“Did you ever hear why Matthew went to work in Cloverville and not back in his hometown?”
“Nah, never thought to ask. What are you thinking?”
“I don’t know yet, but I think it’s odd that he would want to go to a small county fresh out of college instead of going back home where his family is.”
“Maybe that’s the reason. It’s hard to prosecute people you grew up with. How many cases would he have had to recuse himself from?”
“Good point, and it’s the only one that would hold water right now.”
“Help or hurt?”
She unlocked her car. “I don’t know yet. All morning I’ve been trying to figure out why he went there. Maybe you’re right, and I’m on a rabbit’s trail that isn’t going to lead anywhere.”
“Rachel, if it’s gnawing at your gut, don’t dismiss it. You know this. Just set it aside and see if any evidence leads you in that direction.”
“You’re right. I’m heading home. I’ll see you Sunday.”
“Why not tonight?”
A smile formed on her lips. “Will you let me work?”
“Yes, I promise, and I just crossed my heart.”
She looked at the time on her dashboard. “I need to pack. I can be there by seven or eight.”
“I’ll plan a late dinner then.”
16
The sun hadn’t yet risen Monday morning when Ben smiled as he looked at Rachel sleeping next to him. She looked like an angel. The weekend had flown by, and all it did was confirm his need to be with her. When the case was over, they’d discuss plans for the future. He prayed she wouldn’t want a big wedding—he didn’t know if he could go through that again—but he’d do whatever made her happy.
He gently brushed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. He didn’t want to wake her, but they needed to get on the road. He kissed from her cheek to her ear. “Sweetheart, we’ve got to get up.”
“Just a few more minutes,” she mumbled.
“If you want a shower, I’ve given all the time I could.” He lowered the covers just enough to expose her breasts. A smile formed on his lips as he leaned over and sucked her pink nipple into his mouth. When he pulled hard, she gasped before a moan left her.
“I’m going to start the water. I’ll be back to get you. If you’re up when I get back, we’ll have time for a quickie in the shower.”
Her lips tilted into a sleepy smile. “I’ll be up.”
Ben turned on the water and brushed his teeth while he waited for it to turn warm. With the perfect temperature set, he went to get Rachel. When he walked into the room, she was nowhere to be found. “Rach?”
“Coming.” She hurried into the bedroom. “I started the coffee.”
“Good idea.” Seeing her breasts jiggle as she hurried into the room had his cock stiffening. He ushered her into the bathroom with one thing in mind … and getting clean wasn’t it.
He lifted her against the wall and didn’t waste time slamming into the one place he never wanted to be away from. Within minutes, they were both whispering the other’s name.
“Wow, talk about quick.”
He pinched her butt. “Are you speaking unfavorably on my stamina?”
She smiled. “No, no, I wouldn’t do that.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Good, ‘cause it seemed you were just as ready as I was. And since this is the last chance we’re going to have for a while, I wasn’t about to miss it.”
The smile on her face faltered. “I’m going to miss you.”
“Me too, Rach. We need to focus on this case, but once it’s over, we need to have a serious conversation about what we want.”
She nodded. “I’ve already told you what I want.”
He brushed a strand of wet hair from her face. “And I want to give it to you.”
“That’ll be something we can look forward to then.”
“Yes, the end prize.”
“I like that.”
* * *
Ben watched Rachel with sad eyes as she put something in her overnight bag. “I don’t like you going alone.”
“I know, but I’ll be fine.”
“Will you? How do you know that?”
“Because I’m going to be careful. See, I have this wonderful man to come back to, and I can’t bear the thought of him living life without me.”
“Rachel, be careful who you talk to and what you ask. You never know who you’ll piss off. Please avoid meeting people in secluded areas or private residences. Just keep everything in public, okay?”
She stepped around the bed and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I am going to be careful. This isn’t my first investigation.”
His arms automatically enveloped her. “But it is the first with high-power, ruthless people. Sweetheart, don’t take any chances. If something doesn’t feel right, for the love of God, listen to your gut.”
“I will, Ben. I promise.” She raised to her tippy-toes and pressed her lips to his. He stared at her for a moment before giving into the kiss and closing his eyes.
He pulled back before things went too far and they’d end up back in bed … and late for their meetings. “We’ve got to get on the road. Traffic in Columbia will be hell around eight. We’ll have time for breakfast before your meeting if we leave now.”
She zipped her bag. “Ready.”
17
Two and half hours later, they were sitting at the IHOP across from the Attorney General’s office.
Rachel looked out the window. “Maybe I should have suggested we meet away from her office.”
“With what you need to discuss, it’ll be better behind closed doors.”
“You’re right.”
“When you’re done, text me. My meeting is in the old Shandon area of Columbia. Until we know who knows what, we probably shouldn’t be seen around the State House together at lunchtime. Since you’re going to go up Interstate 77 on your way to Rock Hill, let’s meet for lunch over on Two Notch Road. Whichever one of us finishes first, finds the restaurant.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She looked around the restaurant then leaned toward him. “I’m nervous.”
