Best Enemies (A Triple Trouble Mystery)

by Lynn Emery

  “We’re not opponents here, Mrs. Crown,” Addison said over his shoulder.

  “Following up on any leads is our job. And you want us to do our jobs. May we come in?” Miller said, his tone polite but firm.

  “I’m more than happy to cooperate. Please, come on in detectives.” Despite her tough act Willa had no intention of trying to get rid of them.

  Addison, the shorter of the two men, was also short on civility as he stared at Willa. His bulk, packed into a dress shirt and brown slacks, made him look like an annoyed wrestler. He seemed psychic when he said, “You probably want to find out what we know and what we’re doing anyway.”

  Willa led them into the living room. Moments later Jazz appeared with a can of cola in one hand. She stood next to Willa and took a sip but said nothing. “So you have Felipe Perez in custody. Is there any indication he was linked to my ex-husband’s death?”

  “Why would you think that?” Addison said. His dark gaze flickered to Jazz and back to Willa.

  “Let’s not waste each other’s time.” Willa waved for them to take a seat as she went to a chair and sat down. Jazz followed Willa but remained standing. “You know Jack had business dealings with the company that owned a certain warehouse. That warehouse was being used by Perez for illegal purposes.”

  “Allegedly. We have to verify this information,” Detective Addison said gruffly. His gaze stayed on Jazz.

  “You will if you look in the right places.” Jazz returned his gaze with cool confidence. She smacked her lips and lifted her nose in the air. “I want some chips with this. Excuse me gentlemen.”

  “She’s a real case.” Addison watched Jazz’s hip swaying exit.

  “And she knows what she’s talking about, so count your blessings,” Willa tossed back at him. Miller, seated on the edge of the sofa, said nothing. He seemed content to wait for Willa to keep talking. “My sister is giving you information, solid leads to follow. Which means you know my son wasn’t involved in Jack’s murder.”

  Miller nodded. “Too many kids wear that brand of athletic shoe. The print at the murder scene led us nowhere. Your son is lucky.”

  “My son is innocent,” Willa replied curtly.

  “Every parent I talk to wants to believe that, Mrs. Crown,” Miller replied evenly.

  Willa winced at his implication, but didn’t take the bait. “Detective, I appreciate your courtesy in giving my sister a ride. Now that Jazz had provided you with ‘solid leads’ I hope you solve Jack’s murder. I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

  “Bet that little lady can handle herself,” Addison said with a grunt. He pressed his lips closed when his partner gave him a stern look.

  “We don’t want her to get hurt either. We can help her… and you for that matter, if we have all the facts. You both need to be straight with us.” Miller leaned forward as he spoke.

  Jazz stomped in the room with both hands on her hips. “I put my ass on the line telling you what I know so don’t come up in here saying that sh— ”

  “What did I tell you about dirty mouth in my house? My kids could walk in here.” Willa cut her off sharply.

  “Whatever. Let me get outta here before I trip on these dudes again.” Jazz stomped out again.

  Willa watched her sister’s dramatic exit then turned to the detectives again. My brothers dragged her back to Baton Rouge, and I convinced her talk to you. The truth is I agree with you, Jazz probably hasn’t told you everything. But this time my kids are involved. Jazz wouldn’t hold back on anything that might put them in harm’s way.” Willa gazed from Miller to Addison and back to Miller again.

  Miller nodded. “Okay. Are you certain your son has told you everything?”

  Willa’s heart skipped. “Yes, unless you’ve uncovered something new about Anthony. In that case let me know.”

  Miller exchanged a glance with his partner then looked at Willa. “You must wonder why he keeps popping up in this case. First, he’s hanging at the club where your sister works. Next thing we learn he’s possibly at the scene of your ex-husband’s murder. I know he’s had a few scrapes at school.”

  “Plus he’s hanging with a bunch of wannabe gangsters,” Addison added, one wooly eyebrow lifted.

  “He’s had some problems at school, but nothing major or recent. As for the bad crowd, the worst they’ve done is to get caught in one or two petty thefts or slip into nightclubs with fake IDs. Anthony and I have had that talk. So far the only laws he’s broken are mine.” Willa stood to signal she wanted them to leave. Now.

