by Stacy-Deanne
He propped up his knee. “What are you talking about?”
“I observed some of the people at Vanna’s funeral and heard some things.”
He groaned. “What things?”
“Things that made me interested in Nolan’s accident.”
“Let me guess.” He stretched. “Did you get interested after speaking to Carolyn Myers? You two got cozy while you investigated Brett’s murder.”
“She’s convinced Vanna died of a broken heart because she couldn’t get over Nolan’s death.”
“Vanna had a history of heart problems, Lexi.”
“People can die of broken hearts, Kevin.” She flicked her hair off her shoulder. “Being in homicide, I’ve seen it happen time and time again after a loved one’s been murdered.”
“People from the same company can die and it means nothing. Please, don’t start more rumors about Grant because all it does is make you look crazy around here.”
“I haven’t started rumors about Grant but I damn sure hear a lot of them.”
“Carolyn Myers is not the most objective person concerning Grant. She hates him. I know the real man Grant is.” He turned his face away, sighing. “Probably more than anyone ever could.”
“And he didn’t look upset when Vanna died, did he?”
“Just stop it, Lexi. It’s all just a coincidence, okay? Nothing more.”
“Well, well, well.” Grant entered the room with an erect stance. Even the silver in his hair and domineering wrinkles around his eyes didn’t distract from his good looks. “What do we have here?” His pristine, graying goatee accented his pearly whites.
“Shit.” Alexis yanked up her blouse and threw it over her bra.
“Grant?” Kevin zipped his pants and grabbed his shirt. “What are you doing here?”
“Looks like I should ask you the same.” Grant moved to the center of the room, his hypnotic green eyes stayed on Alexis. “Well, how are you, Firecracker?” He made a sucking sound with his tongue. “I didn’t take you for a woman to be on any man’s floor.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Watch it, Grant.” Kevin buttoned his shirt. “What the hell do you want?”
“I didn’t mean to interrupt the party.” He smirked. “I need that file to look over for the merger.”
“Now?” Kevin’s voice cracked.
“Yes, I needed to check something out.” Grant smiled at Alexis.
She kept the blouse over her.
Kevin turned toward Alexis and back to Grant. “Can you show the lady some decency please?”
“Decency?” Grant pointed to her. “She’s lying on the floor half-naked, yet I’m to show decency?”
“It’ll be the first time in your life you’ve ever showed anyone any decency, I’m sure,” Alexis said.
“Ooh.” Grant licked his lips. “How can you live day to day, Firecracker?”
“What?” She crawled behind the desk to escape his gaze.
“How do you make it with all that fire and wit?” He laughed. “You don’t know how entertaining you are, Firecracker.”
Kevin got in his face. “I told you not to call her that.”
“I can call her anything I want. This is my building. Don’t forget that.”
Alexis put on her blouse and held her hand out from behind the desk. “Kevin, pass me my pants.”
Grant smirked.
Kevin handed them to her and grabbed a file from his drawer. “Here.” He passed it to Grant.
“Thank you.” He stared at Alexis while taking it.
“You can go now, Grant.” Kevin pointed to the door.
Grant’s mouth curled up in the corner. “It was nice to see you again, Fire…”
Kevin groaned.
“Alexis.” Grant left.
Alexis exhaled and stood. “Jesus.”
“I’m sorry, honey.” Kevin kissed her cheek. “You okay?”
“He’s always sneaking around.” She stared at the doorway.
“Well, it is his building as he keeps reminding me.” Kevin sat behind his desk and got on his computer.
“What’s this merger about?”
“Don’t worry about it.” He typed with his attention on the screen. “I can’t talk to you about Copeland business.”
“Why?” She sashayed behind the desk. “You don’t trust me now?” She massaged his shoulders.
“Mm.” He leaned his head back. “I don’t trust what you’ll do with the information.” He grinned.
She kissed him. “I’d never jeopardize your standing with this company no matter how much I hate Grant.” She swerved his chair around until he faced her. “Tell me.”
