by Lynn Emery
This time it was MiMi’s turn to look skeptical. “Sure. Listen I have rights under the law. Let’s keep this civil, shall we?”
“Under Louisiana law I can’t do anything until the will is probated. At that time you can present evidence of this alleged debt—”
“Alleged?” MiMi yelped. Her mouth worked like a gold fish sucking for air and finding nothing.
“And we’ll take it from there. Now this may take several months. Of course it could be longer if some other woman contests the provisions of the will.” Willa rocked the leather executive chair and watched MiMi with amusement. “Years even.”
MiMi pressed a palm to her forehead. “Kay knows. She was here that day when I met with Jack.”
“You said you two were alone,” Willa reminded her, her voice cool as water dripping from an ice cube.
“In his... I mean your… in this damn office, yes we were alone. But when we left for lunch to celebrate she must have overheard him thank me. Get her in here.” MiMi jabbed a finger at the phone on Willa’s desk.
Without answering Willa picked up the receiver and hit the button that connected her to Kay’s phone. “Kay, step in here a minute. Thanks.”
Kay broke some kind of secretarial speed record getting back into the office. Willa saw Cedric out in the foyer across from Kay’s desk. He craned his neck for a look into the office but Kay shut the door blocking his view. Not before Willa saw him mutter an expletive.
“Yes, ma’am.” Kay kept her gaze on Willa as though MiMi did not exist.
“Ms. Landry claims she had a business arrangement with Jack. Do you happen to recall hearing anything at all about this?” Willa asked placidly.
Before Kay could answer MiMi stood. “It was about ten months, maybe a year before Jack died. I came to his office with an envelope. Okay, so maybe you didn’t see it. I had it in my purse when I came in.” She chewed her lower lip.
“You were here several times,” Kay said. She blinked at MiMi as though puzzled then shrugged. “Sorry.”
“Okay, okay. Now think. Take your time. I had on that turquoise wrap silk blend top that Jack bought for me at Neiman Marcus, and a black pencil skirt. We went to Houston.” MiMi turned to Willa. “Not that he dressed me as a rule. I was not that kind of mistress, uh, woman.”
“Hmm,” Willa replied.
“Doesn’t ring even one bell,” Kay said with a smirk she couldn’t conceal.
“Shit,” MiMi blurted out and stomped one Gucci sandaled foot.
“Thanks, Kay.” Willa smiled at her.
“If you need me again just call.” Kay smiled back at Willa. She shot MiMi a smug glance before she walked out.
So as I said before, file a petition with the court to be listed as a debtor to Jack’s estate.” Willa stood as a signal that it was time for MiMi to leave. “Sorry I couldn’t be more help.”
MiMi shot her a dirty look. “Paralegals aren’t real lawyers, so please stop tossing out legalese as if you’re one.”
Willa wanted to know more so she pushed down the urge to body slam the heifer. “You know more about me than I know about you, Miss Landry. What is your profession?”
“Beauty consultant and fashion coordinator for a major retail outlet.” MiMi squared her shoulders and lifted her nose in the air.
Willa figured that translated as cosmetics counter salesgirl. “I see. Well, unfortunately that’s about all I can do for you right now. Unless you can give me a lot more details about the business venture and the house in question.”
“Okay, listen. All I know is some of Jack’s creditors won’t be so patient. Let’s just say his other investors aren’t as polite as I am. If we can pay them back…” MiMi blinked rapidly. Beads of sweat on her forehead glistened beneath the ceiling lighting overhead. Without looking MiMi yanked a tissue from the box on Willa’s desk and dabbed her face dry.
A cold shiver crawled up and down Willa’s back. The woman was obviously scared out of her wits. Willa thought about Detective Miller’s questions. Maybe he wasn’t just asking form questions because it was procedure. What had he found out?
“Could these impatient creditors have had something to do with Jack’s death?” Willa asked quietly. MiMi’s reaction caused the cold shiver to spread all over Willa. Her cinnamon brown skin went sallow. Suddenly Willa didn’t want to know the answer.
