by Debra Jupe
The corners of Jack’s mouth lifted as he did his best to put Katie and her fury on the backburner. “Sounds like a plan. Unfortunately, I’ve scheduled an appointment with my attorney.” He paused to glance at his watch. “As a matter of fact, I’m due to meet him in about ten minutes. I’m going to have to end this.” His lips elevated higher. “For now.”
“I like that. Why don’t you call me after you’re finished with your meeting? We can continue this at my place.”
Jack scooted out of the booth and stood. He threw some bills onto the table and nodded. He left Vanessa sipping her wine, hurrying to get out of there. He’d almost reached the door when Jules stepped in front of him. Jack abruptly stopped.
Fists on his hips, he rolled his eyes. “Don’t have time for this.”
Nor did he want to hear what she had to say. He was already aware what an asshole he was, but he had his reasons. Reasons he wouldn’t be disclosing to Katie’s friend.
Jules jabbed a finger into his chest. “You can make time, you son of a bitch. Katie has never done anything but like you, and you always treated her as if she doesn’t matter. Well, let me tell you, she does count,” her voice elevated to shrill as she pushed her finger further into him, “she’s out of your league.”
“No argument there,” he agreed wearily. “Now, can I please leave?”
“You just don’t care, do you?”
“I don’t? She’s the one who disappeared while the deputies hauled me off. I’m surprised she’s still not in hiding.”
“She’s not because she gave herself up. For you. She knew of a place to go where they wouldn’t find her but her worry over you, however undeserved, made her turn herself in.”
Jack inhaled, unable to exhale. Words failed him. Powerless to speak, he moved around Jules and rushed outside, needing fresh air. Katie went to jail for him. Needless to say, no one had ever done anything like this. If he didn’t already feel he was a cad, he certainly believed himself one now.
Cruz waited by Jack’s truck. He chuckled as Jack approached. “What happened in there?” He sidestepped Jack to gaze at the eatery’s open door where Jules remained. “Katie just high tailed it out of here, and Jules is staring you down like she wants you dead.”
“I’m aware. Not sure how I’m still breathing.” Jack unlocked his vehicle for them to get inside, in a hurry to vacate the location. He needed to think. The sooner he got away from here the better. “I must have killed a sacred cow in another life, and now I’m being punished for my evil deeds in this one.”
Cruz shot him an inquisitive look from the passenger side. “Why in the world would you agree to meet Katie’s worst enemy in her best friend’s restaurant. I mean, dude, what were you thinking.”
“Evidently I wasn’t.” He switched the ignition, and stomped on the gas, dashing away from the disturbing incident. “I didn’t realize the place belonged to Jules, nor was I aware Katie had been released from jail.” He threw a glance at Cruz. “What’s the story there?”
“Yeah, I was in the middle of texting you when the war of your female admirers broke out. She’s in the clear. For now.”
Jack’s surprised expression turned to relief. “Even with the cell records of her being in the vicinity of the murder and the found evidence? I’d think the prosecutor would be drooling with all the proof.”
“Phone also proves time of death and her whereabouts don’t add up. Believe it or not, we elected a decent DA. He spoke with Martin. They feel everything seemed a little too neat. Katie’s not a stupid person. First, why keep the knife? Second, her family owns a huge ranch on the outskirts of town. Easy to get rid of any evidence and it’d never be discovered.”
“I’m glad he’s seeing the big picture.”
“It doesn’t hurt Katie is a Drapier.”
“All the more reason to find the real killer or this will hang over her head for the rest of her life.”
“Why are you so hell bent on helping her?” Cruz asked. “I don’t recall you being a big fan when we were kids. I’d be mad as a hornet she let those cops take you away while she hid.”
Jack remained silent for several seconds as Cruz’s question hung in the air. He needed to process all he’d learned from Jules and deal with his conflicting feelings but he didn’t have it in him right now. “No clue.”
“I think you’re into Aaron’s baby sister.”
