Jessie started to make a catty reply about a Morgan, but she remembered how she’d felt when Gabriel was railroaded. Her world had changed overnight for the worse. In a strange way she and Josh had something in common—their grief involving a sibling.
“So tell me what’s going on.” Kira took a sip of her sweet tea.
Jessie filled Kira in on what she found in Mary Lou’s bedroom. She withdrew the note from her purse and gave it to the ADA, hoping Kira could help her.
After reading the piece of paper, Kira lifted her gaze to Jessie. “So what are you thinking?”
“Mary Lou was protective of Heather. Nothing made Mary Lou more upset than someone using drugs because of her little brother overdosing and dying. That’s why she was a mentor at the community center. Ben was in ninth grade when he started taking cocaine. If she discovered Heather doing drugs, she would have gone after her supplier.”
“Instead of going to the police?”
“She saw what happened to Gabriel. Her trust in the police was shaky.”
Kira frowned. “I hate to hear that. Although begrudgingly, the police chief has accepted that Gabriel was innocent. Bill can’t shake his hostility toward your brother.” She folded the sheet of paper. “Can I keep this? I’d like to do some checking quietly.”
“Yes, you can. I don’t trust the police. You saw how the chief acted last night.”
“So what do you want?”
“For you to know Mary Lou’s association with Heather might have been the reason she was murdered.”
“But not tell Bill?”
Jessie stabbed some lettuce and ate it, trying to figure out what she wanted Kira to do. After what she went through with the serial killer, Jessie didn’t want her to be put in jeopardy again. Kira was her brother’s chance at happiness. “I want you to be aware of the illegal drug angle in Mary Lou’s case and guide the police in that direction without showing them the note. But make it clear that Mary Lou would never be on drugs. Her mother couldn’t deal with another child dying because of them.”
“I agree the police shouldn’t see the note. They would want to know how it was found. I can steer them in the right direction, but I don’t want you involved. Your brother and Abbey have gone through enough.” Kira slipped the note into her pocket. “Can you leave it alone?”
Could she? It was the wise thing to do, but Mary Lou had always been there for her. She’d cried on her friend’s shoulder when Gabriel was hauled off to prison and later when her mother passed away. “To be honest, I have no intention of putting myself in danger, but I’m volunteering at the high school in the library. I’ve been promising Emma I would all year. With budget cuts, she’s been overworked, trying to run it all by herself. I also intend to volunteer at the community center.”
Kira’s arched an eyebrow. “And you decided to start today, after what happened yesterday?” Kira’s look and tone indicated she didn’t think Jessie could stay out of trouble.
“I’m not going to do anything to paint a target on my back.”
“Gabriel depends on you. Remember that. I’ll follow up with Mrs. Williams about Heather. Don’t say anything about Heather at school.”
She and Gabriel had always been close growing up, especially with their mother being frail and sickly a lot in the past five years. But her brother would be getting married soon, and she didn’t know where she would fit in his new family.
Jessie glanced at the clock on the wall and closed the lid on the salad box. “I’m going to take this with me and finish it later. I told a friend I’d be there at twelve. She’s gonna have an extra busy afternoon.” She rose. “Thanks for lunch. Let me know if I can help you or Grams with the wedding.”
“Jessie—”
She scurried out of the office. There would be no harm in asking Emma about Heather’s attendance. She wouldn’t mention drugs, just her concern because Mary Lou cared so much for the teenage girl. Her cell phone blared, but when she saw it was Kira, she ignored the call. Kira had an uncanny way of reading her suppressed emotions beneath her words.
Chapter Five
Josh shook hands with the high school head football coach for the Pinecrest Mustangs. They’d played on the same team years ago, and Josh had kept in touch with Bryan Mathis, often financially supporting the program. Now Josh would use his connections to find out who beat up Aaron. After visiting the teen in the hospital today, he didn’t think he would get any information from Aaron. He was scared. But why?
Bryan grinned. “It’s nice to see you. We’re putting your last donation to good use, updating our training equipment. What brings you by?”
“One of your football players is in the hospital.”
“Aaron Coleman. I heard about it this morning. I visited him earlier.”
“Then you saw the damage some guys did. I’m his mentor at the community center. In fact, I’m the one who found him.”
Bryan half leaned, half sat on his desk. “That had to be rough.”
“He bled a lot. I wasn’t even sure if he would make it at first.” When the football coach didn’t say anything, Josh continued. “The reason I’m here is to see if you know anyone who has a beef with Aaron.”
Bryan clasped the edge of his desk. “You know how I feel about violence. I don’t condone any team member playing dirty, but I haven’t seen anything here in the locker room or on the field to imply something was wrong. Aaron is first string. The guys like him. He’s always encouraging the team to do their best.”
“He says he doesn’t know who jumped him. If you hear something about Aaron, would you let me know?”
“But you think he knows his attacker?”
Josh glanced down at the coach’s white knuckled grip on the desk. “Possibly. He’s doing so well. I hate to see anyone bully him.”
