iron gate.

  A sleek blue Jaguar stood in front of the garage. That was a good sign. Krystal had mentioned that Stella drove a Jag, so she must be home. Kelly crossed his fingers for luck and strode up to the front door.

  “I might as well get it over with,” he muttered, squaring his shoulders and pushing his thumb down on the doorbell.

  The hollow tone of muted chimes filtered through the heavy oak door. Moments passed. Finally, the latch clicked and the door swung open.

  A shapely redhead stepped onto the porch and arched an eyebrow. “Can I help you?” She asked, sweeping her cool blue eyes down the length of Kelly’s six-foot frame.

  Kelly grinned. Krystal’s description hadn’t quite prepared him for Stella. She wore a pair of faded blue jeans that fit her slim legs like a second skin and a colorful green print shirt knotted snugly below her ample breasts.

  “I certainly hope so,” Kelly answered her question. “I’m looking for Krystal Davis. She and I attended a workshop together in Austin last year and she invited me to look her up if I ever made it to Houston.” Kelly paused while Stella eyed him speculatively. When she didn’t speak, he grinned and asked, “You wouldn’t by any chance be her sister?”

  “I’m Krystal’s aunt.” She looked directly into his eyes. “Krystal’s living in Fort Worth.”

  “Oh!” Kelly returned her direct look. “I guess that means I’m going to be left on my lonesome.” He drew out his words and kept his eyes fastened on hers. “I was hoping Krystal would show me a bit of the night life.”

  “It’s too bad she’s not here then,” Stella said, the warmth of her smile offering plenty of encouragement.

  “I don’t suppose you’d care to join me for a drink?” Kelly made the most of his friendly reception.

  “I don’t know.” She let the words hang for a moment. “I’d hate Krystal to hear I’d been inhospitable to her friend but I do have a commitment for tonight.” She paused, as if debating his offer then flashed him another smile. “Are you staying in the area?”

  Kelly nodded. “The Holiday Inn over on Southwest Boulevard.”

  “The Longhorn Saloon is nearby. If you wanted to drop by there about eleven, I could stop for a drink after my engagement.”

  “You’re on,” Kelly approved her suggestion. “I’ll get settled in and grab a bite to eat. You’ll find me waiting when you get there.”

  Smiling, Kelly strode back to the truck. Things were going just fine. He’d be willing to bet Stella would have a pretty good buzz going by the time she got to the Longhorn and that’d make it all the easier to get her talking.

  At the hotel, Kelly signed in, dropped his bag in the room and headed for the coffee shop. A heaping platter of chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes took care of his hunger and after a quick stop at the front desk to ask for a ten o’clock call, he stretched out on the bed. Sleep took over the minute his head hit the pillow.

  A couple of hours later, the telephone jangled. Kelly grabbed the receiver to acknowledge the call and swung his feet onto the floor. It was a damn good thing he’d asked for a wakeup or he’d likely have slept through the night. That would’ve played hell with his plans.

  It was nearly eleven when he reached the Longhorn Saloon. The place was jammed. Kelly elbowed his way through the crowd and stood around until a young couple rose from their table. Two strides took him to the empty chair just as a short stringbean, leading a chubby blonde in a leopard skin jumpsuit, made a valiant attempt at interception. Kelly settled into the empty seat. Stringbean gave him a scowl and moved on with the blonde still in tow. Grinning, Kelly waved down a waitress and ordered a longneck.

  The crowd seemed charged with energy and the band set a lively beat. Kelly relaxed, drank his beer and waited. Eventually a cool hand fluttered against his neck.

  “I see you found a table,” Stella leaned over and spoke into his ear.

  “Yep and let me tell you, that took some fancy footwork,” Kelly pulled out the chair beside him.

  She slid into the seat and tilted her head to smile up into his eyes. “Lively, isn’t it,” she said. Her bright eyes and flushed cheeks confirmed his earlier guess that she’d be having several drinks before she met him.

  A waitress approached the table. “What’ll you have to drink?” Kelly bent his head to speak into Stella’s ear.