“Okay.” He pulled her onto his lap. “You heard of Nobuto Takahashi?”
“No.” She put her arms around his shoulders.
“He’s the CEO of Takahashi Pharmaceuticals.”
“Oh, yeah.” She tugged on his shirt. “The big Japanese company.”
“That company’s worth about sixty billion dollars.”
She dropped her arms from his shoulders. “Sixty billion?” Her mouth went dry. “Jesus Christ.”
He stroked her hair. “And, Copeland Enterprises could see a good chunk of it if we complete this merger. For fifteen years, Grant has been trying to go global with Copeland Enterprises and he and Nobuto have been in talks for a while.”
“Sounds like a big deal.”
He hooked his fingers within hers. “It would make Copeland Enterprises a goldmine internationally.”
“How close are you to this deal going through?”
“Well, Nobuto wants to do it.” Kevin laid his hand on the keyboard. “We have things to work out. We made him several offers, but we’re not there yet. See, he wants to expand over here as much as we want to expand over there, but we won’t let him rob us to do it.”
“What are the terms of this deal?”
“Oh, no.” He patted her butt. “You know enough.” He kissed her nose.
“Come on.” She pulled at his collar.
“I can’t tell you anymore, Lexi. We have confidentiality agreements on this. We can’t just go around telling outsiders about our plans. Do you know what could happen if rival companies find out about this?”
“How important is this merger to Grant?”
He pulled her hand from his collar. “This is the biggest deal Copeland Enterprises has ever seen. Grant’s put his heart and soul into it and he’ll do anything to make it happen.”
* * * *
“Oh!” Alexis bumped into Grant as she walked out Copeland Enterprises.
He held his usual smirk. “Did I scare you?”
“What are you still doing here? Why are you always sneaking around?”
The security lights illuminated his striking face.
“You keep me guessing just like your mother always did.” He put his hands in the pockets of his crisp blazer. “I like that.”
She groaned. “What do you want, Grant?”
“You surprise me, Firecracker. Here I thought you were above certain things.”
She crossed her arms. “Like I really give a damn what you think of me. I keep telling you that the same things that make others around here fear you are what make you so pathetic to me.”
“Let me change that opinion.” He took her hand.
“Don’t.” She snatched hers away.
“You still don’t get it do you, Lexi?” His short hair blew in the breeze. “There’s nothing you can do to me. You tried to pin Brett’s murder on me and when that didn’t work you try to trash my name.”
“I was wrong about Brett but you’ve never been on the up and up and it’s about time this town stops ignoring that.”
“Now you’re trying to mess with my business, hmm? You’re running around on this silly crusade for revenge and for what?” He put his hands together. “Because Elizabeth loved me and you can’t stand that?”
“I told you to keep my mother’s name out of your mouth. You ruined her life
. Isn’t that enough?”
“Believe it or not I’m glad you’re back.” He moved closer to her. “It’s like having Elizabeth all over again.” He touched her cheek.
She slapped his hand away. “Touch me one more time and see if I’m playing.” She took out her keys. “You want me to stay out of your business, Grant? Then stay the hell out of my life, pig.”
He blocked her from leaving. “I’m a pig? It’s comical to have my morals attacked by a woman who Kevin just had on the floor.”
She grabbed him by the shirt. “Look into my eyes, Grant.”
“No problem.” He chuckled. “I could stare into those beautiful brown eyes for the rest of my life.”
She shook him. “Look at them! I promise you they’ll be the last thing you see if you don’t stay out of my way.” She let him go.
“You tell me to keep your mother’s name out of your mouth, but it’s because of my love for Elizabeth that I tolerate you. But, time’s run out for that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’ve been asking around about Nolan’s car accident.” He squinted. “I can’t see why you’d care about that unless it’s another angle you’re trying to find.”
“I haven’t said a damn thing about you and Nolan.” She sneered, feeling satisfied from his concern. “Besides, I watched you at Vanna’s funeral and that was telling enough.”
