Murder at Black Lake

by Anne Patrick

  ***

  On his lunch break, Gage drove out to Jamie's to collect on the invitation she had extended as he left last night. Mallory's Camry was parked next to Jamie's SUV. Gage was glad his little sister was such a good friend. He hated the thought of Jamie doing most of the work on her own. Her refusal to hire someone to do the renovations made Gage suspect Jamie chose to do it herself for therapeutic reasons.

  Gage rapped on the door before he went inside the house.

  Mallory whirled around. "Geez! You scared me."

  "Sorry."

  "What are you doing here?"

  "Jamie invited me to lunch."

  "Oh, hey." Jamie peered around the corner of the hallway. "It's almost ready."

  Gage ignored the look his sister tossed him and went to the kitchen.

  Jamie set a glass of tea on the counter for him. "You look exhausted."

  "I'm all right." He helped himself to a carrot stick from a dish of assorted raw vegetables. "I see you've almost got the living room painted."

  "Just about." Jamie pulled on a padded glove and removed a baking pan from the oven. "Go ahead and sit down. Mallory, come on."

  Gage got the plates from the cabinet. "Are we eating in here or the dining room?"

  "I've already prepped to paint in there. So this will have to do." Jamie placed a platter of broiled chicken breasts on the island."

  "What can I do?" Mallory went to the sink and washed her hands.

  "You can grab the salad from the fridge."

  Gage pulled out a stool for Jamie, and once she was seated, he sat next to her.

  Mallory looked at him, then Jamie, but didn't say anything. Gage knew it was coming, though. He hadn't told her or his mother about his feelings toward Jamie, mainly because he wasn't sure where it was all leading. Jamie made it clear to him yesterday in no uncertain terms that she was leaving in two and a half months. He and Jamie both had careers they loved, so all he could do was wait and see what developed. Gage was sure of one thing, though, his life wouldn't be the same without her in it.

  ***

  Jamie was aware of every glance Mallory tossed at her and Gage. It was obvious her friend suspected things had changed between them.

  "What were all the police cars doing at Jack's convenience store this morning?" Mallory asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

  Caught in the middle of a gulp of tea, Gage quickly swallowed and wiped his mouth. "Some kids broke in last night and stole some beer and cigarettes."

  "What makes you think it was kids? Teenagers aren't responsible for all the crime around here."

  "I didn't say they were. It's just a hunch. There was a party out near Black Lake last night."

  "No one was hurt, were they? I mean, was it a smash-n-grab while they were open, or had it already closed?" Jamie offered Gage some more salad, but he waved her off.

  "They weren't open."

  Mallory took the pitcher of tea and refilled her glass. "Did you guys ever catch whoever broke into the parts store?"

  "Not yet, but I've got a pretty good idea who did it. I just have to come up with some proof."

  "Anyone I know?"

  "It's a small town, you pretty much know everyone."

  Jamie laughed at the two. They loved to bicker with each other. "You guys haven't changed a bit."

  "You think it's Ed Bryer, don't you?"

  Gage stopped eating.

  Jamie remembered the name from their shopping trip two weeks ago. "Isn't Ed Bryer—"

  "My ex's husband," Gage finished her sentence. He smiled at his sister. "Why would you think he's a suspect?"

  "He owns a salvage yard and he rebuilds cars for a living. It doesn't take much of a leap to figure that one out."

  "No, but proving it is another thing."

  Jamie shook her head as she stood and gathered her plate and glass. She placed them in the sink then grabbed some tinfoil. "Do you want some more chicken, Gage?"

  "No, thanks. I need to get going. Thanks for lunch. It was delicious."

  Jamie turned and nearly ran into him. He kissed her right on the mouth, then walked out of the room. Their relationship, whatever it may be, was now official. "Thanks a lot, Gage," Jamie hollered after him.

  He laughed. "You're welcome." His voice was followed by the sound of the front door closing.

  Jamie met Mallory's blank expression. Jamie couldn't tell if she was shocked or pleased. "Yes, I guess I'm dating your brother."

  "I knew it." Mallory grinned. "Since when?"

  Jamie had to stop and think. They'd been hanging out together almost since her arrival. "The day after my break-in." At least that was when they kissed.

  "Why didn't you say anything?"

  Jamie shrugged. It wasn't that she was embarrassed—anything but that. Being with Gage seemed like the most natural thing in the world to her. The one constant in her life right now, other than her relationship with God.

  "Does Mom know?"

  "Not that I know of." Stella would've definitely said something Sunday if she did. "I would prefer she didn't know unless Gage is the one to tell her."

  "She's going to be so happy. I am, too. I just knew you two would end up married some day."

  "Whoa. Slow down. There is a huge difference between dating and getting married."

  "What? My brother isn't good enough for you?"

  Jamie knew she was teasing because of the grin still plastered on her face. "We live in two different worlds, Mallory. I don't think he can handle mine. Gage is so laidback. My career places me in the public eye. There's no avoiding it. He'd hate living under the microscope of the media and paparazzi. And I bet he wouldn't be caught dead in a tux at a movie premiere."

