Pecan Pie and Deadly Lies (An Adams Grove Novel)

by Naigle, Nancy

  “The people who matter know the truth. Like you. You knew what was true and not true pretty quickly, didn’t you?”

  “Well, yeah. I did. By the second day of the photo shoot I had a pretty good feel for who Cody Tuggle was, and it wasn’t the promiscuous, wild-party guy they’d portrayed.”

  “Don’t put a halo on the boy’s head. He’s had his moments, trust me. I’m sure he’s not proud of all of them, but he’s been in the spotlight for a long time. I’ve gotten used to it, and he’s learned to manage it pretty well too. Anything that’s important I’ll hear from Cody directly.”

  She nodded. “I guess it comes with the territory.”

  “A price to pay for fame. It’s not enough he gives his whole life to music and his fans, but he has to give up his privacy too. It’s not always easy.”

  “He seems to have adapted well.” I’m not sure I could live in that fish bowl.

  “You might be surprised what concessions you could make. To do what you love, or be with the one you love—it’s all the same. I’m a little worried about all this mess with Arty, though. I never did trust that man. I’m not even surprised somebody offed him. I’m sure he was asking for it.”

  Cody wasn’t kidding about no filter. Denise sure hadn’t lost any sleep over Arty’s murder. Kasey didn’t know if Cody had confided in his mother what all had happened with Lou and Arty so she made careful conversation. “I guess it takes all kinds.”

  Kasey heard the sound of Jake’s laughter getting closer. Cody came galloping up the sidewalk with Jake on his back. “We’re back.”

  “We’re baaaa-aaaack.” Jake’s face was red and his laughter a bouncing gulp with each of Cody’s bouncing steps.

  “Someone has a case of the giggles,” Kasey said.

  “Put me down,” Jake said.

  Cody pivoted and lined up with a chair. “Let go.”

  Jake dropped to the chair. “That was fun. Thanks.”

  “It was fun for me too. Not a bad workout either.”

  “Good thing you came back with my son,” Kasey said, trying to sound a little miffed. “You are not the man I thought you were.”

  Cody flashed a look over at his mom. “What?”

  “Cody Allan Hill?”

  “Oh, that,” Cody said. “I don’t even think about it anymore.”

  “Yeah, that. I didn’t even know your name.”

  He dropped into the chair next to her. “You can just call me darlin’. Then it won’t matter.”

  “You’re supposed to call me darlin’,” she said.

  “I think I will.” He stood up. “Darlin’, are you two ready to go back up to the house and call it a night?”

  “Yes,” Jake said.

  “I guess that’s my cue.” Kasey stood up. “Denise, thank you so much for having us. It was a real delight getting to know you. I hope we’ll get some more time together while I’m here.”

  “Count on it. I’d like that a lot. If I’m not here in the house, then I’m down at the barn.” She reached over and held Kasey’s hand. “I really enjoyed getting to know you too.”

  Denise gave Cody a wink and a nod, and Kasey wondered what the silent conversation meant between them.

  It seemed like the ride back was so short they could’ve walked it, but Jake was already drowsy-eyed. It had been a busy day for her boy.

  “Come on, Jake. You need to take a swim in the tub before bed. Run along upstairs. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” The words slurred out like he was already half-asleep but he didn’t argue.

  Cody locked the front door behind them. “I’ll let Shutterbug in and then I’m going to be down here in my office. If you want company, come join me.”

  “I might after I tuck this little guy in.”

  “I had a fun day. Thanks for being here. For taking my mind off of… everything.” He placed his hand on her hip.

  “It was a good day.” It was a positive step forward for her. “Jake had a great time too.”

  He ran his hand up her arm. “I like having you around.”

  Nervous energy flooded her airway. Jake called out for her. “I’ve got to get him in the tub.”

  He kissed her lightly on the neck.

  She pulled her shoulder against his cheek with a shiver.

  “I’ll be up for a while.”

