Up Shute Creek: Rose Gardner Investigation #4

by Denise Grover Swank

  Clyde pulled to a stop and turned off the engine, leaving the key in the ignition as he opened the door.

  I decided to take charge of the situation as best I could. I threw my own door open, then marched toward the center of the compound and called out, “Denny Carmichael! I’m here, so get on out here and start talkin’!”

  The front door to the larger house swung open, and Denny stood in the doorway, pausing to assess me. A huge grin spread across his face. He was wearing the same clothes he’d had on in the vision, and his hair looked just as grimy.

  “Well, if it ain’t the infamous Lady in Black gracing my front door.”

  “Cut the bull,” I said with my Lady attitude. “We both know you coerced me to come, but the pretense of hurting my friend wasn’t necessary. You could have just sent me an invitation, and if you’d asked nicely enough, I would have come.”

  He stared at me as though not believing his ears, then burst out laughing. “You’re full of piss and vinegar, ain’t ya?”

  I didn’t see a need to answer. This discussion was similar to the one in my vision, but it was also significantly different. I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not, but there was nothing to be done about it now.

  “You wanted me here. I’m here,” I said. “So cut all the chitchat and tell me what you want.” I realized I was taking a huge risk with this approach, but I wasn’t about to be meek and subservient either. The Lady in Black had never taken crap from anyone in the criminal world, and I wasn’t about to kowtow to anyone now. Especially to this man. He’d get off on any timidity or fear.

  He took several steps closer, his grin fading slightly. “You sure you’re ready to get right to it?”

  Reality had taken a huge detour from my vision. I took comfort in the fact that only three people seemed to be here—me, Clyde, and Denny. If push came to shove, I could reach for my gun, get into the truck, and drive myself to safety, thanks to Clyde leaving his keys in the ignition.

  “I’ve got important things to do, so yeah, let’s get right to it.”

  He gestured to his open front door. “Then let’s head inside.”

  The door looked like a giant black hole, and I sure as Hades wasn’t going in there. “No, thanks,” I said in a no-nonsense tone. “I think we’ll have our discussion out here.”

  “But all the paperwork’s inside, Lady,” he said in an amused, cajoling tone. “And what kind of host would I be if I didn’t offer the lady a drink?” Bitterness filled his eyes. “I was never fortunate enough to meet you in one of Malcolm’s little meetings last winter, although I saw you at the auction.” His gaze drifted to my bare legs and lingered there. “I’d remember those sexy legs anywhere.”

  I swallowed my fear and focused on the first part of his statement. “Those meetings were held to ferret out the traitors,” I said. “You should be thankful you weren’t invited.”

  He finally lifted his face. “He considered me incapable of turnin’ on him?” he asked, his brows lifted.

  “I had an arrangement with Mr. Malcolm. He had me come to his meetings, and I interviewed his men to help determine which ones were traitors. I had no prior knowledge about them, and I definitely wasn’t privy to what was going on in Mr. Malcolm’s head.”

  His sardonic grin was back. “Mr. Malcolm,” he mocked. “Do you call him Mr. Malcolm while you’re screwin’ him?”

  My first reaction was to get pissed, but I needed to play this with cool disdain, otherwise I was giving him power over me. I also had to decide whether to acknowledge his statement or deny it. Instead, I decided to ignore it. But I struggled to ignore the deep-seated fear that he might have brought up my relationship with James as a segue to something more heinous. Especially after that comment about my legs. Now was not the time to show my fear. “If you invited me here to discuss my private life in coarse language, our time is done.”

  “You think you can just leave?” he asked, sounding incredulous.

  “Yes, Mr. Carmichael, I know that I can.”

  “Go ahead and try it.”

  I’d let him back me into a corner. If I stuck around to see what he wanted, I’d lose my upper hand. “If I leave now, I won’t be back,” I said. “If you wish to have this discussion, then you need to treat me with respect. If you choose not to treat me with respect, then we are done.”