  “Kids have all kinds of ways of getting into stuff and keeping it from their parents,” Addison stood first. He glanced at his partner.

  Miller stood as well and smoothed down his tie. “Okay. But I suggest you ask him about hanging out with Felipe Perez’s little cousin.”

  “D’Andre is like Perez’s baby brother. They’re real close. Another coincidence?” Addison gazed at Willa with an impassive expression.

  The sharp words on the tip of Willa’s tongue dissolved as their bombshell exploded inside her head. Willa stared at Miller trying hard not to look as shocked as she felt. “Like I said, Anthony and I have had a talk about who he hangs out with at school and elsewhere. If my sister or I can help you anymore we’ll be in touch. Goodbye.”

  Addison and Miller merely nodded. Both men continued to glance at her as they walked out. Willa wanted to shove them out faster, but contained herself. When she went into the kitchen Jazz was perched on a stool at the breakfast counter munching on cheese puffs from a bag. She wiped her hands on a paper napkin.

  “So those two finally stopped trying to play good cop, dumb ass cop. Like that act could work on us.” Jazz gave a short laugh as she brushed her hands together.

  “Anthony has been running around with one of Felipe’s little thug relatives. You knew this and didn’t tell me.” Willa walked around the counter to face her.

  Jazz threw the napkin down on the counter and planted a fist on one hip. “Don’t start. I’ve been trying to keep the kid outta trouble for months. D’Andre goes to his school. Hey, you were the one that insisted he attend public schools.”

  Anthony walked into the kitchen. “It’s not her fault, Mama. You already gave me the lecture on hanging with the wrong people. I cut D’Andre loose. I would have told you, but I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “Was he one of those boys in my house? Big D is D’Andre, isn’t he?” Willa said before Anthony could answer her question. The volume of her voice kept going up until even Jazz moved away from her, taking the bag of cheese puffs. “You must have totally lost your mind.”

  Mikayla rushed into the kitchen with wide eyes. “What’s going on? Is Anthony in trouble again?”

  “Go to your room,” Willa and Jazz said at the same time.

  “I never get to hear the good stuff.” With a serious pout on her face, Mikayla spun around and left.

  “I found out D’Andre was Felipe’s cousin one night when the boys snuck into Candy Girls. I told Anthony right then he was in over his head. Obviously he didn’t listen to me,” Jazz said.

  “D’Andre is all talk. He’s not too bright either. Even Felipe didn’t take him seriously,” Anthony said.

  “He’s dumb, and he talks too much. Those are the kind of dudes that will talk you right into prison or the grave. D’Andre would give you up in a minute if he got jammed up. I told you so.” Jazz clicked her tongue and munched another cheese puff.

  “He just gave us a ride that day you came home early. Honest. I hadn’t seen him for a couple of weeks before that,” Anthony said to Willa.

  “You know how many people end up arrested or dead being with the wrong people at the wrong time?” Willa felt like she would explode from frustration. She covered her face with both hands.

  “Look how you got your mama all worked up,” Jazz said. She went to Willa and led her to a chair. “You sit down. I’ll get you something to drink.”

  Anthony followed them and sat at the tabl
e next to Willa. “Mama, what happened to Dad slapped me back to reality. All I want now is to get justice for him. I promise you gangbanging is not my goal.”

  Willa lowered her hands. She breathed in and out to steady her nerves then looked at her son. “At your age you’re on your own more than ever. I have to rely on your judgment. After all I’ve taught you, the talks from Papa Elton and Mama Ruby, there’s nothing new I can add.”

  “Jack gave me a good talking to also. He told me about his mistakes. He wasn’t perfect, but I loved him,” Anthony said, his voice pitched deep like the man he had become. Still his eyes went shiny with tears. “Now I gotta honor his memory.”

  “We both will, baby.” Willa accepted a paper towel from Jazz and dabbed his cheeks dry. Then she kissed him and they held each other for a few moments. Finally Willa let him go. “So no more accepting rides from any of that crew. Walk, call your grandparents, or catch a bus. I don’t care if you don’t look cool doing it.”

  Anthony wiped his eyes then gave her a cocky grin. “No problem. I’m cool looking no matter what I do.”