  She glanced up the stairs. “I’d better… go.” She felt his eyes on her all the way up the stairs. When she turned at the top of the landing he was still watching, and smiling. She waved and then headed for the bathroom. Her sleepy little angel had gotten a second wind when he saw the size of the jetted tub. She got him set and then let him splash and play while she read in the adjoining room.

  “I’m pruney,” Jake called from the bathroom.

  “Hi, Pruney. I’m Mom. May I help you?” Kasey grabbed a giant towel and wrapped Jake up in it as he got out of the tub. “You smell yummy.” She kissed his neck until he giggled. “I love you.”

  “I love you ten and five.”

  “Good. I like that in a guy.” She pulled the plug on the tub and Jake streaked back to his bedroom and put on his pajamas. She’d just finished wiping everything down in the bathroom when Jake came back in the room with Shutterbug at his heels.

  “I think I’m more tired than bedtime sleepy tonight.” He reached his arms up for a hug.

  “I’m pretty pooped out too. It’s been a busy day. Come on, I’ll tuck you in.”

  Even with all the lights turned off, the room was easy to navigate. Not only were there night-lights at every receptacle and switch, but there was also a band of glowing LED that ran along the top and bottom of each wall, kind of like theater lighting.

  Jake knelt beside the bed and said his prayers and tonight he included Tori, Gibson, Rose, and Cody’s mom too.

  “You’re a good and thoughtful boy,” she said as she tucked him in for the night. “I’m going to leave the door open in case you need me.”

  “I won’t. I’m a big boy.”

  “Alrighty, then. Sleep tight.”

  She walked out onto the balcony and leaned over the rail. The night sky was filled with stars. Part of her wanted to go down and see what Cody was up to. They’d barely been alone all day, but it had been a good day. The reminder of the tingle that his touch sent up her arm when they were downstairs made her smile. He was probably still awake, but she was afraid to risk ruining the perfect day.

  She changed into her pajamas and slipped between the slippery, high-thread-count sheets.

  Cody Allan Hill. What else don’t I know about you?

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The sun was just beginning to break the skyline when Cody opened his eyes. Alone. Not exactly the way he’d hoped. He swept his hand across the vacant pillow next to him. He’d hoped Kasey would come downstairs last night, and he’d even wondered if she might end up lying next to him right in this bed. Maybe I was wrong about our connection. But then Kasey wasn’t like the other women he knew. He shouldn’t expect she’d fall into his bed so easily. And that connection… it’s there. It can’t be my imagination. I just need to take this slow. Let it ride the course.

  He imagined what she’d look like sleeping next to him with her hair splayed across the pillow.

  Yesterday had been busy and that had been a good way to keep his mind off Lou’s betrayal, and Arty’s murder.

  Hard to believe he’s dead.

  He rolled over on his back and pushed the covers off. Since he hadn’t heard anything from Annette he had to assume she hadn’t heard anything new about Arty’s death. It hadn’t been that long, but each day felt like too much time to let pass. Thank goodness there hadn’t been much about his argument with Arty once the press had leaked that he’d been questioned and allowed to come back home. I have Scott Calvin to thank for that. Even if he didn’t start out with the best of intentions, he really did his job. Cody was thankful for that. Under the same circumstances, he wasn’t sure if he’d have been as n
oble.

  Cody got out of bed, slipped into a pair of shorts, and did a few stretches. Normally he’d head straight out for a run, but he kind of hated to miss Kasey when she got up. He walked out on the balcony and glanced toward the other end. The drapes were pulled closed. She was probably still asleep. Taking it slow… something I’ve never been good at.

  It was a perfect morning for fishing. Jake was sure to reel something in since the pond was stocked with plenty of largemouth bass, and he couldn’t wait to see his face when that happened.

  He’d meant to talk to Kasey last night about taking Jake out fishing this morning so he could get Jake up early and head out, but since she hadn’t come downstairs he’d just have to wait until they woke up.

  Restless, he went downstairs. He could already smell the warm scent of fresh coffee as he walked into the kitchen.

  I’ll take coffee upstairs for Kasey. We can have it on the balcony. That’ll be a nice way to start the day.

