by Debra Jupe
Jack swallowed hard and did his best to disregard the lovely vision as he gulped for air. He may suffocate from the growing friction between them. This tension wasn’t like the hostility from the past. No, this conflict was totally different. Sexual.
Your best friend’s sister. Don’t go there.
He picked up the glass and extended his mixture to her. “Bottoms up.”
She took the drink, and raised the beverage for a timid sip as he confined his attention on her mouth.
She made a face from the taste. “This is a real surprise.”
He blinked to reorganize his focus.
“I mean, you.” Katie cleared her throat and skimmed the room. “Here.”
“I’m thinking I arrive just in time by the way you two were going at it. Rub you both with oil and throw you into a vat of Jell-O, and this would be an enjoyable morning for me.”
“Can gelatin be used as a weapon?” She lifted the glass to him then sat it onto the table without drinking. “Seriously, if that woman stayed any longer I might be a suspect in two killings. Only this one would be valid.”
“She does seem to antagonize you.”
“Because she’s hell bent on having me arrested, convicted, and spend the rest of my life in prison for Hazel’s death.”
Jack didn’t think so. No doubt Vanessa had a conniving streak, but he couldn’t believe she would sink low enough to railroad an innocent person to jail. Yes, she did point the police in Katie’s direction, but because of her circumstances with Weddings Fantastic, they would’ve investigated her anyway, no matter who delivered the information. Vanessa wasn’t determined to hang her out to dry. She just enjoyed pushing Katie’s buttons.
“You’re overreacting.” His tone reflected his doubt. “You don’t like each other, so you’ve both blown the situation out of proportion.”
Katie stared at him like he’d dropped in from outer space. “Keep hanging around her.” She shrugged and returned to her drink. “You’ll see.”
Jack remained silent. He had enough experience with Katie to know when not to argue.
“I can’t believe you’re interested in her,” she blurted. Her pale skin altered to crimson. She quickly looked down, her expression scrunched as if she wished she could take back her outburst.
Jack interested in Vanessa. At one point he thought their evening was a dream, and he barely remembered spending time with her. He should explain. But if he clarified, it’d mean he had feelings for Katie, and he wouldn’t allow that to happen.
He cleared his throat. “What did Vanessa say that makes you think she’s implicating you in the murder?”
“To start with, she did give the police my name.”
“You were the latest terminated employee. They would’ve zoned in on you anyway. What else you got?”
“Several things. Most I can dismiss as idle. But she did say something about changes Hazel made which would affect me and make me kill her. That bothers me.”
“Well, she did fire you. That is a huge change.”
“Yeah, but that’s not it. This was somehow, different.”
She leaned back and propped her legs onto the table in front of her, crossing her ankles. The pit of his stomach stirred, and spiraled downward. Jack did his best not to stare. Her ass was great, but those legs were spectacular.
Control, Jack. Remain in control. Stop the crazy thoughts.
He lowered his chin and focused on the tile pattern between his feet. He hoped he wasn’t drooling. This monk-like existence he’d been living was beginning take its toll.
He cleared his throat, again redirecting his concentration on their conversation. “Different, how?”
“I can’t put my finger on any one thing.”
“Maybe something classified?”
“You obviously didn’t know Hazel Nutt. She never spilled her business secrets.”
“Nope. I’m glad I missed the pleasure.” He certainly was happy he hadn’t met the conniver from rumors circulating. He especially disliked the woman over her treatment of Katie.
“So you said earlier we needed to talk about something. I’m sure you didn’t come all the way over here to defend Vanessa.”
He ignored her adverse remark and glanced at the plastic covered handle sticking out of her handbag. Chills peppered down his neck. His initial instinct was rush the evidence to the detectives right away. Except deep inside, he understood the repercussions. Katie didn’t kill Hazel. She deserved a fighting chance.
He bobbed his head toward her purse. “Do you think it’s wise to leave that so accessible? Even if it wasn’t the murder weapon, if Vanessa happened to glimpse underneath, you’d be sunk.”
“She didn’t see anything.” She frowned at her pocketbook. “I can’t decide what to do with it.”
“You know what needs to be done.”
She leaned forward and set the glass down hard enough for the contents to slosh over the side. Falling back into the sofa, she fingered the strands from her ponytail and stared at the tip of the baggie. “Turn it over to the police.” She sighed. “After I call a lawyer.”
“Legal boy taught you something.”
“I’m scared, Jack,” she almost whispered. “I’m afraid the authorities won’t believe me.”
“You’re taking a bigger risk if Vanessa or the person who planted that alerts them that you’re in possession of the possible evidence used in a killing. What’s more, you’ve got a stranger, maybe a murderer, going in and out of your home at will. The other reason I dropped by was to suggest you consider staying with your folks until this is over and the guy is locked away.”
Her mouth flattened. “I don’t think so. I contacted the complex about getting a video tape, and I plan on changing the locks. That should be enough.”
“I disagree.”
“Disagree all you want. I’m not going to let whoever this is manipulate me, Jack. I’m won’t play their game.”
“Game? Games have rules. This guy works according to his own guidelines.”