  He stared at me in disbelief for a few moments, then burst out laughing again. “Does this tough bitch role really work for you? You’re standing there dressed like little Mary Sunshine in your sweet skirt and top, lookin’ like you’re about to head to the malt shop. Do you expect me to fall for it?”

  I shot him a dark glare. “This is your last warnin’, Mr. Carmichael. Treat me with respect or I’m leavin’.”

  He turned to Clyde and kept right on laughing.

  That was that. I spun around and started walking toward the truck.

  “Where the hell do you think you’re goin’?” Denny called after me, still laughing.

  I didn’t answer, just kept walking. The last time I’d tried this, I’d been shot at, and Denny Carmichael was definitely meaner than Kip Wagner, so it was a definite risk. I was nervous over how this was going to turn out, but the only reason I was here at this very moment was because I hadn’t taken crap from the men who thought they were better than me.

  “Clyde,” Denny said with some of his laughter gone. “Go get her.”

  I wasn’t sure I would make it to the truck before Clyde reached me, so I stopped and turned around, reaching down and pulling my gun out of the holster strapped to my thigh. I raised the gun, pointing it at Denny’s chest. “Let’s get one thing straight. I will only stay if I’m respected, and I’ll leave whenever I’m ready. Can I make this any clearer?”

  Denny shot Clyde a murderous look. “You didn’t search her for weapons?”

  “But she’s a girl,” Clyde said with a whine.

  “Not just a girl, you goddamned fool,” Denny snarled. “The damned Lady in Black. You prepared to use that gun, Lady?”

  “Ask Daniel Crocker if I’m prepared to use a gun. Oh, wait. He’s dead.”

  “You didn’t kill him,” Denny countered. “I bet Simmons killed him.”

  I slowly shook my head. “Think what you like. I also killed Kip Wagner. And don’t forget that I shot J.R. Simmons too, so I won’t hesitate to shoot you.” I hadn’t really killed Kip Wagner, but I’d let everyone believe that I had to save James’s hide.

  His grin was back, and he held his hands up. “Fine. You win.”

  “I’ll give you one last chance. What do you want?”

  “I want to know who killed Sarah Freestone.”

  I couldn’t hide my shock. “Why do you want to know?”

  “You already made a connection between her and Emmitt Lincoln. He had a lot of my money on him, and I want it back.”

  “You want to hire me to find your missing money?”

  “I don’t need you to find it. I need to know who killed Sarah Freestone, and I can take care of the rest.”

  My brow shot up. “You want me to tell you who confessed?”

  “I’m not sure how else to spell this out,” he ground out. “Give me the goddamned name.”

  “You couldn’t have called to ask me this?”

  His hands fisted at his side. “Give me the name!”

  “I’m not tellin’ you,” I said, making sure the gun was still aimed at his chest. “That’s confidential information, and the sheriff’s office likely already has the person in custody. Find out from them. Surely you have someone on the inside.”

  “I need that money!” he shouted, his face red with anger.

  Had Sarah stolen Emmitt Lincoln’s money? Did that mean Karen had found it? Not likely since she was still working at the Piggly Wiggly. Besides, I still wasn’t convinced she’d killed Sarah in the first place. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you with that.”

  Denny watched me for several seconds as though considering his options
.

  “She knew my name, Denny,” Clyde told him, casting me worried looks.

  “What the hell does that mean?” Denny asked, his narrowed eyes still on me.

  “It means she really is a witch. I never told her my name, and it wasn’t on anything for her to read.”

  Denny narrowed his eyes. “How’d you know his name?”

  I lifted my shoulder into a shrug.

  “How’d you identify the traitors for Malcolm?” Denny asked.

  “I asked them questions.”

  “And they just admitted they were traitors?” he asked incredulously.

  “Not always…”

  “I have a file on you,” he said.

  So James was right.

  “Do you now?” I asked, trying to sound amused even though I was anything but. “I heard Kip Wagner had a file on me and it disappeared. You must have bought it from Charlene before you killed her. I hope you retrieved your money before you torched her trailer.”

