Severed Trust: The Men of the Texas Rangers | Book 4

by Margaret Daley

“Not really. First, if I hadn’t been looking at them the second he gave Jared the note, I wouldn’t have seen it. Fast and sly. Second, the administration banned cell phones during school hours, and I know the football staff doesn’t want them anywhere near the locker room. Coach wants his players’ undivided attention.” Sadie placed her hand on the doorknob. “I figure you’re going to the funeral Wednesday.”

  “Yes, I’ll see you there.”

  Ethan followed Sadie out into the corridor. He watched her walk away, speaking to some of the students congregated in small groups. He saw his niece nod at Sadie, then head toward the counseling office, Lexie’s eyes red, her mascara running down her face. He took a step toward her, but she’d already disappeared inside, the place crammed with kids. He’d check with Lexie later, but right now, she would get some of the help she needed for her grief. He wasn’t too good dealing with feelings like that.

  He checked his watch and let the secretary in the principal’s office know he was leaving for an hour and would be back to talk to the next teacher. Then he drove toward Bradley’s home. Halfway there, he received a call from Cord.

  “What did the tox screen say?” Ethan asked, pulling over to the side of the highway so he could jot down any notes he needed.

  “Not good. Jared was full of a mixture of prescription drugs.” Cord rattled out the names of a painkiller, a sleeping pill, a high blood pressure med, and a tranquilizer. “The ME said no doctor should prescribe that mix of drugs. A lethal combination, especially when combined with alcohol.”

  “So he was drinking, too?”

  “Yes.”

  “Could some or all of those drugs be in his drink?”

  “I suppose they could, but not likely. I would say he knowingly took some of them. The amount he took was more than the usual for the tranquilizer and blood pressure.”

  “But he was alive when he hit the water, so they didn’t really kill him. He died from drowning.”

  “He’d be out cold with that mix—not able to drive.”

  “Thanks. Now I get to tell Bradley what killed his son. He’s going to want to know who killed his son because that’s where the evidence is pointing. Murder.” Ethan finished writing the list of drugs on his pad, then started the engine, and pulled out into the light traffic.

  “I’d help you, but I’m going back to where Jared was found. I’m going to have some of the officers scour the area for anything unusual.”

  “Like?”

  “Maybe some kids drinking and partying at the park. If that’s the case, they might have left some evidence behind, and it might mean it was an accident if he was trying to go home from the park and got turned around with his senses so impaired. I’ll have one of my guys check some of the traffic cameras around the park, but some of the ways into it aren’t covered by any.”

  “I hope that’s the case rather than someone murdering him. I wish it were an accident, but my gut says it isn’t. I’ll talk to you later.”

  As he turned into the Montgomery ranch, his hands clutched the steering wheel tighter. He let out a long sigh. Lord, give me the right words to tell Bradley these most recent findings concerning Jared. Losing a child has to be the worst nightmare for a parent, but then to find he could have been murdered just adds to the anguish.

  Ethan tried to put himself in Bradley’s shoes but couldn’t. He’d withdrawn from close relationships because of all the evil he’d seen in his work, which left him feeling vulnerable. Protecting himself from feeling was about the only way he knew to keep working and functioning as a law enforcement officer.

  A few minutes later, Ethan entered Bradley’s home office. His friend stood at the window overlooking a pasture with horses, his hands stuffed into his jean pockets. Even when Ethan shut the door, Bradley remained staring out the window.

  Ethan cleared his throat. “Bradley?”

  When he rotated toward Ethan, Bradley looked like a man who hadn’t slept since he found out his only child had died. “I was just wondering why this was happening . . .” Closing his eyes, he shook his head. When his gaze reconnected with Ethan’s, a haunted look dulled his eyes even more. “Never mind. Wondering doesn’t change what has happened.”

  “I wanted to let you know what we have discovered so far. I told you I would keep you informed. I know how important that can be to a loved one.”

  Bradley gestured toward some chairs nearby then sat in one. “I appreciate it.”

