Backwater

by Carolina Mac

  Bang.

  Benson dropped dead at her feet.

  Annie ran around the building and Travis was waiting for her. She jumped in the shotgun seat and put her rifle in the back. “Take off. I’ll call Jesse.”

  Jesse sounded more wide awake this time. “Hey, cowboy. Got him. He’s dead near the back door of the Governor’s residence. I probably set off alarms, but I’m gone.”

  “Good job, Ace. I’ll call Gene and he’ll take care of it.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  Saturday, June 20th.

  Seadrift.

  BLAINE put the key to the beach house back in the lock box and twirled the dial while Farrell and Neil loaded the last of the luggage. “Sorry we have to go home, and we didn’t get to stay the weekend, but Jesse has a situation and he could use some help.”

  “It’s okay, Blacky,” said Neil. “We had tons of fun already—except for the double murder—and we’re ready to go. I’m anxious to get home and show Casey our ranch.”

  “I can’t believe you guys want me to go with y’all. Nobody ever wanted me before.”

  Misty turned her head away to hide the tears.

  “I got lots of room at my place, bud,” said Blaine, “and I need somebody to help Carm. She has way too much to do.”

  They all piled into Blaine’s truck and waved goodbye to the beach.

  “Hope my fish is okay in the back of the truck,” said Neil. “Can’t wait to show Wayne.”

  “He’ll be impressed,” said Blaine. “He’s the best fisherman on the ranch.”

  “Y’all got fishing on your ranch?” asked Casey.

  “River fishing,” said Neil. “River runs through it.”

  Austin.

  SECURITY was quadrupled around the Governor’s mansion on Colorado Street and Gene was being discrete about it, just like Jesse had asked him to be. When Jesse arrived, there was no sign of police activity or an investigation. Nothing. All that had been cleaned up during the early morning hours and the two men assigned to get rid of Governor Campbell were in the morgue—thanks to Annie.

  I don’t want her doing it, but she’s good at her job.

  Jesse met Gene at the door of the residence and asked, “Does Catherine know about the man who came last night?”

  “I haven’t told her.”

  “Okay, I’ll do it,” said Jesse, “as gently as I can. Where is she?”

  “She’s upstairs in her private quarters getting ready for the meeting with the DA.”

  Jesse checked his Rolex. “Leighton should be here any minute. Send him up when he gets here, Gene.” Jesse was halfway up the curved staircase when Blaine called. “Blacky, nice to hear from you.”

  “You should have called me, Jesse. You need help.”

  “More mayhem last night and could’ve used you, but you need down time too.”

  “I’m almost home. I’ll drop everybody off and Farrell and I will be there for the meeting with Leighton. Wait for us.”

  “You got it. The DA ain’t here yet.”

  BLAINE stopped at the big iron gate and punched in the code. The gate swung open and he drove in and parked beside the house. “We’re home.”

  “You mean you live here in this big house with gates, n’all?” Casey’s eyes were wide.

  “Yep. The gates keep us safe,” said Blaine. “I have to be somewhere ten minutes ago, so y’all stay with Misty. Carm will make y’all lunch and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  “I better take my fish out of the truck,” said Neil. “Might need more ice.”

  “I’ll be at home if y’all need me,” said Mary.

  “I have to see how we’re going to play this, Mary,” said Blaine. “I’ll call you later if I’m going public.”

  Farrell kissed Mary goodbye and put her suitcase in her car for her.

  Blaine hollered to Neil, “Take care of Casey until I get back.”

  THE FOYER at the Governor’s residence was standing room only for black suits, and Blaine knew then and there he didn’t have the whole story from Jesse.

  “Where are they, Gene?”

  The head of the Governor’s security team pointed up the stairs and Blaine hurried, the chains on his Harley boots clanking on every step. He burst through the door into Cat’s private digs with Farrell right behind him.

  “You’re here,” said Cat and burst into tears. She ran across the room and Blaine held her as she sobbed.

  “I don’t know what happened,” he whispered.

  “Jesse will tell you,” said Cat as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Sit down and I’ll get you coffee.”

