“Did Von and Riley leave?”
“Yeah, they headed home about an hour ago.”
“Sorry I screwed up your day. I might need Von’s investigative help if this doesn’t smooth out pretty quickly.”
“I hope you won’t need his help.” Kasey nodded. “But I know he’ll help us.”
Cody’s phone rang. “It’s my booking agent. I’ve got to catch this.”
He turned and paced as he talked on the phone. “We were planning some downtime. We don’t have anything else scheduled for the next few weeks, right?… Just those?… Okay, don’t book anything else until you hear back from me… No… Yeah, I’ll keep you posted.”
Cody hung up the phone and tossed it on the table as he sat down.
“What’s the matter?” Kasey rescued the phone and sat it on the counter.
“They put the commercial on hold.”
“I’m so sorry. You’re welcome to hang here as long as you’d like.”
There was nothing he’d like more, but once folks figured out he was here it would be a circus, and he didn’t think Scott would be much help keeping things quiet. “I think we’re going to go ahead and head home tonight. It’s the best place to be until all this gets settled.” Was that a flash of disappointment in her face, or my own wishful thinking? “The guys need to be with their families. We’ve been on the road a while, and although Arty could be a jerk, it’s a loss for us.”
“I’m sure you have a lot of mixed emotions about this.”
“You’re right. He’s been good to me over the years. He got me some breaks that I don’t know if I’d have ever gotten on my own. I’m still so mad at him, and her, but with him gone that part doesn’t seem important right now.” I really don’t want to leave you. “Why don’t you and Jake come out to the ranch?”
“Jake just started school. I can’t just pull him out. Maybe I can get a rain check.”
“Or come on the weekend. I can send the plane.”
“Or I could drive out.”
“Nashville is a long drive. Let me know when you can come and we’ll work it out.”
“We’ll see.”
“I’ll be back down this way for Arty’s funeral, I guess. I don’t know what or who is even handling all that. Probably his attorney. He didn’t have any family, at least not that I knew of.” Now there was Amy. She’d be his only family. “I’d better go tell the guys about the change in plans.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
In less than an hour the two buses were packed and backing out of her driveway. Kasey watched from the window with Jake and Shutterbug on each side of her. Kasey waved even though they couldn’t see the guys.
“Can they see us, Mom?”
“They sure can. The windows are tinted, but they can see us just fine.”
Jake waved with a little more enthusiasm, and Kasey could picture Cody sitting by the window like she’d seen him do so often when she’d traveled with them last year.
As the heavy rumble of the diesel engines faded into the distance, the absence of the bus generators felt almost too quiet.
She’d never really given much thought to Cody’s life off the road before. On the road, in concert, was really the only way she’d ever known him.
Jake and Shutterbug went into the living room and lay in front of the television watching an animal show. Out of curiosity, Kasey got her laptop and googled to see if there was anything about Cody’s house in Nashville. She’d been to the ranch for the Christmas celebration, but never to his house. She’d heard he had a bigger ranch there.
One article mentioned the whopping price tag, and another link showed him riding a horse on his property, but that was about all she could find aside from an aerial view that didn’t look to be from a very reliable source. Annette had always done such a diligent job of keeping private things private for him. She shut the laptop down and scooched from the couch to the floor next to Jake, who had sprawled out on his tummy with his chin propped in his hands watching television.
“Love you, buddy.”
“I love you too, Mom.”
She brushed her fingers through his hair and wished she could quit thinking about Cody’s invitation. It’s not like that relationship could go anywhere, but her heart didn’t seem to be paying attention. He just left. Do I really miss him already? She glanced down at Jake and smiled. “You’re all I need.”
Her cell phone rang and she jumped up to go get it.
Riley didn’t even bother with a hello. “Oh, my goodness, Kasey, have you seen it on TV? It’s all over the news that Arty Max was killed. They’re saying that Arty and Cody had a huge fight and the pictures of Cody don’t even look like him. He was smoking mad. I haven’t seen you in any of the pictures yet. It’s the top gossip on the entertainment shows tonight.”
Kasey’s stomach swirled in a sickening way.
“I haven’t seen it, but I can just imagine,” she said. “Cody and the guys just left. The commercial in Texas got put on hold because of all of this.”
“I’m not surprised.”
“They’re heading back to Cody’s ranch until it blows over. He did mention he might need Von’s help if this doesn’t smooth out quickly.”
“We were just talking about that. You know Von would be happy to.”
“That’s what I told him. Besides, he has an alibi. He was here all night.”
“Then it shouldn’t be a problem, but you never know. Kasey, I know you and Scott are friends, but Von was saying he wasn’t sure how Scott got in on the questioning of Cody so quick unless he was the one who made the call to the team in control of the case.”
“I had the same thought,” Kasey admitted.
“Scott could have just kept his mouth shut until things started sorting themselves out. That would have been a lot easier than giving the press even more ammo with the fact that they’ve questioned him.”
“Cody said Scott told him that when it came across the wire he informed them he knew Cody’s whereabouts.”