  “Go do your homework.” Willa smiled.

  “See you later, Aunt Jazz.”

  Once he was gone Willa turned to glare at her sister. “As for you, Miss Jazzmonetta Vaughn.”

  “I thought you knew who he was hanging out with. Maybe I could have mentioned him showing up at the club but— ” Jazz squirmed under Willa’s continued silent glare. She sprang to her feet when the doorbell chimed. “I’ll get that. Probably my ride.”

  “Hey!” Willa called out, but Jazz was already gone. Moments later MiMi walked in beside Jazz, both chattering away with ease.

  “Girl, how can you come out of jail looking so good?” MiMi gave Jazz a playful shove.

  “’Cause I look so good no matter what.” Jazz pushed her back and both giggled.

  “Good evening, MiMi. How is it you always show up when things are popping?” Willa squinted at her then glanced sharply at Jazz.

  “Can we stop by my apartment? I need to pick up a few things.” Jazz grabbed her purse. She looked at MiMi then jerked her head toward the door.

  “This is your ride and the friend you’re going to stay with? You have both lost your minds!” Willa yelled. Mikayla and Anthony called out to ask if everything was okay. “Keep working on those school assignments you two.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re freaking,” MiMi said. “The bad guy is in lock-up, right? We’re okay.”

  “Jazz, Felipe could have buddies looking for you. MiMi is pregnant,” Willa clipped back.

  “Those efficient detectives have scooped those dudes up, too. And I happen to know the other three got outta town to avoid ending up the same way,” Jazz replied coolly. “I told you I was handling this.”

  “MiMi, you’re going to a crime scene. And Jazz got kicked out of her apartment.” Willa crossed her arms.

  “Wrong again, sis. All is forgiven. The police have taken down the tape and the apartment manager is having my place cleaned up. I just gave her some extra money.” Jazz managed to sound almost self-righteous.

  “You plan to live where a dead body was lying for hours?” Willa stared at her sister wide-eyed.

  “Hey, with some new paint and carpet— ” Jazz shrugged. “Don’t give me that look. Besides Frankie had this friend of hers clear out any bad vibes, a real spiritual medium.”

  “What she means is a voodoo woman. Girl, y’all better stop dabbling in that mess.” MiMi gave a melodramatic shudder.

  “Unbelievable.” Willa shook her head.

  MiMi waved a hand signaling it was time to leave. “Goodnight, Willa. Hey, Jazz, I picked up Chinese take-out for us. And yes, I got the hot and spicy shrimp dish you like.”

  “Sounds good. Excuse us a minute, MiMi,” Jazz said.

  “No problem. I’ll just take a trip to the toilet, which I do a lot lately. Then say a quick hello to the kids.” MiMi went out humming.

  “She knows her way around my house like she lives here,” Willa said and sighed. “And you— ”

  “Don’t trip on me, okay? Felipe is taken care of in more ways that one.” Jazz wore a street tough expression.

  Willa figured she probably didn’t want to know, but burning curiosity forced her to ask. “What exactly does that mean?”

  “Let’s just say his senior partners aren’t happy with the way he bungled their operation. It should have been real sweet. First Ike picked the wrong crew. Then Ike got greedy and demanded a bigger percentage.”

  “So that’s why Ike Nelson was killed?” Willa whispered then glanced around to make sure they were still alone.

  “That’s what I hear. Not to mention the missing money. Jack died before Felipe found where the money went, or even if Jack had it. I’ll bet that’s reason number two they’ll go after his behind. But hey, live by the AK-47, die by the AK-47.” Jazz shrugged.

  Her casual attitude gave Willa chills. “But he was your man, Jazz.”

  “Felipe was always ‘Mr. Right Now’. We had our moment and then it was over. This way I don’t have to worry about that crazy-ass fool stalking me.” Jazz’s eyes flashed fire.

  Willa hated to see how hard life had made her younger sister. “Don’t be so cold-blooded.”

  “Life is tough. If you gonna survive you better be even tougher,” Jazz replied quietly.

  “Is it okay to come back in?” MiMi called out from the hallway.

  “We’re done talking. I’m ready for a hot shower, my favorite robe, and some Chinese food,” Jazz said in a cheery voice. The steely street survivor had vanished in an instant.