  “No, you sit down, Cat. I can get it,” said Blaine. To the others: “Thanks for waiting for us. I tried to hurry.” He and Farrell went to the sideboard where the staff had placed a coffee service and two trays of pastries.

  The meeting was being held in the Governor’s private sitting room on the second floor. A room furnished with priceless antiques and heirlooms belonging to the state. The thick velvet draperies lent an air of coziness to an otherwise museum-like reception room.

  “We have a serious situation here,” said Jesse, “and this meeting is an attempt to decide on the correct path to take. After last night’s attempt on the Governor’s life and the warning shot that came her way two days ago, we need to make every effort to put Senator Royce behind bars.”

  “He’s out on bond,” said the Chief. “The bail can be revoked if we have something else to bring the senator in on.”

  Blaine held up a hand. “Hold up for a minute. I need to catch up.” To Jesse: “Recap everything that happened.” He motioned for Jesse to step away from the others in case there was something Cat shouldn’t hear. They spoke in the Governor’s kitchen and Jesse went over everything as he knew it.

  “And who took the guy out last night?” asked Blaine. “Was it Gene’s men?”

  Jesse walked away and returned to the sitting room. “We’ll discuss that later,” said Jesse, focusing on the DA, “Right now we want to play the tape for Mr. Leighton and get his input. That’s why he’s here on a Saturday when he could be out playing golf.”

  Annie is involved in this. That means other people are involved.

  Jesse played the conversation twice, and everyone listened to Lieutenant Governor Stokes say his final words. When it was over Perry Leighton nodded. “That was right before he suffered his stroke?”

  Catherine nodded. “He was sitting in the chair in front of my desk when he collapsed. The paramedics took him from there and he never recovered. His wife blames me.”

  “You didn’t get him involved with Senator Royce and his little scheme,” said the DA. “Not your fault.”

  Cat gave the DA a moment to ponder what he’d heard before she said, “He knows the tape is damaging and that’s why he’s trying to get it back.”

  “What we need is a chain of evidence,” said Leighton. “We have to connect the senator to the man who shot the flag on the limo, or the man who came here last night. We can bring him in on the tape alone, but I’m not sure it would be enough.”

  “Why does he want it back so badly then?” asked Cat. “At Stokes’ reception, he told me I’d be wise to hand it over.”

  “I believe he wants the Senate to elect him president,” said the Chief, and then he’ll automatically replace Stokes.”

  “No,” cried Catherine, “that can’t happen.”

  “He’s been charged with threatening a government official,” said Leighton, “but until he’s convicted and behind bars I’m afraid he’ll just be business as usual.”

  Blaine nodded. “We have to connect him to the hitters.” He stood up and walked down the hall to the powder room and locked himself in. He made a call. “Mom, I’m in a meeting at Cat’s. Tell me about the guy last night. How did y’all know about him?”

  “I didn’t know you were home, sweetheart. I want to see you.”

  “I want to see you too, Mom, but I have to talk to the DA and I don’t know the details
of what happened last night.”

  “Trav tagged two SUV’s at the funeral reception for Royce’s wife and son. He watched Royce talk to the two guys in the parking lot and Trav waited until everyone was inside. Farrell got me the names and their pictures from the tag numbers and we followed them to the poker club. Last night they were there again and one shot at me. We followed the other one and he tried for the mansion.”

  “So, Travis saw Royce talking to these guys.”

  “Uh huh. Me and Trav were shady at the funeral and at the cemetery doing recon.”

  “Thanks, Mom. That’s a solid connection. I just have to prove it.”

  “I’ll help you if I can.”

  “Love you, Mom.”

  Blaine returned and refilled his coffee. “Let’s have another talk on Monday,” said Blaine. “We might know more by then.”

  Perry Leighton shook hands all around and then left.

  “What do you think, son?” asked the Chief.

  “I have information that the guy who came here last night was tight with Royce,” said Blaine.

  “But can you prove it?”

  “Nope.”

  “How do you know?” asked Cat.

  “Travis saw them talking at the funeral.”