Riley relayed information back and forth to Von while they talked. “The fact that Cody was questioned at all got to the news pretty quick too. According to Von someone had to be giving that information to the press, because usually the police are kind of tight-lipped when these things happen with celebrities.”
“I was hoping Scott would help clear things up. There are at least two other precincts involved with all this mess. It could have been anyone,” Kasey said, but even she didn’t really believe it.
“If you say so.” Riley sounded doubtful.
Kasey sucked in a breath. “Okay, and Scott is a little jealous. Maybe you’re right, but I can’t even think about that right now.”
“I think all Scott has on his mind is getting closer to you. Removing Cody from the equation would do that.”
“No, it wouldn’t. That’s just crazy,” Kasey snapped.
“Don’t shoot the messenger. I’m just saying I think he believes that.”
“He couldn’t possibly think railroading Cody on something that isn’t even true is going to bring him and me closer,” Kasey said. “He’d get way more points if he helped.”
“Scott wants more, and in his mind I think he thinks if he’s not getting somewhere then someone else is. We’ve talked about this.”
“There’s no spark between us. It’s not like with Nick.”
“For you, but for him, maybe it’s total fireworks.”
“I shouldn’t have let him become such a big part of our lives. I’ve known for a long time now that this isn’t that kind of relationship.”
“The guy was smitten from the word go.”
“I know, and Scott’s mom is so daggone sweet. It’s been so nice to have them in our lives, like the family we really don’t have. If I break things off with him it will make it pretty awkward for me to spend so much time with her.”
“I’d hate to be you trying to ratchet all that down a notch. I have a feeling he’s kind of an all-or-nothing guy.”
“I’d be sad to lose his friendship.” She heard the horn honk out front. “Shoot. I’ve got to go, Riley. That’s Scott. He just pulled into the driveway.”
“What’s he doing stopping by so late?”
“It’s only eight o’clock. He does this all the time. Give me a call in the morning.”
Kasey hung up the phone. “Jake, I’ll be right out front.” She headed for the front door.
“Okay, Mom.”
Scott had already gotten out of his car and halfway to the porch. “I see your squatters have left.”
That comment hit Kasey wrong. “They were not squatters. They were invited. By me.”
Scott’s mouth formed a tight line.
Did you seriously just roll your eyes? She bit the inside of her lip. “What brings you back?”
He hesitated, then visibly swallowed. “Can we sit?”
“Sure.” She led him to the front porch.
He sat on the porch swing where there was room enough for two, but she took a seat in the chair next to it.
Scott cleared his throat and leaned forward with his fingers tented, avoiding eye contact with her. “When I was talking to Cody about where he was last night, he said he was with you.” He looked up and held her gaze.
He’s hurt. She nodded. “Yeah. That’s true.” What did he hope she was going to say? That it wasn’t true? That Cody lied? His probing gaze made her nervous.
He sucked in a long breath, and then lifted his chin. “I mean what he said exactly was that he spent the night in your house.”
“Right.”
“Do you expect me to believe that?” he asked in a strained voice. His eyes narrowed and he watched her like he was looking for a sign that she was lying. She didn’t appreciate feeling like she was suddenly the one being questioned.
“What are you getting at, Scott?”
“If you’re giving him an alibi, lying to keep him out of trouble, that’s a crime.”
“I can’t believe you just said that to me.” Her hands locked into fists.
“Kasey, we’ve been close for over a year and I’ve never spent the night in your house. Not for lack of trying either.”
So?
Scott’s jaw pulsed. “It’s just a little hard for me to swallow… if it’s true… that he slept here last night.”
“I am not lying for him,” she said, but his face twisted. “And, it’s not like you’re thinking either. We talked and then he crashed in the guest room. I’d have done the same thing for any friend in his situation.”
“I bet,” he mumbled. “His bus was in front of the house. He couldn’t make it to the driveway?”
She sputtered a laugh. This is not the way I want things to end between us, Scott. “I don’t have to explain this to you, but I will because we’re good friends and I’d really like to keep it that way. Cody went through something traumatic—”
“Like murdering his agent?”
“Not like that at all.” She blew out a breath. “Scott, don’t do this. Cody needed some time before answering questions about Lou that the guys in the band were certain to have. We all knew that’s where he’d been headed and we sure didn’t expect to see him back that night.” Why am I bothering to tell you all this? Are you even listening? “Cody and I talked. Then he slept in the guest room. End of story.” That kiss was in the moment, and it’s not relevant. Quit making me feel so damn guilty for it.
“Really?” Scott’s gaze was challenging.
“Yes. Really. He slept in the guest room. I should not have to explain myself to you.”
“If he was in your guest room, then technically you don’t know that he was really in that room all night, do you?”
“You have no right to act like this. It isn’t about Arty Max at all. This is about you and me. You’re making me so mad that I’d like to tell you that I had hot, wild sex with Cody Tuggle just to get even right now, but that is not what happened.”
She wished she could take the hissy fit back. She steadied her breathing, and chose her words carefully. “Yes, Scott. I am quite certain that he was in that room all night long. If he’d opened that window the alarm would have gone off, and if he left any other way, I’d have heard him. If I didn’t, surely Shutterbug would have. Why are you turning this into a witch hunt?”
