Blinded by the Trees

by Kira Chase

  Frankie’s eyes almost popped out of her head. “Was your sister pregnant, too?”

  “No. Eve was in trouble for petty theft and minor offenses. She was a good kid, just misunderstood by our parents. She was headed to Juvenile Hall if she didn’t straighten out. I was also afraid she’d be made a ward of the state since she was a minor. I had to keep her safe.”

  “Yeah, she sounds like the perfect girl next door,” Frankie said, not trying to hide her disdain.

  “Joe,” Johanna cut in. “How does Clyde figure into all of this with your sister Eve?”

  Frankie took a chair and pulled it close to the desk. She took a piece of paper and began jotting down her own notes.

  “I asked him if Eve could stay at his apartment, too. Just until I could figure out what to do with her and Brenda. I felt like the whole world was on my shoulders. I didn’t know where to turn.”

  “Why would Burrows take in these two young women? What was in it for him? He must have wanted something in return.”

  “At that time Clyde had more money than he knew what to do with. He drove a new sports car, wore fancy suits, and lived in a nice apartment. He was a decent guy.”

  “That doesn’t answer the question,” Frankie said. “And I’ll add another one. Where did he get his money?”

  “Drugs. In order to do me a favor I had to do one for him.”

  “So you sold drugs on campus.”

  “I’m not proud of what I did, but I needed to keep Brenda and Eve safe. I would have done anything to protect them. I knew they’d be safe with Clyde. It was better than them living on the streets.”

  “The Clyde we met is nothing like the one you described.”

  “He was an okay guy when I knew him. I have no idea what happened to him or Eve after he left here. That was a long time ago.”

  Nice guy selling drugs to kids. Frankie’s jaw clenched. “What happened, Joe? What happened to Brenda Winston…the real Brenda Winston?”

  He swallowed hard. “Everything started falling apart. I…I knew it was only a matter of time before everything came crashing down when a couple of weeks before the baby was due, Brenda got really sick. I was with her every minute I could spare. But she wasn’t getting any better. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “Why didn’t you contact her parents or get her to a hospital?”

  He drew a shaky breath. “Her parents had made it clear that they wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. If you knew them, you would understand. I could barely pay my tuition. I didn’t have the money for hospital bills. I knew my own parents wouldn’t help and they’d probably cut me off of the little they did give me. I needed to finish my education. If Brenda could have only held on for a little longer.”

  “There are programs to help women in her situation,” Frankie stated. “Since Clyde had so much money why didn’t he offer to help with her medical expenses?”

  “By that time he was getting sick of her. He said it cramped his style having a sick pregnant woman around all the time. He’d also become interested in Eve.”

  Johanna bit her bottom lip. “Didn’t you find that odd due to their age difference and the fact she was a minor?”

  “What could I do? I didn’t dare say anything or I was afraid he’d throw Brenda out.” He paused. “There’s more.”

  “I thought so, Joe,” Johanna said softly.

  “Eve got into trouble again. She sold some drugs to a kid at the local high school. He fingered her, but Clyde kept her well hidden. He began to have itchy feet and talked about blowing town before the police caught up with Eve. He wanted Eve and him to go somewhere no one knew them, without Brenda. At that time I didn’t know the police were watching him, too, and were in the process of busting him. He wasn’t about to share that information with me. I didn’t find out until they were long gone. The police paid me a visit.”

  Frankie’s eyes narrowed. “I’m surprised you’re sharing all of this with us, Joe. How do we know that everything you’ve said isn’t just a pack of lies?”

  “I don’t care if you believe me or not.” He paused. “I’ve carried the guilt of what happened to Brenda around with me all these years.” He cleared his throat. “I have two sons with my wife. Every time I look at them, I think about my firstborn. I wonder if he looks like me and my boys,” he choked. “I want to know him. I’m in the position financially now to give him everything he needs. I know it will never make up for all these years, but I want to try to build a relationship with him. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about him. I’ve all ready told my wife everything. It was the hardest thing I ever did and I’ll forever be grateful to her for her forgiveness.” He paused again. “It was her idea to contact the website and post Brenda’s information so we could try to contact my son.”