  Ethan took the seat across from his friend, dreading the next few minutes. “Jared’s tox screen indicated he had a combination of drugs in his system--a painkiller, blood pressure pills, tranquilizers, and a sleeping pill. The amounts in his system indicated more than one blood pressure pill and tranquilizer.”

  Bradley paled. “Was he drinking?”

  “Yes. He would have been out cold with what he took.” And without medical intervention, he probably would have died.

  “Was there evidence in his car he’d been drinking and taking pills in it?”

  “No.”

  “Then how did he get to the park if what he took would have put him out?”

  “With help.” Ethan hated this part of his job. He took a deep breath and continued. “He wasn’t dead when he went into the water. The cause of death is drowning. From his abrasions, it appears he tried to get out of his seatbelt, but it was stuck.”

  Bradley’s eyes glistened. He buried his face in his trembling hands. Finally he shot to his feet and returned to the window, his back to Ethan. “Then it was murder?” His voice cracked, and he leaned against the sill.

  “The evidence is pointing to murder. We’re having a mechanic look at the seatbelt to find out why it didn’t unbuckle.”

  Bradley hung his head, raking his fingers through his hair. When he pivoted toward Ethan, a sheen in his eyes, Bradley dropped his arms to his sides, his hands still shaking. “I want this person found. I’ll offer whatever reward I need to for information leading to an arrest.”

  Mrs. Adams let Ethan into her house late Monday afternoon. “Luke is upstairs.”

  “He wasn’t at school today. Is he all right?”

  Mrs. Adams forehead wrinkled. “All right? One of his best friends died. He’s been too upset to go to school. What’s this visit about?”

  “I need to talk with him. We can do it here or down at the station.”

  Her eyes grew big. “Does he need a lawyer?”

  Interesting question. “Only if he’s done something wrong. I’m talking with all of Jared’s friends to track his whereabouts before he died. This is not unusual in this type of death.”

  “What type? I’ve heard all kinds of rumors.”

  “Murder.” After the police searched the park and viewed the cameras in the area, he and Cord decided they had to treat Jared’s death as a murder.

  “Were drugs involved?” She folded her arms against her chest and backed away from the front door to allow him inside.

  “Why would you ask that?”

  Her body went rigid. “Rumors. I heard one of the parents at the country club say there was talk about drugs and drinking. Luke assures me nothing like that was going on.”

  I’m sure he did. What kid wouldn’t? When he’d talked to Bradley this morning he’d asked him to keep the findings quiet until the police released the information. Nothing had been said yet officially, although he knew Cord was going to some time Tuesday morning when all the forensic reports were in. “Who told you that at the country club?”

  “Mrs. Livingston. She heard from her husband who talked with Bradley, so it’s really more than a rumor.” Her eyebrows dipped down. “Besides, if a weapon had been used, it would have been obvious from the beginning. You wouldn’t have had to wait on the autopsy to declare it was a murder.”

  “I can’t comment at this time since it’s an ongoing investigation.” He’d much rather confirm it was murder when Luke was in the room and see his reaction. “May I talk with your son now? You may stay, since he isn’t eig
hteen yet.”

  “Please go in there while I get him.” Mrs. Adams waved her hand toward the left.

  When Ethan moved into the living room, the first thing he noticed was a picture of the football team. Kneeling in the middle of the front row was Jared with Luke next to him. According to Bradley, Luke was Jared’s best friend. Jared had been the quarterback on the football team while Luke was the wide receiver. They had been a good pair, leading the Eagles to a winning season last year and were four-zero so far this one.

  Luke, his face pale, slinked into the room with his mother following him. The unkempt look to his hair coupled with his haggard expression spoke of the depth of the friendship he must have had with Jared. He stood at the end of the couch.

  “Have a seat. I’ve got a few questions about Jared.” Ethan waited to sit until Luke and his mother had. “What happened to Jared is a tragedy. This town will miss him.” He studied the effect his words had on the teen.

  Luke looked down, clenching his hands into fists. When he finally raised his head, his eyes glistened. “He was the best friend a guy could have.” His voice, raw and raspy, sounded barely above a whisper.