“That folder is my property. When you find it you’ll see that, and I want it back. I’ll call you in a few days. Give you time to look. Trust me, you really want to just give it to me” MiMi spoke fast as she snatched up her purse from the floor. She started to leave then changed her mind and spun around to face Willa again. “No need to discuss this with Detective Miller either. I mean this is a civil matter like you said, involving probate and the will and all.”
“Conceal information from the police regarding a murder investigation?” Willa raised an eyebrow at her.
MiMi let out a combination hiss and groan as she seemed to realize she’d said too much. She whispered a cuss word. “I’ll be in touch. Bye.”
Cedric must have met MiMi going as he was coming into the office. The door to Willa’s office was still open when he strode in. “What is this about MiMi claiming she was in business with Jack?”
“So you don’t know what she’s talking about either?” Willa answered his question with her own.
“Nonsense. She’s just upset that her little private line of credit and cash source has dried up.” Cedric frowned as he studied Willa’s expression. “What?”
“Let’s find out more about Ms. MiMi Landry. I mean that is what we do here. Background checks.” Willa gazed at Cedric.
He blinked rapidly for several seconds then a slow smile spread across his face. “We sure do. I’ll be back in two hours. Three max.” Cedric started out but stopped. “Anything else I should know?”
“I’ll fill you in later.”
Once he left and closed her office door behind him Willa picked up the phone. She planned to do exactly the opposite of what MiMi wanted her to, talk to Detective Miller. MiMi Landry was no friend of hers and she sure as hell wasn’t going to take her advice.
Chapter 3
Two days later Willa sat in the office of Bradford F. Craft of Craft, Mouton and LaPlace. The law firm where she worked had offices in Houston, Memphis and Washington D.C. Brad, as everyone called him, fingered her written resignation. He read it, tapped a finger on his desk then pursed his lips. All this was part of Brad’s thinking process.
“Yes, I know what I’m doing.” Willa answered the question she knew was forming on his lips. “I’ve studied the financials of Crown Protection. The business isn’t in the best shape, but with help from experienced staff I think it can turn around.”
Brad nodded causing a lock of reddish blonde hair to fall across his forehead. He absentmindedly brushed it back in place. “You, you, you. It’s not all about what’s good for you, ya know. What about me having to train a new right hand? Huh? What about me?” He faked a frown then grinned at her.
Willa laughed at his antics. “Oh boo-hoo. Poor Brad has to promote that buxom secretary who just finished the paralegal program at LSU.”
“I’m not that superficial,” he quipped then quickly added, “and don’t mention Ingrid.”
“The fact that you did speaks volumes as they say,” Willa said. Ingrid had stolen Brad’s heart for six months and ended his second marriage. “But seriously, beside this chance to be my own boss I feel like I owe it to Jack. I mean the whole last wish thing from the departed is pretty powerful. I feel like my kids would think I’m killing off more of his memory if I just sold the agency.”
“Or maybe this is a way for you to hold on emotionally. You two were together for almost ten years,” Brad offered. When she didn’t answer he nodded solemnly as though knowing he was on the right track.
“You’re no Dr. Phil, okay? I wasn’t even angry at Jack anymore, well not much.” Willa waved a hand dismissing the notion. “No, I didn’t h
ate Jack, but I wasn’t in love with him anymore either. Just disappointed he couldn’t get his act straight. But back to the will.”
“Right. Did you know about the amendment, or codicil?” Brad opened a folder with the faxed copy sent over by Jack’s attorney.”
“No, the other attorney just told me in general what it said and that he would send it to you.” Willa leaned forward with a scowl. “What did that chump pull on me?”
“Thought you weren’t angry at Jack,” Brad replied and flipped to last page of the document.
“I said not much. Now about this codicil?” Willa said. A headache was forming starting at the back of her neck.