  Tori had left pastries out next to the coffee. Cody grabbed two mugs and the whole pot of coffee. Just as he started to head upstairs, he turned back and looked in the refrigerator to see what he could take up for Jake. There was a small mixer-size can of orange juice. It wouldn’t go too well with a pastry, but Jake probably wouldn’t even notice. That’ll work. He tucked the cold can under his naked arm, balanced a couple pastries on top of the mugs, then unloaded all of it on a tray to take upstairs. As he reached the top of the stairs he heard soft sounds coming from Jake’s room.

  He walked over to the door of the bedroom. Jake sat on the floor with toy trucks and cars, cruising them over ramps made out of pillows and books. Shutterbug lifted her head from her paws.

  “Can I come in?” Cody whispered.

  “Hi! I think Mom’s still sleeping.” He held his finger to his lips.

  “We’ll be quiet then.”

  “’Kay.”

  Shutterbug got up and shoved her cold nose under the leg of Cody’s shorts, insisting on attention.

  “Here.” Cody handed Jake the juice. “Hold this.”

  He gave Shutterbug a head pat, then set the tray with the mugs and coffee on the dresser.

  Cody heard a voice out on the terrace. He moved closer to the door. Kasey was sitting in one of the chairs talking on the phone.

  “The house is gorgeous. We’ve had a lot of fun already, and he’s a wonderful host.”

  He smiled at that, and leaned closer, listening while Jake pushed his car along the carpet highway.

  “No, that will never happen. Oh my gosh, he has a housekeeper and people, and a cook who can make anything. No way. I couldn’t. I’m like a fish out of water here. You should see this place. It’s more than amazing. I’m nowhere near his caliber.”

  His heart sank. He’d hoped she’d feel at home here, but it seemed instead she was overwhelmed by it. Disappointed, and not sure there was a way to remedy that, he got down on the floor and pushed a car along the carpet next to Jake. How will I ever fit in anywhere? I’m either not enough, or too much, and frankly I’m getting a little tired of being lonely.

  A moment later the door between the rooms opened and Kasey poked her head in.

  “Good morning, Mom.”

  “You were so quiet I thought you were still sleeping.”

  “Nope.” Cody raised his truck in the air. “We’re racing. I brought coffee up. It should still be hot.”

  “Super.” She poured a cup, sat on the edge of the bed, and watched them navigate the carpet and boy-made ramps. “Did you sleep good last night, Jake?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I love this bed. Can we live here, Cody?” He shoved a pastry in his mouth and kept touring his cars around.

  “You and your momma can stay as long as you like, Jake.” Cody made squealing noises and spun his truck and then parked it next to the dictionary.

  “What’s on the agenda today aside from car racing?” Kasey asked.

  “I thought I’d take Jake fishing down at the pond this morning.” He looked to Jake. “Yeah! Just boys?”

  “Sure.”

  Kasey faked a pout.

  “You can come if you really want to,” Cody said.

  “No. No. I’ll just stay here with Shutterbug. We girls will find something to do.”

  “Let’s get ready, buddy.” Cody winked at Jake. “Those fish are probably ready for breakfast. I’ll go down and get things ready while you pick up your cars and get dressed. I’ll meet you downstairs,” Cody said as he got up.

  “Cool!” Jake said, and started sweeping his toys into his backpack.

  Kasey’s smile broadened in approval. “He’s going to love it. Don’t worry about me. I’ll read, relax, and repeat until you come back.”

  Normally he’d have told her to ask Tori for anything she needed, but under the circumstances that didn’t seem like a great idea. He’d give Tori the rest of the day off. “Make yourself at home. I gave Tori the day off so you’re the lady of the house today, and I’ll leave a golf cart out front in case you want to tool around the property and take some pictures.”

  Her jaw went slack, and then she smiled. “Cool.”

  Yeah, go ahead and think I’m a mind reader. I’ll ask for forgiveness later. Cody got up to leave and then stopped in the doorway. “It’s Labor Day. We’ll have a cookout tonight. Hopefully a fish fry, but if we don’t catch anything… hamburgers. Sound good?”

  “I’m catching a whopper!” Jake said. “Big enough to feed everyone.”