  “Charlene?” He tried to sound confused, but he had a sparkle in his eyes. He was proud of himself. He truly was a sociopath. “Don’t know her.”

  Liar.

  Charlene had been a suspect in our last investigation. She’d killed her cousin after they’d schemed to buy the files stolen from Kip Wagner. Charlene had confessed to us, and in the process had mentioned there was a file on me. She’d also said she’d sold the files to a buyer who wouldn’t want word to get out. Later, when James and I found the files, we figured she’d been lying, but it turned out she had sold one of the files… and it just so happened to be mine.

  “Do you know what’s in your folder?” he asked.

  “The really important question is why you’re interested in what’s in my file.”

  His grin spread. “Come on, Rose Gardner. You know you’re interested.” When I didn’t protest, he said, “Kip Wagner thought you were a witch.”

  I gave him a grudging shrug. “I can’t say I blame him for not likin’ me.”

  “Not that kind of witch. An actual magical witch.”

  “Magic?” I asked with a laugh.

  “My folder says you know things you shouldn’t.” He put his hands on his hips as he looked me up and down. The look in his eyes suggested he wasn’t just interested in my ability to suss out information. “The question is how do you know them?”

  There was no way in Hades I was telling him I had visions, but I wasn’t sure how to explain what I knew. “I just have one of those faces that makes people want to share their life story.”

  He studied me again. “That might be true, but that’s not the full truth. You have a way of finding out things. Malcolm discovered it and either threatened you or hired you to help him.”

  “I’m not discussing my relationship with Skeeter Malcolm with you, professional or otherwise, but I’ve made it abundantly clear I’m neutral. I helped Buck Reynolds find his missing necklace and even ruled in his favor after he and Malcolm held a parley.”

  “And you took in a guy running from Wagner,” he said. “You declared your farm to be neutral.”

  “I did, and I’d appreciate it if you’d respect that neutrality.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Why would you go to that much trouble?”

  “Because sometimes your world is harsh, and sometimes people in your world need a safe haven.”

  “If Malcolm’s reign is so amazing, why do people need protection?” he snickered.

  “Because he’s still dealin’ with people like you.” I gave him a dismissive look. “Is there anything else you need?”

  His smile fell off his face. “I need my money. I want you to tell me where it is.”

  I briefly considered having a vision of him, but I just as quickly nixed the idea. For one thing, I didn’t want to get close enough to touch him, and two, I didn’t dare give him an inkling of how I came up with my information. “I don’t have any information about your money, but if I did, I’d tell you.”

  “Would you blow me off if I were Malcolm?”

  “If I had the answer, I’d tell him, and if I didn’t, I’d tell him that too.”

  “If I were Malcolm, you’d bust your ass to find it.”

  “Maybe I would,” I admitted, “but that would be because he’d hired me to do so, like he did when he had me suss out his traitors. But you, Mr. Carmichael, have not hired me.”

  “Then I’ll hire you,” he said, “although we wouldn’t have to go through the hassle if you’d just tell me who confessed to killing the girl.”

  “You won’t be payin’ me anything because I won’t be takin’ any cases from you.”

  “Because I’m not Malcolm?”

  “No,” I said, “because you dragged me here against my will, and treated me disrespectfully. If you decide to change your behavior, then let me know, but for now we’re done.” I turned to Clyde. “I’m ready to leave now. Will you be takin’ me back to my office, or will I be drivin’ myself in your truck?”

  His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as he sent his boss a pleading look.

  “I’ll let you have it your way, Lady,” Denny sneered. “This time. But I’ll be callin’ you again someday soon, and I won’t take no for an answer that time.” A leer lit up his face. “Because I’m interested in findin’ out why Malcolm is so intrigued with you.” His eyes turned cold, and I knew I was looking into the soul of a monster. “So consider this your friendly warning.” With that, he turned around and headed into the house.