“Who is MiMi Landry? Anyway, Jack went to his lawyer a couple of weeks before his death and added that she should have a twenty-five percent interest in net income generated from a contract with Strafford, Inc. That’s odd.” Brad tapped his fingertips on his expensive desk again and frowned.
“Her debt,” Willa said, remembering the flashy woman’s visit.
Brad’s frown cleared. “Makes sense if she invested in the business. The wording of this amendment could be problematic, but I wouldn’t worry about it. So I take it you’ve met Ms. Landry.”
“She showed up like a couple of Jack’s other ‘lady friends’, but her game was unique. She claims she invested money in the business and wanted to be paid back.” Willa looked at Bradford. “Can she hold up the will?”
“With the law anything is possible, you know that. Just because a claim is ridiculous doesn’t mean the claimant won’t have his, or her, day in court.”
“While the legal bills pile up,” Willa added. She blew out a gust of air at the thought of more complications in her life. Jack Crown left her a legacy of drama. Great. “She also said something about other shady investors, but she wouldn’t be specific. Makes me wonder just what the hell Jack had gotten himself into.”
Brad’s frown returned full force. “Crap. You better tell the police.”
“I’m on my way there once I leave here.” Willa took the check out of the purse in her lap and reached it to him. “Your fee, sir.”
“Forget it. You’re getting the kinfolk deal,” Brad said after reading the amount.
“Listen, I know what good legal representation costs. I took those funds from the company account. As executor I’m exercising my duty to protect the assets of the estate,” Willa said in her best professional voice.
“Exactly. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.” Brad took the check with the boyish grin that melted female hearts. “And you don’t pay any debts until we probate the will. Then she’ll have to prove the amount of this debt.”
“I know. Thanks for your help, Brad. I mean as busy as you are right now with the Henderson case and —”
Brad waved away her words. “Don’t be silly. Besides, this looks like it’s going to be interesting.”
“In other words you’re thrilled to be getting all up in my business,” Willa tossed back with a grin.
“Exactly. After all, what are friends for? I’m going to file with the courts to get the succession process rolling.”
Willa stood. “Fine. Now I’m on my way to see Detective Miller. What fun I’m having.”
***
Twenty minutes later Willa sat across a messy desk gazing at Detective Miller. She could have called him, but Willa wanted to read his face. Not to mention she wanted a look at his workspace. She’d found that observing people in their natural habitats was almost as good as a background check. Detective Miller gazed back, reading her as well. Willa smiled. He smiled, too, as though acknowledging the game they were playing.
“Well I really appreciate your giving me this information. Could still just be a simple robbery gone bad. That ATM at Ray J’s convenience store is in a rough part of town, you know. Had three robberies in six months last year. Things had calmed down there until this.” Detective Miller tilted his head to one side.
Willa nodded back. The area known as Brookstown was worse than bad. Drug dealing, shootings and prostitution made just walking the streets risky. Since the population swell in Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina things had become Wild West. Why Jack had chosen to stop at Ray J’s, or why he was in Brookstown at that time of night was a puzzle. Detective Miller must have been good at reading people. Naturally. Willa had decided he knew his job. Being fine didn’t hurt either. She bet his looks had gotten more than a few female suspects to relax and talk too much. A fact she should keep in mind.
A beefy man the color of dark chocolate came toward them. He had the rolling gait of a professional wrestler walking across the ring. Although his white shirt and tan pants were neat enough, his big frame seemed stuffed in them.
“This is Detective John Addison,” Detective Miller said without looking at the big man.
“How ya doin’?” Addison said in a gruff voice as he nodded to Willa. He reached out a hand that would intimidate even a rough gang-banger.
“Hi,” she replied meekly.