That cockiness disappeared from his face.
“Yeah, you gave that touching speech at Vanna’s funeral but didn’t mean a damn word of it.” She raised her head. “I’m sure I’m not the only one who could tell.”
“You’re talking about Carolyn?” The corner of his mouth rose. “Hmm. You guys seemed chummy. I guess you’re happy to find someone in town who hates me as much as you do.”
“You’re hiding something, Grant.” She pointed her finger at him. “Maybe that’s the real reason I came back to Tate Valley. It’s time for all your secrets to be exposed.”
“I feel so bad for you, Firecracker.” He shook his head. “You’re so obsessed with me you can’t even live your own life. I have no secrets.” That sneaky smile returned.
She leaned into him, feeling more triumphant than she had in years. “If that’s the case then why are you sweating so much?”
He touched his damp forehead then glared at her.
“Good night, Grant.”
She walked away, grinning.
Chapter Four
The Next Day
“How can you have nothing yet?” The short, chubby Benson McCoy stomped around the living room of his mansion. “My son was murdered and you have nothing?” Gray sprigs sprouted from all directions of his head.
“That’s why we’re here,” Alexis said. “We won’t find out anything until we investigate.”
“Investigate what?” His belly wobbled as he approached her. “You know who did this. My god, I know cops are stupid, but it isn’t rocket science!”
Penelope exhaled.
“Rose Malone did this.” He waved his stubby hand. “She was the only one with him. Everything else she says is bullshit!” He stomped past the bronze statue of a naked woman and stood at the double doors that led to the patio.
“Well, if it is or isn’t, then we’ll find out through our investigation,” Penelope said. “I know you’re upset, but—”
“You don’t know shit, Dao.” He pointed. “You guys think he got what he deserved.”
“No, we—”
“Oh, don’t give me that shit, Adams. All Donovan is to you is some spoiled rich boy. Ever since you came into this house you’ve given Rose the benefit of the doubt and not to mention that cockamamie rape story.” Benson paced. “My son didn’t attack her. She probably killed him because he didn’t want to sleep with her.”
Penelope glanced at Alexis with her cheeks puffed out.
“My son could have any woman he wanted.” Benson swung his arm. “Why would he want some slut from the trailers?”
Penelope held her breath. “Mr. McCoy—”
“My son had his whole life ahead of him.” Tears gathered in his eyes. “He was twenty-one and had the world at his feet. Why the hell would he want Rose Malone?”
“Maybe that’s why he wanted her,” Alexis said. “Because he felt she had no right to reject him.”
“She’s playing you guys like a fiddle with this innocent crap.” He rubbed his hair, messing it up more. “Okay, what if he came on to her? What did she expect? What woman would go to a secluded beach with a guy at night if she didn’t plan to sleep with him?”
Alexis gasped.
“A woman can do anything she wants, Mr. McCoy,” Penelope snapped. “Going alone with a man doesn’t give him permission to force himself on her.”
“You don’t know for sure if that even happened.” Beads of sweat gathered on Benson’s wide forehead. “Because that girl says it, it’s true? Just like I said.” He held his chunky waist. “You two don’t give a damn about my son.”
“We do care,” Penelope said.
“Donovan is the victim,” he said. “Maybe she led him to the beach and seduced him. Did you once ever think of that?”
Alexis and Penelope exchanged glances. Alexis found the thought of Rose seducing anyone ridiculous but she’d been a cop long enough to know anything could be possible.
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Benson scoffed. “Her mother’s always been a slut.”
“What makes Jesse a slut?” Penelope raised her head. “Because she runs the Tate Valley Lounge, bartends, smokes cigarettes, and has tattoos?”
“No, it’s because she is one. That whole family’s been nothing but garbage, and I’m betting Rose is the same way. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I want that girl arrested.” He got a tissue from the box on the coffee table and dabbed his sweaty forehead.