She turned to face him, staring him directly in the eye. “If he’s aware he’s getting to me, I let him control me.”
He released a sarcastic laugh. “This person’s already proven he can get to you whenever he wants. That makes him all the more dangerous, Katie. You need either some physical protection or to go into hiding until whoever this is, is behind bars. Whoever broke into your place is probably Hazel’s killer. Don’t assume they will stop at one murder if their plan doesn’t work out.” Jack hated being so gloomy, but the idea of anything happening to her, especially something as irreversible at death, troubled him. More than unjust to another human. “Forgive me if I sound like a parrot, but let me stress again—find an attorney, and let’s get you some protection.”
“I will. At least on the lawyer part. I’m supposed to meet my parents for brunch in a couple of hours. I’ll ask Pops to call Cruz.”
Jack eyed her suspiciously. “Are you going to let them in on everything?”
Katie’s dad was always overprotective of his little girl, and she was close to her mother. Her family wouldn’t allow her to stay alone if they were aware of the circumstances.
Her skin flushed as she picked up the glass rolled it between her palms. “I’m not sure how much I’ll tell them.”
She planned on handling this by herself, but he refused to let anything happen to her. Best let her think she was getting her way.
Jack glanced at the beaker sandwiched by her hands. “Stomach better?”
She brought her drink to her mouth to finish off the liquid then licked away the excess moisture.
Jack focused on her tongue, swiping across her lips, moving in slow motion. He scooted to the edge of the sofa and rose to his feet, needing to go before he did something stupid.
She held up the empty glass. “This must be good stuff. My stomach was double knotted. This relieved my pain.”
“Glad I could help. I’m repeating myself, but be careful, Katie.
If you insist on being stubborn, then at least be aware of your surroundings. Don’t go anywhere alone, and keep all doors and windows doubled and tripled latched.” He laid a card on the coffee table. “Cruz’s home number is on the back. Call him.”
****
Katie strolled into the elegant restaurant’s vestibule where she was scheduled to meet her parents for brunch. Jules met her at the front entrance, her arms full of menus.
She looked at her friend in mock surprise. “Double duty today? Maître d’ and restaurant owner?”
“I’m filling in until Maurice’s replacement gets here. He called in.” Jules rolled her eyes. “Again.”
“He seems to be doing that a lot lately.”
“He’s got an emergency at least once a week. I’d fire him except he’s been with me forever, and my customers love him so much they may abandon me if I let him go.”
Jules guided her through the luxurious entryway of her pride and joy, and halted at the vast entrance leading into the dining area. “I’ve already seated your parents.” She pointed to the handsome couple sitting next to an arched window reflecting the mid-morning sun. She leaned closer to Katie and lowered her voice. “Are you going to tell them about finding that knife?”
“Not sure.”
“Your mother will freak, and expect your dad to insist you move home if they believe someone is going inside your place without your knowledge.”
“Probably. It’ll be a fight to keep my space, and I’m not up for another battle today.”
Jules frowned. “Another battle?”
Katie laughed sarcastically. “Let me tell you about my morning visitor.”
“I can’t believe Vanessa actually came to your apartment, and she’s done more to indicate you,” Jules exclaimed after Katie finished explaining Vanessa’s uninvited visit. “There’s no level of low the woman won’t stoop. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hid the knife in your couch, though I can’t imagine why she would.”
“How about if the knife was used to kill Hazel?”
Jules stared at her.
“Hazel was stabbed. They haven’t found the murder weapon. It’s covered in something, and it might be blood.”
“And you think Vanessa did this?”
“She’s determined for me to be arrested, and spend the rest of my life in prison to get me out of the party planning business. Though the jury’s still out if she’s clever enough to break into my apartment.”
Jules fingers tightened around the leather bound menus and clutched them to her chest. “Sounds like her methods goes way beyond getting you out her line of profession. She’s acting certifiable.”
“She always was. Her true colors are becoming more vibrant to the naked eye.”
A new group of customers arrived. Jules put on her professional smile and nodded. She kept her attention focused on the waiter replacing her while she and Katie talked. Once assured the party was cared for, she returned to Katie. “Did Jack get back to you on those contracts?”
“We, ahm, had dinner last night to discuss them.”
Jules looked surprise. “Whose idea was that?”
“His.” Katie debated in sharing the events of their evening now, or wait and deliberate the specifics later. After Jack’s suggestion the knife was the possible murder weapon, she and her friend would want to spend a lengthy amount of time dissecting the premise. Right now, she needed to get inside and speak with her parents. “He dropped by this morning too.”
Jules’ lips turned up. “He’s coming around a lot. Sounds as if he’s changing his opinion where you’re concerned. How about an apology?”
“Not yet. And don’t get any ideas. He also went out with Vanessa.”
Jules’ expression fell as she shook her head. “He’s got major taste issues when it comes to women, present company excluded.”
“Thanks. There’s other stuff I want to talk over with you too. But we’ll postpone that conversation until we have an entire evening.”
“We’ll need more vino. Good thing I got in a new shipment. I ordered a lovely Rosa I want you to try.”
“Can’t wait.”