  “Too bad he has no confidence,” Cody teased Kasey.

  “Yeah. Don’t know where he gets that from.” She tried to look innocent.

  He loved her confidence, and if Jake wasn’t there he’d be fishing for a whole other something-something right this minute. He pushed away the thought before his shorts gave it away and turned to go downstairs. “Meet you downstairs when you’re ready, Jake.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Kasey sat at the edge of the pool with her feet in the water. She’d been crying for over ten minutes and she didn’t know how to shake the feeling that was nearly paralyzing her.

  Pete rounded the corner with a smile.

  She swept at the tears, pasted a smile on her face, and tugged the ball cap down on her head to hide her eyes.

  “Nice out here, isn’t it?” Pete said, but as he got closer he rushed to her side. “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. I’m sorry. Nothing.”

  “You’re crying. That’s not nothing. What’s going on? Did Cody do something to upset you?”

  “No. Of course not. It’s just me.” She trusted Cody—at least she thought she did—but the overwhelming fear came out of nowhere sometimes and the anxiety swept away all of her good sense. “I’m sorry you’re seeing me like this. I’m just feeling worried about Jake.”

  “Why? Did something happen? What’s wrong?”

  “No. He’s probably having a blast. He and Cody went off.” She rubbed her hands together and balled up her fists. “I know it doesn’t make sense, but ever since the kidnapping I’ve had a hard time letting Jake out of my sight.”

  “That’s understandable.”

  “I was fine when he left with Cody; then all of a sudden I was sitting out here by myself and I got this avalanche of emotion out of nowhere.” She looked up at Pete who was still standing next to her at poolside. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m crazy.”

  Pete stepped out of his shoes and sat down next to her, dipping his feet into the water too. “We all go a little haywire now and then. Don’t worry about it. Cody’s really great with kids. That guy has one of the biggest hearts. Jake’s in good hands.”

  “It’s not Cody. I think it’s just being somewhere I’ve never been, and the murder, and…” Kasey shook her head, and sniffled back the tears. “This is so embarrassing.”

  “Arty’s murder has us all shook up.”

  Kasey swished her feet in the water. “I wish they knew what happened, and who did it.”

  “You’r
e safe here. In fact, this is the safest place you could probably be. The entrance is gated, and there’s a security guard up there. There are cameras almost everywhere on this property. Major corporations would be lucky to have the system Cody has here.”

  “They’re just fishing down at the pond. I’m being silly. I’ll be fine.”

  “Oh, why didn’t you say so?” Pete leaped to his feet and extended his hand to help her up. “Come on. Follow me.”

  She hesitated, but he took her by the hand and tugged her up.

  “Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” Pete led Kasey around the outer edge of the house to a smaller separate building with no windows. He put his hand across the pad next to the door and it slid open.

  “What is this?” Kasey asked.

  “Security. Come on in.” Pete walked over to a bank of knobs and buttons that didn’t look so much different from the cockpit of the plane. He pressed buttons and slid a lever, then all of a sudden, she could see Cody and Jake fishing from the man-made beach along the pond.

  Jake’s smile was broad.

  She reached for Pete’s arm. “Thank you.”

  He nodded. “Looks like they’re having fun. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you joined them. Want me to give you a lift on the golf cart? I’ll take you down there.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “No. I need to start working through this.” She looked at Pete. “Don’t tell him I freaked out, okay?”

  “No worries.” He gave her a quick, friendly squeeze. “You going to be okay?”

  “Yeah.” She looked back at the monitor. “Oh my gosh. Look!” Jake lifted his rod and Cody jumped into action alongside him to help him reel it in.

  The tip of the rod arched way over and Jake’s eyes got bigger than the bobber as they reeled in the line and the fish took a jump into the air. Jake’s face was red and he was panting.

  Cody ran to get the net, then jogged back to the water’s edge to scoop up the twisting fish.

  “It’s huge!” Kasey clapped. “I bet Jake is dying!”

  Pete pushed a button and the camera zoomed in on them. “Cody’s having fun too. The pond is stocked with largemouth bass.”