Jack’s mouth straightened. He liked her a lot, so much he was almost willing to forget the pact he made with himself. Except he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. “Jules is right. Katie’s out of my league. My goal is to find Hazel’s real killer, and then I’m going to leave her alone.”
“Probably a wise move.”
Neither spoke for some time. Jack steered the truck in the direction of Cruz’s office. They were supposed to meet about the upcoming conference with Jenna’s attorney’s, but in light of recent events, he no longer cared what happened with Jenna or her lawsuit.
“Was the crazy worth it?”
Jack slowly nodded. “I think so.”
“What’d you find out?”
“Vanessa benefits from Ms. Nutt’s demise. Rhett Oats just purchased Weddings Fantastic from Hazel’s daughter in a private sale. Name ring a bell?”
“Yeah, but I don’t know from where.”
“He owns the other big wedding planner agency in town.”
Cruz snapped his fingers. “Right. Daphne and I talked to him about doing our ceremony. She liked him okay, but to me he resided on the left side of slime.”
“Vanessa is going to work for him.”
Cruz made a face. “Again?”
Jack frowned, not understanding the implication.
“He’s the guy who fired her for taking the kickbacks.”
“That makes this all the more curious. According to Vanessa, she’s set to be Weddings Fantastic’s new manager.”
“Strange.”
“Oh, it gets stranger, my friend.” Jack paused. “Hazel’s will states, the company was to be left to her daughter, and then be sold to the highest bidder. Vanessa revealed to me that she discovered this tidbit by accident, and the one who put Rhett in touch with the daughter for the private sale.”
“Interesting,” Cruz mused. “And timely.”
“Isn’t it? Rhett Oats snatched up the business in a clandestine deal before Hazel’s body turns to soot.”
“Sounds too—convenient. Haven’t heard any mumbles about the will from the detectives or the DA so it must not be an issue. But then again, I’m not privy to all of their information. Did Vanessa reveal how she came to find out the contents of Hazel’s will?”
“She did not. When I inquired on her methods of obtaining the knowledge, she became vague other than to say it was a coincidence.” Jack’s voice turned shaky. “Katie insisted all along Vanessa had something to do with Hazel’s murder, and I didn’t listen.” He hesitated. “Now I’m unsure.”
“Do you believe Rhett’s involved too?”
Jack lifted a shoulder. “No clue. He and Hazel were business rivals. Might be worth looking into.”
Cruz looked at Jack. “Sure sounds fishy.”
“Don’t it? Let’s add another wrinkle. Vanessa also informed me we would be neighbors soon.”
“How’s that?”
“Supposedly, Hazel left her the house on Mulberry.”
“That is—weird.” Cruz stared out the window. “How long has she worked for Weddings Fantastic?”
“About six months.” Jack bit at his bottom lip.
Neither spoke for a while. Jack contemplated his later date with Vanessa and wondered how he was going to get out of it. She would not be pleased when he cancelled. He only agreed to go to play along because he didn’t want to alert her of the real reason he arranged the lunch. No need for this to go any further.
He pulled into Cruz’s office parking lot and put his truck in park, but left the engine run. Instead, he let it idle as he stared out the windshield, his mind turned
.
“Something about that will bothering you?” he finally asked Cruz.
“I’m getting a bad vibe about the whole thing. Besides, the strangeness over the sale, why would the women leave her home to someone she’s only known for a few months.” Cruz threw Jack a side glance. “I’m wondering if we should maybe go see...”
Jack jerked the gear in reverse and backed out of the lot. “Way ahead of you.”
Chapter 23
The men made the thirty minute drive uptown into a newer section of the city. They parked at the curb in front of a contemporary brownstone and emerged from the truck.
Jack gazed upward, toward the large second story window, admiring the oversized red bricked building. “Fake document making must pay well,” he commented dryly.
“Rumors say he does a lot of work for illegals. He gets about three thousand a pop.”
Jack shook his head. “Certainly doing better than me.”
Cruz chuckled. “Me too. Four years of college and three at law school and I can’t afford a place like this. Did he even finish high school?”