  Johanna glanced at Frankie and nodded toward Selma. Selma sat with tears streaming down her cheeks as she gripped the edge of the desk. Frankie walked over to her and put her arms around her.

  “Your wife sounds like a wonderful woman,” Johanna said softly. “Tell me what happened to Brenda.”

  “I sat with Brenda that night. She was in so much pain and so weak. I knew the baby was coming. Brenda kept screaming and pleading with me to get her a doctor,” he sobbed. “Clyde said we couldn’t call an ambulance and ripped the phone out of the wall. Clyde told Eve that she had to help deliver the baby. She was terrified. I don’t know how she did it, but eventually my son was born. I held him and then placed him in Brenda’s arms and…” He broke off into sobs.

  “Did Brenda die that night, Joe?” Frankie swallowed the lump in her throat. The man’s heart-wrenching sobs were sincere. Of that fact, she had no doubt.

  He took a full minute to bring himself under control. Frankie blinked hard as she listened. Finally, he blew his nose and continued. “Yes. Later I called an ambulance and told them that I’d just gotten to my sister’s apartment and found her unresponsive. When they got to Clyde’s apartment they checked her and said she’d died shortly after giving birth.” He drew a deep breath and slowly let it out. “The police arrived and asked me the same questions over and over until I thought I’d lose my mind. They kept asking me if I knew who would have taken the baby.”

  Selma’s face had drained of all color.

  Joe continued, “Clyde instructed me to wait a couple of hours to give Eve and him a head start. He said he’d take Eve and the baby somewhere safe and contact me after everything calmed down. He took Brenda’s wallet and told Eve to only answer to Brenda’s name. From now on, she was Brenda Winston. I told the police that the body was that of my sister Eve.”

  Frankie cleared her throat. “What happened to her body, Joe? Did your parents bury her?”

  “No…they refused to even see her body.”

  “That must have been a relief for you. If they had, they would have known it wasn’t their daughter.”

  “It had been awhile since they’d seen her. And she did resemble Brenda slightly. I don’t know if they would have known she wasn’t Eve.”

  “A mother knows her own child.” Frankie frowned.

  “None of us were thinking clearly at the time. And I was devastated over Brenda’s death.”

  “But Clyde left you holding the bag.”

  “I suppose he did. I wish I could turn back time. I would have done things differently. Brenda might not have died if I’d taken her to the hospital.” His voice grew quiet. “I’ll have to live with that guilt for the rest of my life.”

  “What about the police?”

  “I told them Clyde had vacated the apartment weeks before. They kept coming around questioning me for weeks about the baby and then finally stopped. They had nothing to go on so I suppose the case went cold.”

  “Did you take care of Brenda’s funeral arrangements?”

  “I had her cremated. I still have her urn.”

  Selma shuddered. Johanna moved her chair closer and grabbed Selma’s trembling hands.

  “This is in
credible,” Frankie said. “So Eve, your sister, raised your son Cody.”

  “Cody. His name is Cody,” he whispered. “He must be seventeen now. Have you met him?”

  Frankie bit her bottom lip as she looked at Johanna. Frankie hoped that Johanna would break the news to him, but from the look on her face, she was going to leave that detail to Frankie.

  “No, I haven’t,” she said quietly.

  “How’s Eve? I hope her life is better in Pennsylvania than the one she had here in Wyoming. She deserves some happiness in her life.”

  “That’s something she’ll never receive from Clyde Burrows. He’s abusive.”

  “Maybe once this mess is behind us, I can persuade her to come home. I’m in a position where I can help her financially until she gets on her feet. I’m sure our parents would be pleased to see her after all these years. They’ve mellowed as they’ve gotten older.”

  Frankie dreaded being the bearer of bad news, but Joe Barnes had to know the truth. She decided to just come right out and tell him. “Joe, I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.” She cleared her throat. “Cody is dead.”