He didn’t even flinch.
Jake swung open the door. “Hi, Mr. Scott.”
“Jake, we’re talking.” She tried to calm her voice. “I’ll be inside in a minute, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jake shut the door and Kasey swung her focus back on Scott. She spoke slower, trying to control her tone. “Cody was mad. He had an argument with Arty. I left the party after Cody did and Arty was quite alive when I left.”
“It feels very convenient.”
“It’s the truth, and I really don’t appreciate your tone. I was helping a friend, and I’m glad I did. And for the record, since this seems to be on it, I’d invite him into my home again.” She could almost see him gasp at her words.
“And yet you make sure I’m out of the house by ten o’clock. If we’re putting all the cards on the table, it seems awfully convenient that Jake was with Riley and Von last night. I mean, he’s hardly ever out of your sight. Are you sure you didn’t plan this evening with Cody all along?”
Don’t. You. Dare. “Maybe I don’t know you as well as I thought.”
Scott stood so fast the swing rebounded against the back of his legs. “Believe me. I’m feeling the same way. All I can say is his timeline better check out, because you might have his back, but I don’t. No celebrity will get off scot-free on my watch. Just because he’s a rich superstar does not mean he can play by his own rules.”
“He’s not like that at all, and when did a case in Rappahannock County suddenly become ‘your watch’ anyway?”
Scott started to move then stopped. “He was here in my town. That makes it my business.”
“Well, he’s gone now. So you’re off the hook.”
He looked away. “This is a homicide investigation. I have a responsibility to the people who elected me sheriff in this county. It’s not that simple.”
Yes it is. “Look, if you’re unhappy that I have a friendship with Cody Tuggle, get over it. He was as much a friend after Nick’s death and during our search for Jake as you were and I treasure every single one of those friendships that got me through that nightmare. All of them. You, Cody, everyone involved. Don’t turn this into something personal.”
He sat back down on the swing like he couldn’t hold his weight up any longer. “I love you, Kasey. I’ve been trying to take this relationship somewhere and you keep dodging me like a rodeo clown. You keep me at an arm’s length. Then, this man who can have any woman in the world strolls right in and sleeps over? I’m sorry, but I can’t help but wonder. Am I not rich enough, interesting enough? Maybe a small-town guy is just too small-time for you.”
You can’t possibly believe I’m that shallow. She knew he’d had one relationship that ended because his fiancée didn’t want to live in a small town, but this was different. “If you think so little of me, then I think you should probably leave.”
He lowered his gaze and stood. His tone became chilly. “I was just asking.”
“Don’t. I’m not having this conversation right now. There’s nowhere positive it can go from here.”
“Fine.” He got up from the swing.
She stared at the chains swinging back and forth, unable to even stomach looking at him. She sat there trying not to let the emotion overwhelm her until she heard the engine of his car turn over and his car pull out of the driveway. Her hands shook. She took in a couple deep breaths and then went back inside.
Jake was still on the floor playing with Shutterbug, so she went into the kitchen to call Riley.
“Hi, it’s me,” Kasey said.
“You okay?”
“I don’t know.” Kasey replayed Scott’s visit for Riley in full detail.
&nbs
p; “I told you he was up to no good. I just had a feeling, and you know how it is when I get a feeling.”
“Yes, I know about you and your intuition.”
“I hope he doesn’t manipulate the situation to make things worse for Cody. Even if Cody’s innocent you know how bad press can get out of control quick.”
“I do know. And there’s no if. Cody is innocent.”
“You know Von only trusts a cop as far as he needs him, so he’s probably not a fair judge of character, but he said to be careful.”
“I tried to be careful about what I said. I mean, there’s nothing to hide. Cody was here, so he’s innocent.”
“Von said you should go ahead and start timelining everything you did from the morning of the party until now. And have Cody do the exact same thing. You need to account for every minute. Every fact you can think of no matter how small. It’ll be much easier to remember it now than it will be later.”
“I can do that,” Kasey said.
“If you want to help Cody, then we need to get in front of this problem, and you know Von is the guy to do it.”
“I appreciate this so much. Cody is a good man. He doesn’t deserve all of this on top of the bad news about Lou and Arty.”
“If anyone can put the pieces together, Von can. Keep us in the loop.”
“I will.” Kasey pulled a notepad out of the kitchen junk drawer and sat at the table. At least she was doing something to help. She had one page filled and was starting on the next when she heard Jake’s giggle. It carried through the house and warmed her heart, but then she saw the time and realized he was up way past his bedtime.
She walked back into the living room. “Ready for bed, Jake?”
He rolled over and nodded. His eyes were half-closed already.
“Do I have to take a bath before I go to bed? I’m tired.”
“We can skip it tonight. Let’s brush those teeth though. We don’t want any cavities.”
“Okay.” He ran into the bathroom and by the time she turned down his bed, he was minty fresh and grinning big so she could see how pretty and white his teeth looked.
“Perfect, my little model.”
He changed into his pajamas, then knelt by his bed to say his prayers.
Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies (An Adams Grove Novel) Page 13