  Jesse raised a dark eyebrow.

  “We should go to Royce’s digs and tell him how bad we feel about his man biting it,” said Farrell.

  “Yeah, let’s go do that,” said Blaine.

  “Y’all be very careful,” said Jesse. “Royce is on the edge.”

  BLAINE drove to the Austonian after Jesse supplied the address Luke and Fletcher had come up with. Reportedly, the Senator inhabited the penthouse although he spent most of his time in DC and he was in Austin infrequently.

  The concierge accosted them in the lobby and asked who they intended to visit. Blaine held up his creds and told the aging doorman that it was none of his business.

  “I’m supposed to announce you,” he protested.

  “Another day,” said Blaine. “Today is a day for surprises.”

  They took the elevator that only went to the top five floors and went as far up as it would take them. The bell rang, the doors opened, and they stepped out into an elegant marble foyer. A round glass table centered under the crystal chandelier welcomed guests with a huge bouquet of fresh flowers and an overflowing basket of fruit.

  Farrell knocked on the double doors and Blaine waited behind him. No sounds from within so he knocked again. This time the door opened a crack and a young girl peered out.

  “Who are y’all?”

  “Police,” said Blaine. “We’d like to speak to Senator Royce.”

  “He’s busy and don’t want no company.”

  “We’re here to surprise him.” Farrell pushed the door open and pushed the girl backwards.

  Blaine got a better look at her and she couldn’t have been more than nineteen or twenty.

  “Who is it, Deb?”

  “Says he’s the police.”

  “And you let him in? Why’d you do that. I told you not to do that ever.”

  “Didn’t mean to. That one pushed me.” She pointed at Farrell.

  Royce sauntered across the ball-park sized living area in his boxers. He recognized Blaine and grinned. “The Latino vigilante is here in person. It’s my lucky day.”

  “Too bad about your boys, Senator. Two of them were gunned down last night before their mission could be completed.”

  Senator Royce oozed confidence. “What mission is that?”

  “Davis Benson was shot dead at the back of the Governor’s mansion,” said Blaine.

  “Who’s Davis Benson?”

  Blaine smiled. “Since you’re not offering us coffee, I’ll leave you with one parting thought, Senator.”

  Royce chuckled. “I can’t believe you came in person to visit me. You made my day.”

  “This will add to it, I’m sure,” said Blaine. “The Governor gave the recording to the DA an hour ago. Don’t miss his call.”

  Senator Royce was chuckling as they headed for the elevator.

  “Did you get it done?” Blaine asked Farrell as they drove away from the condo.

  “All set for some interesting conversation.”

  “Let’s go home and get it all organized.”

  CARM hugged Blaine when he walked into the kitchen and wouldn’t let him go.

  “I missed you, mi Corazon,” he said. He pointed at Casey eating tacos at the kitchen table with Neil. “Did you like the present I brought you?”

  “Si, pequeno bandito.”

  Blaine chuckled. He poured himself a coffee and took it over to the little table in the window alcove. He sat down, glanced at the yard he loved and made a call. “Hey, Fletch, Jesse said you and Luke have been on the senator’s ass.”

  “Yeah, boss. You home?”

  “Just came from the penthouse.”

  “We got ears on?”

  “We do.”

  “We working?”

  “There’s been a development.” Blaine explained about the dead guy at the Governor’s mansion.

  “Fuck, a move against the Governor? Royce is off the main line,” said Fletcher.

  “Come and pick up the unit,” said Blaine. “I’ll call Luke.”

  La Grange.

  ANNIE and Luke sat at the harvest table in the kitchen drinking coffee and cleaning their guns. She liked having Luke with her. He needed to be around people and he was good company.

  His cell rang, and his face lit up. “You home, boss?”

  Luke listened and nodded his head a couple of times, then he said, “No, me and Fletch been on him. I want to do it.”

  “Uh huh. Yep. Thanks, boss. Leaving now.”

  Luke quickly put his gun back together and wiped it down.

  “You have to work?”