  “I’ll take a gin and tonic.” Her eyes twinkled and she ran her fingers along his arm. “You know what they say about gin.”

  Kelly squeezed her fingers. “Good choice.” He turned to give their order to the hovering waitress.

  The band swung into a two-step and Kelly reached for Stella’s hand. “Want to give it a try?” Stella nodded and followed him out to the floor where she slipped lightly into his arms. She had great rhythm and easily followed him through a series of intricate twirls.

  Kelly made up his mind to wait until later, over a late breakfast, before asking her any questions. They danced and laughed and shared several more drinks, until finally—when the lights dimmed for two o’clock closing—Kelly suggested breakfast and Stella readily accepted his invitation.

  The Pantry was only a short walk across the parking lot. Arms linked, they strolled to the restaurant and slid into a cozy booth.

  After they’d given their orders, Kelly snuggled Stella up beside him and said he had a story to tell. She nodded and pressed her body tight against his.

  He started in by talking about his life in Fort Worth—not too much—just the highlights. Then he talked about Indian Creek and the Hideaway. Finally he brought up Anna’s name. That’s when she stiffened and pulled away from him.

  “Now wait a minute.” He grasped her arms and turned her back to face him. “I just want to tell you about my friend and what’s going on down there. All you have to do is listen. I won’t press you. Sure, I’d appreciate it if you’d answer a couple of questions but the choice is yours. I won’t push.”

  Stella stared at him. He thought at first she was going to scoot but finally, with a shrug of her shoulders, she settled back on the seat and they had a long talk.

  The next morning, Kelly checked out of the motel and headed for home. He’d gotten an earful from Stella and he couldn’t wait to get Gus’ slant on these new developments. Of course, he hadn’t learned anything specific but he damn sure had some more pieces to play with. Krystal would come into control of her trust in a few months and she’d already said she planned to leave everything in her uncle’s hands.

  No wonder Andrew hadn’t wanted Krystal to get back in touch with her mother. If Anna had decided to tell Krystal the truth about who she was with the night her father killed himself Andrew could very easily find himself out in the cold. To Kelly’s way of thinking
, that added up to one hell of a motive for murder.

  Chapter Twelve

  Construction on interstate 45 kept traffic slowed to a crawl and after fifty miles of four lanes cut down to one, Kelly gave up on catching Gus before he left the station. It was a long, boring trip. To top it off, the flagmen seemed to take sadistic delight in flipping their stop signs whenever Old Blue pulled into line. By the time Kelly finally pulled off Jacksboro highway and headed for home, it was well past six.

  Jake’s tail started going full tilt when he spotted Old Blue turning into the driveway. Kelly grinned and played a tune on the horn. Even though he’d only been gone for a day, it was good to be home and the welcoming barks were much appreciated.

  “That’s quite a greeting.” Kelly crouched to wrap his arms around Jake’s neck, getting a few licks on the chin.

  They walked together up the hill to the cabin. Kelly felt good inside knowing Jake had missed him. For a long time after he’d lost Lynda, there hadn’t been anybody to care whether he came home or not. Jake had changed all that.

  Kelly glanced at the phone and spotted the red light flashing on the answering machine. Dropping his bag on the recliner, he punched the playback button. There was a call from Gus and two from Krystal. He sighed, shoved his bag off the recliner and sank back into the seat. He dreaded the thought of returning Krystal’s calls but it had to be faced. She’d want to know what he had found out from Stella and he still didn’t know what the hell he was going to tell her.

  It was a touchy situation. Kelly hated lies but this was one of those times when there didn’t seem to be any options. He’d have to tell her something and he’d already decided that knowing her grandmother had been behind Anna running away wasn’t going to come as much of a shock. After all, the old lady was dead and she and Krystal hadn’t been close. What he hadn’t decided was how much, if anything, he should tell her about her uncle’s involvement.

  The telephone rang and Kelly braced for a conversation with Krystal but the caller turned out to be Gus.