  "Don't sell Gage short by the perception you have of him. I've known him my whole life and he still surprises me."

  Maybe Mallory was right. Jamie had the tendency to over think things. If they were meant to be together, they would find a way to make it happen. Don't sweat the future, just live in the moment.

  "While we're on the subject of relationships, has Cade called you yet?"

  "No, but it's only been two days."

  "He'll call." Jamie wrapped up the leftover chicken, put it in the fridge, and loaded the dishwasher. She was about to get back to work when her phone rang. She slid it from her pocket and saw it was Tommy. They hadn't spoken since before the interview on Friday. "I need to take this."

  "Okay. I'll be in the living room."

  "Hey, Tommy."

  "How's it going, kid?"

  "I'm making progress. So, did you manage to take care of the photo fiasco?"

  "Yep. The station in Cheyenne sent a copy of your interview and I got one of the L.A. stations to air it Saturday. That, along with the injunction satisfied the tabloid, and they've agreed not to run the story."

  "Good. Does this mean I don't have to come out to L.A. next week?"

  "No, the meeting's still on. If you fly home the day before, you'll only be here a day or two. That is unless you want to make it three and audition for the lead in the new Campbell film that's in the works. I can Fed-X the script to you. I already spoke with him. He's interested."

  Ted Campbell was an up and coming director. His last two movies did very well at the box office. "Yeah, send it and I'll have a look at it."

  "Great. It'll be on its way this afternoon."

  "All right. I need to get back to work. I'll see you next week."

  ***

  Gage finished his burglary report on the convenience store and then gave Officer Cade Williams a call to follow up on his request to check out Ricky Drayton. Williams wasn't on duty, but the dispatcher said he would relay the message. Gage then phoned Bob Addison's office to see if he was free for a quick talk. His receptionist said he had court that afternoon, but Gage might be able to grab a few minutes during recess. Knowing Judge Morris usually broke around three, Gage waited until then. His earlier suspicions of the man had since dissipated. Although Bob was a close friend of R
ita's, probably the only one she had, Gage couldn't see the attorney risking his family and career to have James killed. He still wanted to talk to the man, though.

  At three fifteen people began filing out of the courtroom. Gage saw Addison emerge with his client, a young man, perhaps in his late twenties, whom Gage had seen around town but didn't know by name. Gage waved at Addison. The attorney said something to his client then walked over.

  "Hi, Gage."

  "Hey, Bob. I'll only keep you for a few minutes. I'm looking into the Riedel murder case and need to know if you remember anyone who may have had problems with James. If he'd ever received threats from anyone."

  "Jamie asked me pretty much the same things when she came to see me last week." Addison opened the file in his hand and sorted through the papers. "Like I told her, he might've had some disgruntled clients, but I don't remember any threats. Everyone loved James." He glanced up briefly before returning his attention to the folder. "He was a good man. An upstanding leader in our community."

  "It's clear not everyone loved him. The man's dead."

  "Yeah." Addison looked at Gage as he bit at his lower lip. He seemed anxious, torn even.

  "If there is something you know, Bob, it's crucial you tell me. After Jamie came and saw you last week, someone broke into her house and threatened her. The killer is still out there, and it's only a matter of time before he goes after her again."

  "James was having an affair."

  Gage thought the guy was lying at first, but it would explain why James spent so much time away from home. "Do you have any idea with whom?"

  "No. I honestly don't. I only saw her once. She came to the office. The doors were closed, but I could hear them arguing. They left together. The next day, I gave James a hard time and he got real mad. I thought he was going to punch me."

  "When? How long before his murder?"

  "Oh, several years. I think it was an ongoing affair. Whether or not he was still seeing her at the time of his murder, I really can't say." He shrugged. "It may have nothing to do with him being killed."

  "Did Rita know of the affair?" If so, it would give her motive to want James dead.

  "She never said as much, but I think she did."

  "And you're sure you don't know who the woman was?"

  "Positive. Believe me, a lady like her, you don't forget her name. Blonde, gorgeous, and several years younger than James."

  Gage's heart sank. He never would've guessed James Riedel was the type of man to cheat on his wife. Risk losing his family.

  "Promise me you won't tell Jamie unless you absolutely have to. She worshiped her dad. He could do no wrong in her eyes."

  "Hopefully, I won't have to." Gage prayed that day would never come because it would devastate Jamie.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Jamie woke before dawn and drank her first cup of coffee on the porch as she watched the sunrise. Today the security company from Cheyenne would be here to install the alarm system. Maybe now she could sleep with all the lights off and remove the gun from underneath the spare pillow. On second thought, the gun would stay. It'd been almost a week since her intruder broke in and she still couldn't erase the image of waking up and finding him in her bedroom.

  A familiar blue truck pulled into her drive. Jamie smiled. She couldn't think of a more perfect way to start a new day.

  Gage joined her on the steps, handing her a single rose. "Good morning." He leaned over and kissed her.

  "Whose garden are you stealing these from?" she teased. He'd left one almost every morning on his way to work. This was the first time she had caught him, though.