  “Boss is home and already been to Royce’s condo. We got ears on. I have to go meet Fletch and do surveillance.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “On surveillance?”

  Annie smiled. “No, to Blaine’s. I need to talk to him about a lot of things, and I need to pick up Neil and meet my new baby boy.”

  “You got a new boy?” asked Luke. He was amazed by the work Annie did with homeless juveniles.

  “Blaine found him down at the Gulf. He was hiding in the house they rented.”

  Luke’s eyes filled up. “That’s wonderful news.”

  Austin.

  ANNIE drove the new Maserati to the Agency. She’d finally used the insurance money and replaced the one she’d wrecked in the desert.

  “I haven’t had a ride in this beauty, Annie. It’s something else and smells so… new,” said Luke.

  “It sits in the garage way too much,” said Annie. “I should drive it more often.”

  “How did the first one get wrecked? Can you talk about it?”

  “Sure. It was an accident, but really my own fault. I cranked the wheel too hard going at top speed, trying to force a biker off the road.”

  “You weren’t hurt?”

  “I suffered a brain injury and was in a coma for a while. The car rolled, and the roof caved in on my head.”

  Luke stared out the window and Annie said no more. Accidents weren’t a good topic for Luke.

  At the Agency, she parked beside Blaine’s truck and ran up onto the front porch. The dogs barked and bounced as she ran into the foyer with Luke behind her. “Hey, where are my boys?”

  “In the kitchen, Mom,” hollered Farrell. He tore into the front hall to grab her in a hug and lift her off her feet. “I love you, Mom. More than anything in the whole world.”

  Annie kissed him. “I love you, baby. I missed you so much.”

  Neil came running behind his brother. “Mom, I caught a fish so big Wayne won’t believe it.”

  Annie giggled. “Wayne has caught some pretty big lunkers in our river.” She made her way into the kitchen looking for Blaine and the new stray she was sure to love. Not there. S
he hugged Carm and asked where Blaine was.

  “He’s upstairs letting Casey pick out a bedroom, Mom,” said Neil. He leaned in closer. “Let me give you a hint. The kid needs clothes and shoes… he’s got zip.”

  “Gottcha, baby.” She winked at Neil. “I’ll take care of it.” Annie ran to the top of the stairs and heard Blaine talking in one of the rooms at the end of the long wide hallway. She stuck her head in and caught her first glimpse of Casey.

  Tall, for sixteen and thin. He needed regular meals. Dark brown hair and a cute face. Deeply tanned, like he would be if he was from the Gulf.

  “Hi,” she said, “I’m Annie, Blaine’s mom.” She hugged Casey and Neil was right, Casey’s clothes stunk, and he had no others. They needed to shop.

  “Hi,” said Casey. “Blaine said I could stay with him and have this room.”

  Annie hugged Blaine and kissed his face. “I missed you so much.”

  “I missed you too. Did you bring Luke?”

  “He’s downstairs. I thought I might take Casey shopping if y’all are busy.”

  “Do that and take Misty too. Casey feels comfortable with her.”

  “She has powers,” said Casey in a whisper.

  Annie smiled. “Casey, do you feel like doing some shopping? I think you could use a change of clothes.”

  “Umm… could I do work and pay you back, ma’am? I don’t like taking charity.”

  “Sure,” said Annie. “I could use help. I have lots of stalls that need cleaning out at home on my ranch.”

  Casey nodded. “Okay, thanks.”

  THE SURVEILLANCE unit was parked in the visitors’ lot at the east side of the Austonian condo complex and Luke and Fletcher were in the back monitoring the equipment. The unit was well disguised as a camper mounted in the back of a Ford pickup.

  They’d been waiting for over an hour and not a sound had come from Senator Royce’s penthouse. A tap on the door startled Luke, and before he got off his stool to see who it was a voice said, “I know y’all are in there. Come on out.”

  Luke opened the door a crack. “Yes, sir, can I help you?”

  A security guard in a dark blue uniform stood at the door. “Y’all can’t sit in your camper in this parking lot. This is for people visiting the residents. I have to ask you to move along.”