He nodded. “Tread lightly, Rachel, and you’ll be fine.” He flagged down the waitress and paid their bill. His hand rested at the small of her back, and he squeezed her hip just before they reached the doors of the restaurant. “Good luck.”
Since they didn’t know if anyone would be watching them once they stepped outside, Ben let Rachel leave before him. He watched her walk across the street before he headed toward his car.
Ben drove toward one of the oldest, well-to-do neighborhoods in Columbia. He was surprised she’d kept the big house after the divorce. Ten minutes later he pulled onto the cobblestone driveway of an old stately mansion. The ivy growing up the fence, and the old walls of the house reminded him of an English Tudor style home. With his computer case slung over his shoulder, he rang the doorbell adjacent to the large, heavy wooden door at the entrance of the home. Definitely above my pay grade.
A woman in her mid to late fifties opened the door, dressed as if she were going to a luncheon at one of the private clubs around town. “Mr. Stevens, I presume?”
“Yes, ma’am. Ms. Pickens?”
She stuck her hand out to him, and Ben gently shook it. “I gave the housekeeper the morning off so we wouldn’t be disturbed.” She stood to the side of the door and waved him in. “Come in. I have coffee and tea ready. We can sit in the sunroom if that’s all right with you.”
“Wherever you’re most comfortable, Ms. Pickens. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”
“I don’t know what you’re looking for or how much help I’ll be, but I’m willing to help you any way I can.”
“Thank you.”
Ben followed her through the kitchen to a small sunroom on the back side of the house. “This room is one of the reasons I’ve kept this house all these years.”
“It’s lovely.”
“That,
and I hoped that Stephanie and Matthew may want it one day. She tells me he wants to run for state representative after they’re married.”
“Is that so?”
She flipped her hand in the air. “I’m sure that’s her father’s doing, but we’ll see. Stephanie sees herself as first lady one day.” She stopped in front of the drink cart. “Coffee? Tea?”
Ben coughed. “Tea, please. Matthew as governor?”
She poured Ben’s tea. “Governor, President, it doesn’t matter to Stephanie. She was definitely born to be a politician’s wife.” She handed Ben his tea and placed her hand on her chest. “I, on the other hand, never saw us in politics. Martin had a small law firm back home, and that was enough for me. We were completely surprised, and of course, flattered when the people of Riverton Crossing and the rest of the county asked him to run for office. I guess, as you say, the rest is history.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ben swallowed. “Ms. Pickens—”
“Call me Martha.”
Ben nodded. “Martha, did the senator know Theodore Nobles before he was elected?”
“Oh, yes. Theo is one of Martin’s oldest and dearest friends.” She poured herself a cup of coffee and gently placed one cube of sugar and a splash of cream in it before sitting across from Ben. “Their friendship goes back to elementary school. Some boys were picking on Theo because he didn’t have money, you see, and Martin bought his lunch one day. He sat with Theo, and their friendship formed. As they got older, Theo was bigger than anyone in their class, and Martin was”—she placed her hand next to her mouth and leaned forward as if to conceal what she was saying—“what people called a nerd,” she whispered. She righted her posture and dabbed the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Theo became Martin’s protector. If anyone bothered Martin, Theo took care of it.”
Ben furrowed his brows. “Did that bother you?”
“Oh, heaven’s no. Martin always paid Theo for it in some way. Whether it was lunch, gas for his old car, new shoes, or even money to take a girl on a date.”
“Where did Martin get that kind of money?”
Martha smiled. “His father was the first doctor the hospital brought in. He was paid well.”
“I see. So, what happened when Martin went to college?”
“Dr. Pickens found a small house with two bedrooms here for both Martin and Theo. For a small portion of Martin’s spending money, Theo made sure Martin was taken care of. He kept up the house, yard, and car. All Martin had to do was go to school and study.”
“That was a nice setup. I wish I had that when I went to school.” Ben chuckled.
The older lady giggled. “Yes, it was nice to have a driver when we went on dates.” A shy smile slightly curved her lips as her cheeks grew rosy.
“So, you were here at the University as well?”
“Oh no, I went to Columbia College. It was an all-girls school at the time. My parents wouldn’t have allowed me to go to school with Martin.”
Ben nodded. “What happened when Martin got elected?”
A frown formed on the woman’s face. “It was the worst thing to happen to us. Martin got a two-bedroom apartment for when he had to be here, and I stayed in Riverton Crossing.”
“That sounds normal.”
“Until he was put on different committees. The more he was re-elected, the more important the committees became until he was here more than at home. That’s when he met her.”
“And when was that?”
“During his third term.”
“And where was Theo during that time?”
“Right here with him—Theo instead of me, his wife. If I’d been here, she would have never come into the picture.”
“How did Martin keep from being photographed with her? Surely, they went out.”
“Theo picked her up and brought her to the apartment. If they went out, she was on Theo’s arm, not Martin’s. Hell, I even shared a meal with the woman.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “I’m sorry, excuse my language.” She sipped her coffee. “I surprised Martin one evening by driving up to see him. They played her off as Theo’s girl. Theo even kissed her in front of Martin. When he grabbed my leg under the table, I thought that meant he wanted to … fool around, so I slipped my hand over and, um, touched him. He was hard, and I thought it was for me, but it was for her. I’ll never forget the sheepish smile she had on her face when she cut her eyes to Martin as she wiped the edges of her lips. We had sex that night, but it was different. Come to find out later, he was just slaking his desire for her off with me.”