  “Dead?” he cried. “How? What happened to him?”

  “He was murdered.”

  “By whom?”

  “That’s what we’re trying to find out.”

  “I want to see my son,” he sobbed. “Please tell me he hasn’t been buried yet. I want to give him a proper burial.” He hesitated. “Can you help me? Please?” he pleaded.

  “No, he hasn’t been buried yet. I’ll see what I can do to help you, Joe.” A plan began to form in her mind. “Joe, would you be willing to meet with our local sheriff and tell him everything you’ve told us tonight?”

  “Am I in serious trouble?”

  “I don’t know. If any charges are brought up against you, I’m sure your cooperation will be taken into consideration.”

  “I suppose I can’t worry about that now. I need to do the right thing for my son’s sake. I’ll try to get a flight out as soon as possible.”

  Frankie gave him the address of their office and the telephone number. When she clicked the phone off, she turned and looked at her mother and Johanna.

  Chapter 13

  Johanna joined Frankie and Selma in front of the roaring fireplace. She laid a hand on Frankie’s shoulder. “George will meet us at the office tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. Joe Barnes should arrive about nine-thirty.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I’ve never heard anything like this before. George was even at a loss for words.”

  Selma looked up from the burning log she’d been staring at. “I wonder how Brenda, I mean Eve, and Clyde Burrows will react when they see Joe Barnes?”

  “I’m sure he’s the last person on earth they’d ever expect to see again.” Frankie reached up and grabbed Johanna’s hand. “I can’t help feeling sorry for Eve, though. She’s had a rough life. And I’m sure it’s been no picnic living with Clyde all these years.”

  Johanna gave Frankie’s hand a squeeze. “She was just a kid. I can’t imagine any parent not wanting to lay their child to rest. Even though it isn’t really their child, they didn’t know that.”

  “It sounds like neither Brenda nor Eve had understanding or forgiving parents,” Selma interjected. “I wonder what led Eve to a life of crime at such an early age? As far as Brenda is concerned, she didn’t do anything to deserve such harsh treatment from her parents. And to think they wanted nothing to do with their grandson.” Her lips trembled. “If only Joe Barnes would have tried harder or earlier to find his son. Maybe—” Her voice trailed off.

  “I know, Mom. I’ve been thinking the same thing. Who’d have thought this case would turn out to have so many twists and turns?”

  “But it still leaves the question of who killed Cody Burrows.” Selma pulled herself to her feet. “If you girls don’t mind, I think I’ll go to bed. It’s been a long day.”

  “Try to get some rest, Mom.” She partially rose to give her mother a hug.

  Johanna stood, put her arms around Selma and kissed her cheek. “Yes, get some sleep. We have to get up early. Tomorrow’s going to be one hell of a day.”

  Selma’s eyes twinkled. “You want me to go to the office with you two?”

  Johanna smiled. “Of course. I told you you’re part of the team on this case.”

  Selma smiled widely as she headed toward the guest bedroom.

  Frankie took Johanna’s hand and pulled her down next to her. They sat quietly watching the log as it crackled. Johanna slipped her arm around Frankie and pulled her close. “Want to make out?”

  Frankie giggled. “Yeah, like two lovestruck teenagers.” She stared into Johanna’s glowing eyes. “You’re in an awfully good mood tonight.”

  “I have a feeling that we’re going to wrap this case up before Christmas Eve.”

  Frankie raised an eyebrow. “That’s only a few days away.”

  “I know, but Clyde and Brenda…I mean Eve, are bound to crack when they see Joe Barnes. Once Eve sees her brother and she knows she doesn’t have to stay with Clyde, I think she’ll spill her guts.”

  “I hope you’re right. So, now you don’t believe she had anything to do with Cody’s death?”

  “I don’t think she had a hand in it, but I think she knows who did it…Clyde.”

  “Well, finally we agree. Will miracles never cease tonight?”

  Johanna playfully punched her arm and then brushed Frankie’s hair from her cheek as she leaned in for a long lingering kiss.