She’d confess to whatever if he grilled her for any length of time. Yes, sir. In sixth grade I deliberately tripped Quaneesha Butler down just like she said, Willa imagined herself saying. Then she’d list every other wrong she’d done, including putting the dent in Mama Ruby’s battered old Oldsmobile Cutlass back in 1990. Willa allowed her puny hand to get wrapped in Addison’s meaty grip. He gently held it for a moment then let go. She wondered if this was some kind of tag team act. But Addison took a seat at the desk next to Miller’s. He became engrossed in reading paperwork. Or at least that’s what he wanted Willa to think.
“So, Ms. Landry implied that your late husband made some enemies of a business nature,” Miller went on.
“Yes.” Willa cleared her throat. By now Miller must have found out that Jack had plenty of enemies of a personal nature as well. No surprise given his penchant for chasing women regardless of their martial status. “But Jack was a smart man, Detective Miller. So I would guess anyone who pulled him into a shady deal would be just as smart. Maybe even a professional scam artist.”
“Really?” Miller stopped writing and looked at her.
“Yeah. You probably know Jack had a reputation as a player when it came to women. I’m sure you can line up a few husbands or boyfriends that have reason to hate him.” Willa shrugged. “Most of his ladies came from upper-class families.”
“Interesting.” Miller crossed his arms and leaned back. He shot a glance at his partner who looked at him. Addison’s response confirmed that he was indeed paying attention to what was said. “How did you two meet?”
“You mean a girl from da ‘hood? I’m sure you’ve checked into my background.” Willa smiled when he started to explain. “Don’t worry, I’m not sensitive. I was still attending Baton Rouge Community College and took some courses at Southern University. Jack was doing his big man on campus, frat boy thing at SU. We met in a business class, hit it off and the rest is history. His mother was not pleased, but Jack didn’t care.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, most of the husbands of those former debutantes are educated, see themselves as civilized. They wouldn’t be going after him with violence. At least I don’t see it,” Willa said.
“Never can tell,” Miller said.
“You should check into it. That kind of thing can be a powerful motive.” Willa ignored their barely concealed amusement at her amateur sleuth insights. “I know these so-called society folks better than you. I had to deal with them while Jack and I were married.”
“Must have been hard, not being totally accepted into their world,” Miller said. Addison had gone back to supposedly minding his own business.
“I didn’t give a damn what they thought about me ninety-nine point nine percent of the time,” Willa said mildly. Addison let out a laugh then tried to cover it by clearing his throat. Miller smiled at her.
“What about Mr. Crown’s family?” Miller asked.
“Call him Jack. He was a friendly kind
of guy so he’d probably tell you that. It’s weird hearing you call him ‘Mr. Crown’ all the time.” Willa shifted in her chair into a more relaxed position.
“Jack it is then,” Miller said with a nod. “So Jack’s family wasn’t all that welcoming?”
“You’ve talked to them so I’m sure his mother says I did it, right?” Willa wasn’t worried about his suspicions about her. She had an alibi. But Anthony was another matter. Her chest tightened at the thought of her son being handcuffed.
“Mrs. Crown was rather, dramatic.” Miller waited for Willa’s reaction
“You don’t know the half, detective. Not by a long ways.” Willa let out a snort. “But I’ve been blissfully distant from her for the last three years at least, except a few times a month when my daughter visits her. But Jack usually took the kids.”
“So they had a relationship with both your kids?” Miller seemed surprised.
“They’re not all bad,” Willa admitted grudgingly. “Before I had Mikayla they were sweet to Anthony.” No need to mention they lavished attention on their “real grandchild” leaving Anthony feeling abandoned.
“And after?” Miller asked picking up on her thoughts.
Willa shelved thoughts of family issues and went on guard again. She flashed an easy smile at Miller. “By that time Anthony was into his own life: skating parties, laser tag, you name it. He had a full social calendar.”
“I’ll bet.” Miller seemed about to go on.
“MiMi Landry?” Willa said, steering him back on the track she wanted to follow.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll check it out. Could be nothing, just an affair or sugar daddy kind of deal. So far we haven’t found any evidence that Mr. Crown, Jack I mean, was into anything illegal.”