“What did Jack say about the contracts?”
“I have to hold off for five years before I can start my party planning business.”
Jules gasped and gave her a hard look. “Katie, that’s crazy. Jack’s help is limited, I hope you plan on getting some professional legal advi—”
“Hey girls.”
The women jumped.
“Tara.” Jules glanced at Katie.
Katie returned her friend’s worried gaze. They’d known Tara since school and through Weddings Fantastic, though they weren’t close friends. On the surface, Tara appeared to be a straight shooter, but privately Katie was never certain of her former co-worker’s alliances. Katie didn’t trust her. She wondered how much of their conversation Tara overheard.
Jules smiled too bright at Tara. “Table for one? Follow me and I’ll seat you. Andreˊ is the best. He’ll be taking care of you.”
“No need.” She waved at Jules. “I’m here for a meeting, and I’m early. I’ll go to the bar and have a Bloody Mary while I wait.” Tara rotated toward Katie and held out her arms. “I’m so sorry about you losing your job. Then this whole sorted mess with Hazel,” she choked.
Katie hugged her in return. “I’m at a loss as to what to say too.”
The women separated. Tara pushed her glasses up her nose and sniffed. “It’s still fresh. Hazel wasn’t the best example of the human race, and she made a lot of enemies.” She fanned a hand in front of her face to fight off the tears. “I can’t believe someone killed her.”
“I’m having a difficult time wrapping my mind around that too.” Katie fumbled, straightening the strap on her bag.
“I’m glad you’re out and about,” Tara told her. “After everything you’ve been though, it’d be easy to hole up.”
“I’m meeting my parents for brunch.” Katie gave her a strained smile. “Sunday ritual.”
Tara nodded and scanned the room. “You’re extremely courageous to brave such exposure, given the circumstances.”
Katie glanced nervously at Jules, who shook her head.
“What circumstances?”
“The rumors, Katie. The gossip circulating around town about you.”
“Gossip?” Jules hackles rose. “This restaurant is located main hub of the city. I hear everything, and I haven’t heard a word concerning Katie.”
Tara turned to Jules. “People probably wouldn’t say anything to you because you’re her friend. Believe me they’re talking. A lot.”
Katie gulped loud and stared at her former co-worker who gave her a sharp look in return. She steeled herself, preparing for what was about to come. “What are they saying, Tara?”
Tara blinked repeatedly, her expression innocent. “Your imminent arrest for Hazel’s death.” A hand flew to her chest. “Please don’t take this as my personal opinion, because I know better. But the whole town believes you killed her. They think you’re a murderer.”
Chapter 10
“This is quite a pickle, Katie.” Cruz placed the phone’s receiver into the cradle. He stood behind a polished mahogany desk, tapping a pen on a legal pad. The handsome attorney studied Katie with a cool, dark gaze, who returned his stern stare with a seething glare of her own.
Teeth clenched, she dug her nails into the leather chair she occupied. “You think, Cruz?” She straightened and tightened her grip. “I’m in a pickle?” Grasp slackened, she fidgeted restlessly in her seat. “The whole town believes I killed Hazel.”
Her mother, Lila sat next to her, wringing a wadded tissue between both hands. Seated on the other side of Katie, ankle crossed over his leg, his cowboy hat hitched onto his protruding knee, was her father, Jed.
Forced to come clean over brunch, thanks to Jack for contacting them, both were ready to jump into action before Katie had a chance to explain. Her dad had already done what she’d postp
oned doing, and called Cruz. They drove here straight from the restaurant. This was how she found herself in his office late Sunday afternoon.
Katie’s mother leaned over and patted her daughter’s arm. “Easy, darling. Cruz is going to help you.” She looked at the younger man across from her, her expression pleading. “You can make this go away, right?”
“He damn sure better,” growled her father. He plowed his fingers through thick, graying hair. “I pay your firm a lot of money for personal and business dealings. I expect you or someone in this office to get my baby girl out of this—” He squinted. “What did you call it? Pickle?”
“I’ll do whatever I can, Jed. This is a small firm. There isn’t a criminal defense attorney on staff,” Cruz clarified patiently. “Therefore, murder cases aren’t our specialty. We’re acquainted with quite a few lawyers who do handle this type of situation. We’ll find someone to step up for her.”
“I don’t want just anyone, Cruz. I expect the best, and by best I mean get my daughter out of this mess.” Jed nodded at the phone on Cruz’s desk. “What exactly did your police friend say?”
“They received an anonymous tip Katie is in possession of an item connected to the victim’s death. The detectives working the assignment will speak with the court about issuing a warrant to search her place. If they discover the knife and determine it to be the murder weapon there’s a good chance they’ll arrest her. The only positive is it’s difficult to find a judge available on Sunday, so they probably won’t make a move until tomorrow. Lucky this is a smaller city or they could obtain authorization with a phone call.”
Katie’s head spun. She clutched her stomach. Her “hangover” nausea returned.
“That easy?” Her father gave Cruz a doubtful look. “What’s our options?”
“None really. There’s a good chance the judge will deny the request since the source is an unknown individual. No real substance to support the claim.”