  Frankie’s hands slid under Johanna’s bulky blue knit sweater. “Just like when we were dating,” she murmured. She cupped Johanna’s firm breasts, then slid her hands behind Johanna’s back and undid her bra. “Ah, now that’s what I like.”

  “Let’s go to our bed,” Johanna whispered.

  “No, I want to make love to you in front of the fireplace. We haven’t done that for a long time.” She kissed Johanna’s neck then gently tugged on an earlobe. “Come on, baby.”

  Johanna had no problem giving in to Frankie. The crackling fire and the soft rug in front of it were enticing. She watched as Frankie grabbed an afghan from one of the chairs and spread it over the rug. She pulled another one off the matching chair to throw over them.

  “What if your mother wakes up?”

  “She won’t, but just in case, that’s why I grabbed the extra afghan.” She pulled Johanna down and then stretched out next to her.

  “This is nice,” Johanna said softly as she slid her hands down Frankie’s long legs.

  “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  “Not in the past few days.” She smiled.

  “Well, in that case let me show you.” She took her time undressing Johanna and then Johanna helped her out of her clothes. “I’ll never tire of your body,” Frankie whispered huskily as she rubbed Johanna’s smooth firm flesh. “I don’t know how you manage to get more beautiful with each passing day.”

  Johanna touched Frankie’s cheek. “You’re just as hot as the day we first met.”

  Frankie smiled wryly. “You couldn’t stand me, if I recall.”

  “Well, I couldn’t let you know right away how attracted I was to you. I wanted to keep you guessing.”

  “That you did. But you were well worth the wait.” She kissed her deeply.

  Johanna felt the familiar ache between her legs. She trembled. They kissed and stroked one another for several minutes and then Frankie gently eased off her.

  “Where you going, baby?” Johanna asked.

  “Just right here.” Frankie grabbed her briefcase.

  “Nice time to think about work.” She looked curiously at her.

  Frankie popped the lock. A strap-on lay on top of Frankie’s notes.

  Johanna covered her mouth as she burst out in laughter. “When did you put that in there?”

  “When you were on the phone with George.” Frankie took the strap-on and attached it, then ordered Johanna up on all fours. She sla
pped Johanna’s firm ass lightly. “Are you ready, baby?”

  “I’m always ready for you.”

  Frankie teased Johanna’s crack with the tip making her so wet she was dripping. With her fingers, she teased Johanna’s clit. She loved the way Johanna’s body moved. Finally, she slipped the dildo inside of her and thrust in and out with long slow even strokes while she rubbed her clit.

  Johanna panted trying to hold back her passion.

  “It’s okay, baby. No one will hear us. Tell me how much you want it,” she coaxed. “Tell me how hot you are.”

  “Faster,” she begged.

  Frankie stroked faster and deeper at the same time rubbing Johanna’s clit. As Johanna came, Frankie felt herself starting to come. She shuddered as the other tip of the strap-on which was deep inside her pussy brought her closer with each stroke. As she came, she thrust harder and faster finally screaming Johanna’s name out in the quiet of the living room. She collapsed on top of Johanna leaving the dildo still firmly inside each of them.

  “Wow!” Johanna said. “We have to make love out here more often.”

  “I agree,” Frankie said, nuzzling the back of Johanna’s neck.

  * * * *

  George sat staring at Johanna’s computer screen rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “If anyone else but you two had told me this story I wouldn’t have believed them.”

  “If I hadn’t heard Joe Barnes’ account I don’t think I would have either, George,” Johanna agreed. “Would you like another cup of coffee?”

  “No, thanks. I’ve been running on caffeine ever since this case began.” He let his breath out in a rush.

  Frankie wheeled her office chair closer to Johanna’s desk where she sat in her own chair while Selma and George occupied the two large chairs in front of the desk.

  “I’m sure you didn’t plan to be back in your office this week,” George noted.

  Frankie laughed. “No, but it seems every time we take time off we’re beckoned back here. We’ll have to plan a vacation too far away to be involved with any happenings here.”