  “Then let’s go so the kids can get a hot meal. Both of them are almost done with their assignments. I say put them in honors programs. I don’t think they’re being challenged enough at those schools they attend,” MiMi said.

  Jazz nodded as she followed her to the front door. “I told Willa to put them in private schools a long time ago, MiMi. She don’t listen to me.”

  “We’ll let ourselves out, Willa. Just remember to double lock the door and set the alarm,” MiMi advised. Then both went out still talking to each other.

  “Lord have mercy,” Willa mumbled then followed MiMi’s advice about the alarm.

  ***

  The next morning Willa went to the office feeling as if a huge dead weight was gone from her shoulders. She entered the lobby of Crown Protection humming an annoying tune from Mikayla’s favorite kiddie TV show. And she wasn’t even annoyed that it was stuck in her head. The morning newspaper was tucked under one arm. As usual The Advocate had a full helping of bad news. Except when it came to one Felipe Perez. He would get a very long prison sentence with any luck.

  “Hey, boss lady,” Kay said with a wide smile. “Gorgeous day, huh?”

  Willa laughed. “Sure, if you like clammy fog and clouds. Not usually my taste, but yes, this is one beautiful day.”

  Cedric came down the hall holding a mug with the company logo. “Good morning.”

  “Yes, it is. Give me an update on how we’re doing with contracts. Haven’t been able to concentrate all that well lately.” Willa pointed to his mug. “I’d like to settle in with some strong, hot coffee first though.”

  Kay appeared at her elbow with a mug. “Done.”

  “You’re priceless,” Willa said with a grin.

  “I sent you an e-mail with the spreadsheet on our budget breakdown.” Cedric glanced at the newspaper she held. “I read the news online. Perez is in deep.”

  “Oh yeah, and the stinky solid waste is getting deeper for that sleaze bag. Thanks to our wonderful police department,” Willa said. She went into her office with Cedric following.

  “Whoa. Now you’re a fan of the Baton Rouge PD. Big change from some of the names you wanted to call them not so long ago.” Cedric grinned at her.

  “I’ve had a change of heart, well sort of. Fan might be too strong a description. Let’s just say I no longer think they’re no-good, rush-to-judgment scum.” W
illa smiled at him.

  Cedric laughed and lifted his cup to her. “So all is right in your world. I’m happy for you.”

  Willa stopped smiling. “Not quite. I found out some not so pleasant facts about people I thought I knew.”

  “Anthony will be okay, Willa.”

  “I have to learn to be a better snoopy parent and keep up with who he’s hanging out with. But yeah, Anthony is going to be okay, and Jack helped a lot. What he lacked as a husband, he made up for as a father,” Willa said.

  “Speaking of people to keep an eye on, Ryan Crown is a great example. He owes a lot of people a lot of money. Neither his trucking company nor his moving service is doing well. I think the dude crossed over to the dark side more than once.”

  “Ryan always wanted to beat Jack in getting their father’s attention. He never quite succeeded,” Willa replied.

  “He certainly couldn’t impress the old man with his business acumen.” Cedric shook his head.

  “I guess Mr. Crown was right. He always said Jack had more skills. The problem is he’d say that in front of Ryan. Competition and resentment about sums up the relationship between Jack and Ryan.” Willa shrugged.

  “Ryan is somehow connected to this little mystery about what Jack was really doing for Strafford, Inc., but I just can’t put together how.” Cedric frowned as though trying once more to figure it all out.

  “Ryan is in this mess because of money, the main goal of the Crown clan. Trust me on that. My guess is the police will keep sniffing into Strafford, Inc. and get on his tail sooner or later.” Willa shrugged

  “I never really liked the guy, but still I hate to see the dude go down.” Cedric sipped more coffee and looked thoughtful.

  “I’m not going to feel sorry for him. Ryan should be grateful he got out of this alive. I hope the police make things hot for him,” Willa said with an evil grin.

  “What happened to ‘family is everything even if they’re not perfect’? Doesn’t sound like the Willa Crown I know.” Cedric tilted his head to one side.

  “Family is more than blood, Cedric. Family is how you treat each other.”