“Why do you think someone is? He’s tough on the football field.”
“I think he was surprised. He didn’t have a chance to fight back much. Plus, he wouldn’t talk to me about it. Bullies play with their victim’s mind and emotions.” Earlier at the hospital, when Josh brought up the attack, Aaron’s demeanor changed as though he’d been on the run searching for an escape. Panic and fear had flashed across the teen’s face before he lowered his head and wouldn’t make eye contact with Josh.
Bryan shoved himself to a standing position. “If I hear anything of interest, I’ll let you know.”
Josh shook his hand again. “I appreciate it. You’ll be getting another donation soon. I’m hoping the Mustangs go to the state championship in the fall.”
“So do I. We were close last season, and I’m retaining all but one of the guys on the first string.”
“Sounds good.”
Josh left the coach’s office and strolled down the familiar corridors in the direction of the front entrance near the principal’s office. So far he’d hit dead ends with Bryan and Aaron. He planned to see if any of the teens at the center knew what was going on, and the best way would be to see Quinn and start teaching the proper way to lift weights. That way he would be around them while teaching them and possibly pick up information about what was happening in Pinecrest. Perfect timing and somehow he would work out a schedule that would still fit his responsibilities at his company.
A large teenage boy exited the principal’s office. Josh nodded at Liam McDonel, one of the leaders on the football team who, no doubt, would be offered many scholarships to the big universities to play the sport. Liam’s dad worked for Morgan Industries as head of human resources.
Josh stopped and smiled. “Your dad and I were talking a few days ago about which college you hope to attend. It’s not too soon to plan. I have some connections at the University of Oklahoma.”
Liam’s gray eyes brightened. “Ever since I can remember, that’s the school at the top of my list.”
“Always a good choice, especially if you live in Oklahoma. I was wondering if you could help me with some classes at the community center teaching weight lifting. The youn
ger kids would love to see one of the football stars in the gym.”
Liam’s cheeks reddened, blending with the color of his hair. “Sure. I’d be interested. When?”
“I’ll let you know, but soon.”
Josh headed for the front door. From what he knew about Liam, he would be a good example for the kids at the community center. As he stepped outside, Jessie mounted the steps to the high school. What was she doing here? He used to see her rarely, but now he’d been running into her a lot more. He stayed by the door waiting to open it for her.
Her icy blue gaze drilled into him. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
The initial surprise at seeing him had shown in her face, and her petite body stiffened as though she was readying to battle him. A neutral expression and stance fell back into place. “I’m volunteering in the library. Emma Sutherland needs help this afternoon.”
“She does? Would this have anything to do with Heather?”
When she blinked several times, he knew it did. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Yes. Why are you here? Because of what happened to Aaron?”
“Yes. He’s on the football team, and I thought Coach Mathis would know if Aaron had a problem with someone.”
“Did he?”
“No.”
“With your interest in Aaron, I’m sure the police chief will pursue the case.” Jessie reached to open the door.
Josh stepped in her way. “What do you think you’re going to find out?”
“At the least, whether or not Heather is here today.”
“Why are you checking? Why are you interested in Heather?”
“I know something happened last night. Even if you and the police chief think I’m crazy, I can assure you that I’m not.”
“How do you know Heather? Are you her mentor?” He’d only been involved with the community center six weeks and didn’t know all the kids who attended or who was a mentor to each teen.
“Mary Lou was her mentor. I want to take her place with Heather, but she’s stopped going to the community center. That was why I was at her house last night.”
“So you’re doing this for Mary Lou. Is there more to it than just stepping into her shoes and helping Heather?”
Jessie moved to the side and quickly grabbed the door handle. “None of your business. Good day.”
Josh let her go for the moment, but Jessie was hiding something. What if Heather was in trouble? The determination he’d seen in Jessie’s expression sent up red flares. Maybe Kira knew what was going on. That was his next stop. Then he’d set up the class schedule with Quinn.
* * *
In the high school library, Jessie sat for a few minutes until the last ninth grade class showed up. So far she hadn’t seen Heather. If she wasn’t in the next group, then the teenage girl must not be at school today.
Emma Sutherland took the seat across from Jessie, slipping off her high heel shoes. “I knew better than to wear these, but they go so well with this dress. I’ll be limping out of school later. I should have worn something practical like you.” Her friend gestured toward Jessie’s boots and jeans. “Will I be able to entice you to help me again?”
“Sure. How many students are in Mrs. Richardson’s class?”
“She said if everyone was here twenty-nine. I scheduled the worst class for last.”
“What kind of things should I expect from them?”
“Apathy and sullen behavior. There are a few that clearly don’t want to be here at school, but since they are required by law, they appear most days and take up space with little or no participation.”
Jessie had been in Mrs. Richardson’s class, and she’d been an excellent teacher. “That’s sad and all in one class.”
“Don’t get me wrong. There are some good kids in the class, but for some reason, a lot of the disruptive students are with her.”
“Sounds like she deserves combat pay.”