They strolled through a wrought iron gate, continuing up the sidewalk, the lawn and flowerbed immaculately manicured despite the time of year. Cruz pushed the bell located next to a beveled glassed door. A high pitched yip came from inside.
Anticipation welled into Jack’s chest. Their former teammate may provide the missing link to Hazel’s death. He wanted to make sure Katie wouldn’t be a suspect again or have anyone believe she got away with murder because of her families association. “Think he’s here?”
“It’s the middle of the day and he works from home. Where else would he be?”
The dog continued to yap, but no one answered. Cruz punched the buzzer again. The pup barked wildly.
“Hang on, I’m coming,” came a voice from inside. “Come here Remy.” Everything went quiet. The door opened. “Cruz?”
“Hey, Winnie. How you doing?”
“Can’t complain, but I do.” Winnie filled the entrance and then some, gently cradled a teacup size puppy in one large hand. He pulled the door wider and peeked around Cruz and smiled. “I’ll be damned. Jack Pharrell.” He shifted the dog to the other side as he walked out onto the stoop with an outstretched hand. “Been a long time. How the hell are you?”
“Great, Winnie.” Jack accepted the offered palm. The man hadn’t changed since high school, sans the beard and multitude of tattoos. “Good to see you too.”
Winnie indicated toward the inside. “Come in.” They followed him through a grand entryway and into a hall. “What brings you guys to my neck of the woods?”
“You call this woods?” Jack laughed, while taking in the spiral staircase, elaborates light fixtures, and modern art positioned on the walls. “This place is outstanding.”
“Thanks. The wife picked it out.”
“The wife?” Jack whispered to Cruz, who nodded.
“We need to talk to you for a few minutes,” Cruz said. “Is now okay?”
“Now’s as good as any.” Winnie led them through the modern decorated hallway. “We’ll go to my special room. More privacy.” He fronted them into a space that rivaled a sports bar. Still holding the dog, he spread out his free arm. “My official man cave.” He chuckled but appeared proud. “What’ll y’all think?”
“Impressive,” Jack commented.
“The wife allows me my sanctuary. The rest of this place belongs to her.” Winnie switched the now docile pup back to the other hand. “Well, I do have my home office upstairs.” He paused. “Let me put Remy in his kennel.”
“Does Remy belong to the wife?” Jack asked.
“Nope.” He scrubbed the dog’s head and gazed at the pup lovingly. “This little fellow is mine. I’ll be back in a few and then we’ll talk. Make yourselves at home.”
Neither man sat, but explored with a hint of envy. Cruz released a soft whistle. “This is some spread,” he said admiring a sixty inch TV mounted on the wall, with two smaller ones positioned on either side.
“You’re not kidden’.” Jack ran a palm over an extended bar, coming to a halt beside a pool table situated in front of a stained glass window. Though he was never into material stuff, he had to admit Winnie’s private area impressed him.
“Ya want a beverage?” Winnie asked as he reentered. He moved behind the bar. “I got a little bit of everything.”
About to ask for a beer, Jack hesitated. “A Coke, if you have one.”
Cruz shot Jack an odd look. “The same.”
Winnie pulled the handle of a small refrigerator, brought out three soda cans, and handed them to the men. “Too early for anything stronger.” He motioned at a pair of leather sofas.
“I didn’t think it was ever too early for you,” Cruz said to Jack.
Jack popped the Coke tab and took a lingering sip. “Cutting back.”
Winnie put his can aside. “So what do you guys need from me?”
Jack cleared his throat and clutched his drink in between his hands. “We’re here about a document.”
“A document?”
“A possible illegal one.”
Winnie looked uncertain and pulled at his chin. “Ah hah.”
Jack studied his old friend. A slight trace of fear ran through him. Everyone, including the authorities was aware of Winnie’s dealings though he didn’t admit to anything.
“Winnie, we don’t want to get you in any trouble,” Cruz clarified.
“Good. Hate to think my former football teammates would turn on me.” He squirmed in his seat. “So what kind of document are you guys investigating?” A gleam in his old friend’s eye told Jack he already understood.