  That was the way Cord and he had been in high school. It was hard for him to imagine losing a close friend like that. “I heard you gave him a note Friday about someone being approved and to bring her. Who were you talking about? Where was Jared supposed to bring her?”

  Luke dropped his gaze again, his hands opening and closing at his sides. “I don’t know what you mean,” he said, with manufactured confusion on his face when he reestablished eye contact.

  “Someone saw you give the note to Jared who read it and threw it away.”

  “Who?”

  “Not important.”

  “Someone put it on my desk. I saw it was for Jared and gave it to him.”

  “How did you know it was for Jared?”

  Luke shrugged, rubbing his nose. “His name was on the front of the note.”

  “Who put it on your desk?”

  Luke ran his palm down his jaw. “Don’t know. I was gathering my books, and when I turned to leave, I saw it there.”

  He was lying. Written on his face and in his gestures. Ethan straightened. “Who sat in front of you?”

  “Don’t remember. We don’t have assigned seats so it’s different each day.”

  In Ethan’s experience, most people gravitate to the same seat each day. It was certainly the case at the church he attended. So why was Luke continuing to lie? “Okay. So what do you think the note meant to Jared?”

  Luke snapped his fingers. “I bet it was about his new hunting dog, Candy.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “When hunting season opens, there’s a group of us . . .” Luke swallowed hard, balled his hands, and continued in a stronger voice. “We’re going hunting. A new dog could mess up the dynamics of a group.”

  “Who else in your fifth-hour class is in the group?”

  “Brendan Livingston and Kalvin Majors.”

  “Thanks. I don’t have anything to write that down on. Could you get a piece of paper and write their names down for me?”

  “Sure,” Luke said, drawing the word out, then rose and went to a desk at the other end of the large formal living room.

  “What does hunting have to do with Jared’s death?” Mrs. Adams asked, watching her son as he came back and gave the sheet to Ethan.

  “Yeah, the season doesn’t open for a couple of weeks yet.” Luke remained standing.

  “Just tracing Jared’s steps through Friday and Saturday, looking into everything.” Ethan fixed his gaze on Luke. “Tell me about Jared and Kelly.”

  “You need to ask Kelly about that.”

  “But you two were best friends. He never talked about her?”

  “Sure. He liked her. She’s hot.”

  “Nothing else?”

  Luke shook his head, his jaw clamped in a tight line.

  “I find even the little things can be important. Thank you for your help.” Ethan rose. “I’m sure I’ll see you at the funeral.” He started to leave, stopped, and swiveled around. “Oh, I almost forgot. When I saw the note you gave Jared, I didn’t see his name on the outside of it.”

  Luke’s face blanched.

  “So did you give it to him because it was from you or someone else you’re protecting?”

  Mrs. Adams stood, rigid. “This conversation is over. Luke may be a little confused because of all that has happened. Quit harassing him. The next time we talk it will be with our lawyer in attendance.”

  “You can bet we’ll talk again. Someone murdered Jared, and I intend to find out who.” Ethan studied Luke as he said that last sentence. Surprise flashed into his eyes, his mouth dropping open. “He was alive when his Porsche hit the water. Someone jammed his seatbelt so he couldn’t get out of the car.”

  Quickly, Luke snapped his jaws closed, and fear invaded his expression. He lowered his head, hiding his face from Ethan.

  As he left the house, he examined the names on the paper. Luke’s handwriting appeared to be the same as on the note to Jared that Sadie had given Ethan, but he would have an expert look at it to make sure. So why did Luke lie to him, and was the female referred to in the note Kelly? Why the fear—because he killed his friend or because he knew something?

  When Ethan pulled up to the curb in front of Kelly’s house, he studied it for a long moment. She was the key to this. He would keep talking to her until she admitted what she and Jared had really done Saturday night. With long strides, he hastened to the front porch and rang the bell. After a minute, he pressed it again. Five minutes later, after peering into a couple of the windows, he returned to his car to wait until someone came home.