“She’s our best teacher. If anyone can handle them, it’s her.” Emma glanced toward the double doors into the library. “And they’re here. Focus on the fact that this is the last class, and it’ll past quickly.”
Half an hour later, Jessie checked the clock on the wall. Only fifteen more minutes and she could leave. After attempting to help but receiving little cooperation from a few boys who needed to research key events in Oklahoma history from the five civilized Indian tribes who settled in the eastern part of the state to the land runs, Jessie took a chair at a table with three ninth grade girls.
“How is your research coming? Any problems finding sources for your paper?”
“I still need one more,” a girl with freckles across her nose said.
“What topic?”
“The early oil boom.”
“Let’s check the library’s computer system. I see one free near the window.”
The teen rose, snatched a pad and pencil, and headed across the large room. Jessie followed. This girl seemed to be one of the cooperative students in the class. Maybe she could find out which classmate was missing. She’d tried starting a conversation with several different groups and met with a wall of indifference. She wanted to know for sure that Heather hadn’t shown up for school. Then she could let Kira know so she could pass the information to the police chief. Personally the farther Jessie stayed away from that man, the better off she was.
“I’m Jessie Michaels.” She sat next to the freckle-faced teenager.
“I’m Lily Hopkins. I appreciate your help.”
“You’re welcome.” Lily was the first one to say that to her in this class. “Some of the others in the classes before yours looked up some of the oil barons like Frank Phillips and his brother Waite or Thomas Gilcrease.”
“Thanks! That’ll give me what I need.”
“I noticed there’s one student missing. Will he need any help? I told Miss Sutherland I could come back and work with the kids who were absent today. So far, there have only been a couple, and their teachers felt they could manage on their own.”
“It’s not a he but a she.” Lily leaned close to Jessie and whispered, “I’m not sure anything will help Heather. She’s been absent a lot lately.”
“Heather Williams?”
“Yeah, do you know her?”
“A good friend was her mentor through the community center.”
“You were friends with Mary Lou Peters?”
Jessie nodded, her throat thick with sadness.
“That was awful what happened to her. Heather took it very hard. She hasn’t been the same since the murder.”
Jessie swallowed several times. “What happened last year affected the whole town. I’m sorry to hear Heather has been having a difficult time. Was she here yesterday?”
“No, not since the end of last week. I’m worried about her. We used to be close, but she hasn’t wanted anything to do with her old friends since October.”
“Do you know why?”
Lily shrugged, sliding her gaze away. “I have no idea.”
Did Lily really know something?
“Does she have any friends now?”
Lily tilted her head to the side and thought for a moment. “I’ve heard her talking about a Kendra, but I don’t know which one. There are several in the ninth grade.”
Maybe Heather was with Kendra last night. But Kendra who?
Fifteen minutes later, when the last class left the library, Emma drew in a deep breath. “That went better than I thought. Your assistance made the difference. Are you game to do this again?”
“Yes, that’s the beauty of working for my brother. Flexible hours most days.”
Emma smiled. “Then tell Gabriel thanks from me.”
Jessie left the library. She had a couple of minutes to get to her car before the students poured out of the building. Pinecrest didn’t have much of a traffic problem, except at the beginning and end of the school day.
Before heading to the Flying Eagle
Ranch, she decided to swing by Heather’s place. Unless Mrs. Williams changed her work hours, she worked afternoons and evenings so she should be at the grocery store. If she didn’t see the woman’s car at her home, Jessie would see if the teenage girl was there now.
When Jessie pulled up to the curb in front of the house, she panned the area as though Mrs. Williams was lurking behind a bush, waiting for her to return. Out of her rearview mirror, she spied Josh’s sports car come up behind her. Had he followed her? She hadn’t been paying attention. Or was he here for some other reason?
While Josh climbed from his car, Jessie checked to make sure her doors were locked. She considered pulling away right before he reached her, but that wouldn’t deter him. If nothing else, she’d discovered how focused and determined he was. When they had stayed in Florida, the one thing she hadn’t worried about had been her safety—and Abbey’s. He made sure the large beach house was locked down. Even with a team of bodyguards employed to watch the family, Josh meticulously checked the grounds and the estate several times a day.
Frowning, he rapped on her side window.
Reluctantly she rolled it down partway but remained silent.
“Why have you returned?” Tension threaded through each word.
“I figured Heather would be here since she wasn’t at school.”
One of his eyebrows hiked up. “And?”
“According to one of her classmates who used to be a friend, Heather changed, especially after Mary Lou was murdered.”
“I still don’t see why you came back.”
“None of your business.” She started rolling up her window.
He clasped it, slowing the upward motion. “I talked with Kira a while ago. I know what you’re doing.”
“She told you?”
“Just because your friend was concerned about Heather doesn’t mean you need to be, especially after last night. Mrs. Williams made it clear you weren’t welcome.”
“Kira should never have said anything to you.” Jessie would have a word with Kira.
Deadly Dose Page 4