“If we feel Rose needs to be arrested then she will be,” Alexis said. “Do you know of anyone who might want to hurt your son? Someone with a grudge or someone he’s fallen out with?”
“Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” His round face turned red. “Everyone loved Donovan. He had friends coming out of his ass.” He slammed his fist into his palm. “Rose Malone killed my son and either you guys do something about it or I will.”
* * * *
“I’m not surprised Benson McCoy would accuse Rose.” Jesse swept behind the bar of the empty Tate Valley Lounge. “The man would have to be upgraded to be considered a dick.” The cigarette dangled from her lips. “He’s just like all those rich asses are, they expect everyone else to take the blame for their mess.” She grabbed the towel behind her and wiped the bar.
“You hated Donovan, didn’t you?” Penelope asked.
“Damn straight.” Jesse puffed on the cigarette. “He was attached to Rose like lice when we went to Belle Moonie’s party. I didn’t trust him at all.”
“What if he actually cared about Rose?” Alexis asked.
“Please.” Jesse threw the towel on the bar and yanked the cigarette out her mouth. “I told her he was after sex, but Rose didn’t listen.” She walked from around the bar. “In case you haven’t noticed, she’s very naïve. Plus, she’s a virgin, and she hasn’t gone out on many dates.”
“But she’s so pretty,” Penelope said. “I assumed guys would line up-to-date Rose.”
“Oh, she has guys who like her but she never liked them the way she liked Donovan.” Jesse rolled her eyes. “You know how girls are. They fall for the man with the biggest wallet and the shiniest car.”
Alexis looked at the questions on her notepad. “You mind telling us where you were last night around nine?”
Jesse sat on the stool at the end of the bar. “Excuse me?”
“I’m sure you understand we have to ask anyone who might be involved.” Penelope sat at a table.
Jesse jumped off the stool. “Are you guys trying to say I killed Donovan?”
Penelope raised her hand. “This is just procedure. You know that, J
esse.”
“Do I? I’m seeing the same shit from you two I see from those rich asses.” She stomped behind the bar. “So because I’m poor and they’re rich, I have to be the killer?”
“No,” Alexis insisted. “Don’t you want the person who did this caught? Don’t you want Rose cleared?”
“She did nothing!” Jesse hit the bar.
“Then you shouldn’t be worried about anything.”
“Right, Alexis.” Jesse tapped her fingers on the bar. “In this town?”
“Look.” Alexis approached the bar. “I can understand your anger, but we have to find out who killed Donovan, and that means knowing where you were last night.”
“I don’t believe this.” Jesse smashed her cigarette into the ashtray. “Let me ask you a question. If Donovan were still alive, would you care as much about what he did to Rose as you do about his death?”
“But Rose is alive,” Penelope said. “Donovan isn’t. His murder is what’s important right now.”
“I was here last night working like I always am. You can ask my employees and they’ll back me up.”
Chapter Five
The Next Day
Alexis and Penelope arrived at Carolyn Myers’ estate five minutes after she’d called Alexis. The new security guard greeted the detectives at the front entrance and told them that Carolyn was on the patio.
They went around the huge house and found Carolyn sitting in one of the lounge chairs nursing an iced tea.
She looked up at the detectives without a hint of a smile, but after losing her husband to a vicious murder only a month earlier, Alexis didn’t expect a cheerful greeting.
“Hi, Carolyn.” Alexis took off her shades and sat in the lounge chair beside the little table.
Penelope sat in front of the sliding glass doors. “How are you?”
“Making it.” Carolyn sipped ice tea. “That’s all I can say.”
Alexis looked at her shades. “I’ve said this a hundred times, but I’m so sorry for what happened to Brett.”
“It’s been a month.” Carolyn stared out into the immaculate garden. “But every day I replay that image of his dead body in my head.” She closed her eyes. “I can’t go into our bedroom because I see him lying there bleeding.” She shivered. “And I can’t deal with that. I cannot deal with that.”