  An hour later, Mary Lou drove into her driveway and parked at the side of the house. Ethan hurried toward her. She climbed from her car and stared at him as he cut the distance between them.

  “I need to speak to Kelly.”

  “Why? She doesn’t have anything else to tell you. She has told you that she went to Lone Star Park with Jared. That she didn’t know where he was going after he dropped her at home not long after midnight.”

  “I showed Kelly and Jared’s photos to the people who run the rides and the food vendors. No one saw them there.”

  Mary Lou planted her hand on her waist. “I work at Greenbrier. Visitors come and go there, and I don’t remember everyone I see. That isn’t that unusual.”

  “No, especially if they never went.” Cord and he had checked the area around the amusement park where people picnicked, walked, and rode bikes. That part closed at nine while the ride section stays open to eleven. “Lone Star Park shuts down completely at eleven. What did they do for over an hour after that?”

  Mary Lou howled with laughter. “Are you that old you can’t figure it out? Lone Star has some great places to go—and make out. Kelly is gorgeous and any guy would be lucky to have her as a girlfriend. You just wait. She’ll find someone even better than Jared.”

  “What happened to you, Mary Lou?”

  “Life. My husband two-timed me then walked out. Of course, that was after Bradley dumped me. Not good enough for him.” She thrust back her shoulders to emphasize her attributes. “I was at one time.”

  “I’m surprised you let Kelly date Jared after how Bradley dropped you our senior year.”

  “I was rooting for my little girl. I saw how Jared looked at her when he was with her. He worshiped her. I wanted her to have what I didn’t.” She lifted her shoulder. “Oh, well, there’ll be someone richer and more handsome for my Kelly. You just wait.”

  “I need to see Kelly now.”

  “Fine. But there isn’t anything else she can tell you. You’re wasting your time.” Mary Lou stuck her key in the lock and opened the door. “Come in. Make yourself at home. I’ll go get her. There’s something to drink on the bar. It’s five. Fix yourself something.”

  “That’s okay.” After he worked so many accidents as a Highw
ay Patrol Officer where alcohol was involved, he’d lost all desire to drink.

  While he waited, he examined the much smaller living room than the Adams’s, remembering when Mary Lou hadn’t been so hard—and unhappy. He’d seen that tigress in her eyes as she checked him out.

  Finally, ten minutes later, Mary Lou returned with a quizzical expression on her face. “She isn’t here. I told her to get out of the house. Staying in her room all the time wasn’t good for her. I guess for once she listened to me. But I called her half an hour ago, and she was here. You just missed her.”

  “I’ve been sitting out in front of your house for an hour. Are you sure she was here?”

  Her eyebrows scrunched together. “Yes. Maybe she’s in the backyard.” She headed for the kitchen.

  Ethan followed.

  After they searched the outside and the downstairs, Mary Lou stood in the foyer. “She hasn’t wanted to see anyone, not me or Lexie. Maybe after the funeral, she’ll be ready to face the fact Jared is dead. The funeral ought to give her some closure.”

  As he left, he wondered if Kelly was hiding somewhere in her house and Mary Lou knew, or if her daughter had snuck out when he came. Either way, he wanted to know why the teen didn’t want to talk with him. Could she have murdered Jared because he was going to reject her like his father had her mother?

  With her nerves stretched taut, Kelly squatted behind some bushes in her neighbor’s yard and watched Lexie’s uncle leave her house. Even when he drove away, she stayed hidden, afraid he would come right back and catch her.

  She didn’t have anything to do with what happened to Jared, and yet guilt swamped her. She didn’t even know what really happened. Because I was out cold. Blissfully ignorant of what was going on around me.

  She wanted that now.

  Her mom had some sleeping pills. She’d take a couple so she could at least get a good night’s rest before going to school tomorrow—and the funeral the following day. How was she going to get through that? She stared down at her hands, shaking like a leaf in a tornado. Clasping them together, she squeezed tight to stop the trembling. Instead, the rumbling swept through her body.