  "My landlord. I figure they're included in my rent since I do water and care for them."

  "When am I going to get to see your bachelor pad?"

  "How about tonight? I'll make us dinner. Is spaghetti on your diet plan?"

  "No, but I think I can do with a little indulgence." She had reached her goal and dropped an extra three pounds from all the sweat and hard work she'd been doing while cleaning out and fixing up the house.

  "How's the painting coming along?"

  "We finished the living and dining rooms. Today, we're doing the kitchen and laundry room."

  "Did Mallory give you a hard time after I left yesterday?"

  "Not too bad. Thanks again by the way."

  Gage grinned. "I doubt she was too surprised."

  "You're right, she wasn't." Jamie reflected on their conversation but only briefly. "Any news from Cade about Ricky Drayton?"

  "I left a message for him yesterday, but I haven't heard back from him yet."

  "I had another nightmare about it last night." She folded her arms and stared down the drive. "Now that I remember everything, they're more vivid."

  "Is that why you're up so early?"

  "No, force of habit." She smiled at him. "When I'm on location, I usually have to be in the makeup trailer by six or seven. I've been enjoying the sunrises while I'm here, though."

  "You know, you can call me anytime if you need to talk."

  "I'll remember that."

  "Good. I hate to rush off, but I need to get to work." He kissed her again, this time a little longer.

  "Thanks for the rose." She stood and grasped his hand. "Be careful, and I'll see you tonight."

  Jamie watched him drive off then turned to go inside. A movement in the field beside her house caught her eye. She glanced over. A buck, doe, and two fawns were grazing. The buck, with a large rack of antlers, stared back at her. Jamie couldn't remember the last time she saw a live deer, much less a family of them. It made her realize how much this place was starting to mean to her. The place she grew up in finally felt like home. And she knew Gage had a lot to do with that.

  ***

  Derek came out the door just as Gage drove into the lot. He parked his truck and waved Derek over. "Are we still on for this weekend?"

  "Yeah. I picked up my dad's paint sprayer and power washer last night. I also found an old porch swing, if you think Jamie will want it."

  "I bet she would." For her morning sunrises.

  "Heard you had a busy day yesterday."

  Gage nodded. "Unfortunately, we don't have much to go on."

  "Do you think Bryer is responsible for this one, too?"

  Derek was the only person he had confided in about his suspicion of Ed Bryer being responsible for the missing car parts and burglary of the automotive store. He was afraid anyone else would think he was biased and maybe even jealous. Nothing could be further from the truth, though. "No. Only beer and cigarettes were taken. I imagine it was just teenagers."

  "You might wanna have a look at Nick Bennett and Kyle Wilkes."

  Gage knew both of the troublemakers, having had several run-ins with them in the last couple of years. "Why them?"

  "Bennett is dating the daughter of Jack Denny."

  "Interesting. I wonder if she was in on it."

  "I wouldn't be surprised. She's a little on the wild side."

  "I'll have a talk with them. Thanks."

  Gage clocked in then drove to the IGA supermarket where both Nick Bennett and Nicole Denny worked. He wouldn't be able to question Nicole without her father present, but Nick was eighteen, legally an adult.

  The store had just opened, so only half a dozen cars were in the parking lot, one of them a shiny red Camaro, which Gage knew belonged to Nick Bennett. Gage pulled his cruiser in behind it and went into the building.

  Nicole stood at the first register. When she saw Gage, her eyes widened. It was a good indication she knew why he was there. Gage walked over to the customer service desk and asked the manager where he could find the young man. The manager directed him to the employee area at the back of the store. "He should be clocking in any minute."

  Gage stepped into the back room, saw the time clock to his right, but no Nick. A younger kid came around a large pallet of boxes. "I'm looking for Nick Bennett."

  "He just went out the back door." He pointed toward the load
ing area where a large bay door was open and a conveyor belt stood on blocks at the back of a semi truck. Four other employees caught and stacked boxes as they came off the truck. One of them motioned to a smaller door.

  Gage knew the kid would head for his car, so he ran through the store and out the front door. The red Camaro tore out of the parking lot and down the street. Gage called dispatch and put a BOLO out on the car, then went back inside.

  The manager met him at the first register. "What's going on?"

  "You're gonna need to call another cashier. Nicole here is coming with me."

  "What? Why?" she shrieked. "I haven't done anything."

  "Obstruction of justice for starters."

  She reached for her cellphone at the side of the register, but Gage beat her to it. "What do you want to bet that Nick Bennett's number was dialed in the last fifteen minutes?"

  ***

  A red-faced Jack Denny came stomping down the hall toward Gage as he stood outside the interview room. "My wife said you have my daughter here for questioning."

  "That's right. I was just waiting on you to get here."

  "What's this all about, Gage?"

  Gage filled him in on the morning's events and that his daughter's cellphone proved she had called Nick to warn him.

  "Do you have any proof Nick is the one who broke into my store?"

  "Come on, Jack. Your daughter's dating the guy. She'd know your video equipment isn't working. Nicole knew the minute she saw me walk in the store why I was there. Why else would Nick run?"