  Clyde gave me a look of disbelief, then climbed into his truck, and I quickly followed. We were quiet the entire drive back. I had no idea what Clyde was thinking, but I was wondering how much time I had until Denny Carmichael came calling again, and more importantly, what he would want me to do.

  Chapter 27

  Clyde parked the beat-up truck in front of my office. “Denny’ll be in touch.”

  I jerked the door handle and opened the door. “Tell Mr. Carmichael not to waste his time.”

  With that, I hopped out and slammed the door shut, stomping toward the office door, more pissed than worried, which I knew was foolish. I should be plenty worried.

  We’d left the door unlocked, but in my defense, I’d been too rattled to insist on following my usual safety protocols. Thankfully, everything seemed to be in place and no one had come in and robbed the place.

  After locking myself inside, I sank into my office chair and mulled over the whole situation. Had I been stupid to face off with Denny like that? Probably, yet I didn’t regret it. I’d learned that posturing was a major part of that world—and if I’d acted like someone who would allow disrespect, I would have gotten it.

  Or was I just making excuses for my irresponsible actions?

  The fact was that I was moving my dying sister and her kids into my house and a dangerous drug supplier had just sent a man with a gun to collect me—and it would appear I’d only whetted his interest in me. What would I do if he sent someone to my house next time? What if Ashley or Mikey answered the door?

  Had I done the right thing by refusing to give him Karen’s name? Ethically, I knew I was in the right, but in regards to my sister and her kids’ safety… I wasn’t so sure.

  I went over our exchange, trying to make it fit with the second vision I’d had of Clyde. I was no closer to understanding it now than I had been before.

  I needed to tell someone about this, but who? Neely Kate would be back soon, but she’d be with Carly. I could call James—and I knew I should—but I worried I was too dependent on him in these kinds of situations. Being tied so closely to him was partially what had gotten me into this situation. He needed to know about the threat from Denny, but I worried he’d lose his mind if I told him Denny’s lackey had kidnapped me and dragged me off to his property.

  Instead, I decided to call the man who’d had my back since the underground auction that had gained James his crown. I pressed my speed dial option for Jed.

  “Everything okay?” he a
sked.

  One day, I’d be able to make phone calls without the person on the other end being worried about my safety and vice versa. Only I had no idea when that day would come. “I just met Denny Carmichael.”

  “What? Are you okay? Is Neely Kate all right?”

  “Neely Kate’s still at the hair salon with Carly. She doesn’t even know, and I’m fine. He never touched me, although I feel like I need a shower after being in his presence.”

  “Where did this meeting take place?”

  “Denny’s property.”

  “What in the hell were you doin’ out there?” he demanded. “You know that man’s dangerous!”

  “I was extended an invitation I couldn’t refuse.”

  “He kidnapped you?” I could hear the rage in Jed’s voice.

  “Technically, I decided to go with him, but a threat was issued. Still, I had my gun. I could have pulled it on him and then called you or Joe or James. But I had a vision first, and I was intrigued by what I saw, so I went.” I paused before admitting, “He also threatened to have someone shoot Neely Kate at the Nip and Clip, but later I figured out that was a bluff. They knew the threat to her safety would get me to cooperate.”

  Jed was silent for a moment, then asked, “What did he want?”

  I told him about Denny wanting to know who’d killed Sarah and my refusal to tell him about Karen. Then, in the spirit of full disclosure, I told him about how Denny and I had parted ways, including Denny’s disconcerting promise that he’d be in touch.

  When I finished, Jed was quiet for several seconds.

  “No reprimand?” I asked with a hint of defiance.

  “You’re not a damned child, and you’re in this world for better or worse. You were backed into a corner and took a calculated risk.”

  “So you think I did the right thing?”

  He pushed out a sigh, sounding defeated. “Let’s just say I would have done the same thing under those circumstances. Not that I’m necessarily happy about that. You’ve come a long way since last November, Rose Gardner.”

  Only he didn’t say it like it was a good thing—not that I was surprised. He was in the process of extricating himself from the criminal world, while I’d grabbed a shovel and kept digging myself deeper.