“That’s horrible. I’m sorry, Ms. Pickens. Was it just the four of you that night for dinner?”
Ms. Pickens tapped her finger on her chin. “Come to think of it, another couple joined us for dessert and coffee later.”
“Do you remember their names?”
“Let me think … Scott … Scott Jones and his girlfriend.”
“Was that the only time you saw them?
“No, Martin had him and his wife to dinner when he took a job with the United Southeastern Bank in Riverton Crossing.”
Ben nodded. “Other than that dinner, did you ever see any of them again?” Ben was careful not to mention Hailey’s name for Ms. Pickens sake.
“Can you believe he had the audacity to bring that woman and Theo to our home in Riverton Crossing? She and Theo slept in the same bedroom. I think it was some sick game they played. Shortly after that, he opened a satellite office here in Columbia with a couple of partners. He also took on a partner in Riverton Crossing and bought this house. To my surprise, he kept the apartment, giving it to Theo. Stephanie was in grade school by that time and had me running all over town for dance lessons, tumbling lessons, and entering every beauty pageant that came along, so I really didn’t notice how often Martin was gone.”
“He didn’t participate in any of Stephanie’s activities?”
“Only the ones in Riverton Crossing so he could make an appearance. Show he was the loving father and concerned senator.”
Ben nodded.
“The worst part was when he told me who she really was and that she was pregnant. He proceeded to ask for a divorce so he could marry her. He even had the nerve to tell me he still loved me. I was furious.”
“You didn’t know who she was before then?”
“No.” She shook her head. “They always said she was Theo’s girl. They looked quite comfortable together, so I assumed that’s who she was. I never saw inappropriate touching between her and Martin … only looks.”
“According to my research, the two of you divorced in 2005.”
“That’s correct. One of his partners drew up the papers. He admitted to adultery so we could get a quick divorce. Even though they’re public documents, we agreed to do this as quietly as possible. This was when I found out that he never changed his mailing address from the apartment. The house was put into my name immediately even though he still pays for it, and my alimony is directly deposited into my account. The divorce was handled during his summer break to keep it as low key as possible. If anyone questioned his change in wives, I didn’t hear anything at that time. It wasn’t until months later when I ran into one of the other senator’s wives that she asked me about it.”
“Did you have any contact with him after the divorce?”
“Only if it pertained to Stephanie.”
“Martha, the night of August 4th, 2008. Did you have any contact with Martin?”
“I don’t think so.”
“He had been in a car accident that night.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, that’s the night Theo hit a car and killed a woman.”
“So, you talked to him?”
“No, I read it in the paper the next day. Even though his name wasn’t in the paper, I could make out it was Martin beside Theo in the picture.”
Ben nodded. “It was my wife who died in that accident.”
Her hand flew over her mouth. “I am so sorry.”
Ben closed his eye
s and nodded. “Thank you.” He took a slow deep breath. “I have reason to believe that Martin was behind the wheel of that car, not Theo. Do you think that Theo and Martin are close enough that Theo would go to jail for him?”
“Without a second thought. Theo keeps Martin’s nose clean, and Martin makes sure Theo wants for nothing.”
“Theo would willingly give up seven years of his life?”
“Yes, but I’m sure it cost Martin a pretty penny.”
Ben nodded and raised a brow just as his phone vibrated in his pocket. “Thank you, Martha.” He pointed to his pocket. “I need to respond to that, and I don’t want to take up any more of your time. You’ve been a great help.”
Ben followed her to the front door. She opened it and looked at Ben. “Is Martin in some kind of trouble?”
A friendly smile graced Ben’s face. “I don’t know yet. Thank you for the tea.”
* * *
Rachel walked across the street to the Attorney General’s office. The old ornate building with dark mahogany wood was designed to awe its visitors, and it succeeded. The blindfolded lady that symbolized justice was carved in the back wall, and it was one of the first things that caught Rachel’s eyes when she entered.
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Rachel stopped at the front desk. The receptionist looked at her and smiled. “May I help you?”
“I have an appointment with Tracy Long, but I’m a few minutes early.”
“Thank you. Have a seat, and I’ll let her know you’re here.”
Rachel walked toward the more modern furnished room. The contrast between the old and new worked well in this area, reminding people of the history and age of the building, but also taking it into the future. She looked out the window over Assembly Street just as Ben’s car pulled out of the parking spot. A whole new set of nerves kicked in, knowing who Ben was meeting.
“Ms. Davis?”
Rachel turned to see a young man standing beside a huge wooden door. “Yes?”
“Ms. Long is available now. Would you follow me?” Rachel followed the young man quietly down the hall. They were approaching the last door when he asked, “Would you like some coffee, water, or soda?”
Uncovered Secrets: A Riverton Crossing Novel - Book 7 Page 8