“Hazel Nutt’s last will and testament,” Cruz explained.
“Hmm. Heard about her untimely demise. Couldn’t happen to a nicer person.”
Jack’s brows rose. “You’re familiar with Hazel?”
“Yeah. She refused to do our wedding.” He scoffed. “Didn’t want to work with my kind, whatever that means. Katie Drapier agreed to help us on the side. Did us a real good job. Had the ceremony at the Hyatt. Held the reception in the ballroom. Pretty place.”
“You got married at the Hyatt?” Jack queried amused.
“Wore a tux at my bride’s insistence.”
“Specially made in denim,” Cruz interjected.
“Katie is a special lady. Nice. Doesn’t act like she comes from money.” Winnie smiled. “Hate for her to get railroaded into anything.”
“You were aware she was being set up?” Cruz asked.
“Bank my life on it.”
“Any idea of who was behind it?”
Winnie rose from his seat and strolled over behind the bar. He bent down, leaving the peak of his large back exposed. Seconds later he stood, placing a stack of papers in the middle of the counter and patted them. “I’m making homemade tortellini for supper. The wife’s favorite. I need to do a quick check. Back in a minute.” He grinned and nodded toward the mound before he left the room.
Cautiously, Jack and Cruz rose to their feet, and crept to the pile. They peered over the forms.
“Is this…?” Jack studied the top line. Last Will and Testament of Hazel Nutt.
“Hazel Nutt’s original will.”
Huddled together, the men skimmed the document. They looked at each other and back at the paperwork.
“So Hazel’s final wishes were for the company to go to her daughter and have Katie run Weddings Fantastic. If the descendant no longer wished to own the business, it was to be offered to Katie at a cheaper price,” Cruz summarized.
“Evidently she didn’t make any changes before she died. This puts a whole new spin on things.” A wave of agitation skated through Jack.
“It certainly does,” Cruz agreed. “Here’s a copy of the forged will and signed receipt of the purchase.”
Jack peered at the signature. “Vanessa,” he said unsurprised.
“Makes her look guilty as hell.”
“Probably should speak with Rhett Oaks too. Find out if he’s involved.”
Winnie returned. “Got to the stove just in time. Pasta had floated to the top and needed to be removed from the hot water.” His look bounced from Jack to Cruz. “You guys discover anything useful?”
Cruz gave Jack a quick glance before he returned to Winnie. “Can we borrow this?” he pointed to the will.
“Keep ’em.” Winnie waved at the papers. “That’s the original. I save copies in case I need a little insurance. Kept that one down here instead of my office, cuz I figured someone might come asking. Do with it what you want. None my beeswax as long as you don’t bring me any shit.”
“We can avoid shit, since your name doesn’t appear anywhere on here.” Cruz picked up the will and folded the paper into a three sectioned crease. “We owe you one, Winnie.”
The two men headed out of the man room and toward the exit. Winnie followed them.
“Keep Katie out of trouble.”
“That’s what we’re trying to do.” Jack grasped the doorknob, and gave it a gentle twist. “We’ll find a way to get these into the right hands.”
“Good deal.” Winnie chuckled. “I’m glad somebody caught my addition.”
They both stopped and eyed him.
“Caught what, Winnie?”
“Vanessa getting the house was my idea. She never questioned it, though I figured someone would.”
“Didn’t fit,” Cruz said. “Hazel barely knew her.”
“Have an expert check the signatures. They might be a tad off.” He grinned.
“Glad you stopped by. Come again and we can catch up. Gotta go now, make my meatballs, and sauce before the wife gets home.”
They walked outside. Relief zipped through Jack. Katie would be in the clear. He turned to his old friend. “By the way, Winnie, who did you end up marrying? Anyone we’re acquainted with?”
“Marcie Patterson,” Cruz said out of the side of his mouth.
Jack’s expression displayed surprise. “The prom queen?”
“You weren’t the only football hero she dated, Jack.” Winnie laughed. “I was luckier than you though. She married me.”