Dirty Money

by Denise Grover Swank

  “Joe’s helpin’. And someone else. He’s been tryin’ to find Ronnie, but this is more than either he or Joe have come up with.”

  “To be fair, I didn’t come up with it. It literally landed on my desk. And while I don’t want to outright hand it over to you, I plan on keeping it in my own private files.”

  A knock sounded at the door, startling me, but Mason frowned and glanced over his shoulder. “Yes?”

  “Mr. Deveraux,” the secretary called through the still-closed door, “you have a call on line two.”

  “I’ll take it in a moment,” he said in a loud voice, his gaze back on me.

  “Why are you keeping the file, Mason?” I asked in harsher tone than was probably necessary. “So you can use it to blackmail me into something later?”

  Pain filled his eyes. “It grieves me that you’d think that, but I can also understand.” He took a breath. “No, Neely Kate. I’m keeping it in case things get too dangerous for you and you change your mind. I’ll have the information and can use it to open an official investigation. The problem is while I’d be doing it to protect you, I’m scared what it would dig up.”

  Nothing good, that was certain. I nodded, feeling like a traitor to Rose for accepting his help. “Thank you, Mason.”

  He tugged a piece of paper out of the back of the file and handed it to me. “This is a copy of Ronnie’s marriage license so you have proof.”

  I took it, folding it in half and stuffing it into my purse.

  We both got to our feet and he walked me to the door. “Be careful, Neely Kate.”

  “You too, Mason. You’ve made a few more enemies since you came back.”

  His eyes darkened. “I know.”

  Chapter 4

  When I got back to the office, I found Rose at her desk with her head resting on her forearm. I had a moment of panic, especially when the bell on the door didn’t rouse her. I hurried over to her desk, relieved when I saw that she was breathing.

  Muffy lay on the dog bed under Rose’s desk, looking up at me as if to say, I’ve got her covered.

  I knew from past experience that she did.

  Rose had been to hell and back, and I knew she had to be exhausted. I considered waking her up and sending her home, but we had an appointment with Violet’s attorney in less than an hour. I decided to let her sleep until it was almost time to leave. To make sure she remained undisturbed, I locked the front door and put up the closed sign.

  It wasn’t until I sat down at my desk that I let myself try to process everything Mason had told me. My marriage had never been legal, and Ronnie had been working for Hardshaw the whole time. How in Hades was I going to tell Jed what I knew without telling him where I’d gotten the information?

  My phone began to vibrate with a call and I sucked in a breath when I saw the name on the screen—Evil Half Sister.

  Kate.

  I hadn’t spoken to her in two months. She’d broken out of the psych ward two months ago, then swept through Henryetta like a hurricane, leaving murder and mayhem in her wake. She’d proven—yet again that she was capable of horrible, horrible things. Cold-blooded murder. Mutilation. When she’d left, she’d done so with the insistence that she’d help protect me from the Hardshaw Group, but Kate’s unorthodox assistance was what worried me.

  Her kind of help felt a lot like hurting.

  Rose was still sleeping, so I took the phone out the back door, propping it open with a brick so it wouldn’t close behind me. “Kate.”

  She laughed. “You don’t sound very happy to hear from me.”

  “I would say this call was quite the coincidence considering the meeting I just took, but that’s not givin’ you enough credit, is it?”

  She laughed again. “Giving credit where it’s due. That’s an admirable trait, sis.”

  “Why’d you give that information about Ronnie to Mason?” I asked. “Why not just hand it over to me?”

  “Where’s the fun in that?”

  “He could have investigated Ardmore, Kate!”

  “So he’s not?” she asked, sounding genuinely curious.

  “You thought he might?”

  “Well…I freely admit it was a test to see what he’d do. Sounds like he passed.”

  “Kate!” I protested.

  “Come now, baby sis. I wouldn’t have let it get that far.”

  My blood ran cold. “What does that mean?”

  “I wouldn’t have let him hurt you, NK. I would have protected you.”

  I was reminded that when Kate had been investigating me, she’d also been looking into Mason. Rose and I had found evidence of her investigation in Kate’s apartment last winter. Why was she still so interested in him? A shiver worked its way down my back. For his sake, I hope he stayed friendly. If not, she would likely find out, and I didn’t want to contemplate what she might do to him in the name of “protecting” me.

  “Why give it to him at all?” I whisper-shouted. “Why risk it?”

  “Because I had to be certain about him,” she said thoughtfully. Before I could ask her what that meant, she took on a chipper tone. “So what did you think of your gift?”

  “The information about Ronnie?” Then I asked in dismay, “Have you known all along?”

  “Hell, no.” She chuckled. “I’ve been busy since we last saw each other. It was hard to get some people to talk.”

  My stomach churned. I knew what she was capable of. “What did you do, Kate?”

  “Don’t you worry that pretty little head of yours,” my sister drawled. “Your big sis has got your back.”

  That’s what I was afraid of. “Where are you, Kate?”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll see each other soon. It’s just not time yet.” With that, she hung up. She’d always excelled at dramatic timing.

  I stared at my phone, wondering if I should call Jed, when I heard Muffy barking furiously.

  I hurried back inside, kicking the brick to the side so the door would shut behind me. Rose was jerking upright as Margi Romano yanked at the locked front door.

  Could she not read the doggone closed sign?

  Rose gave me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I fell asleep.”

  “You needed it,” I said, shooting Margi a scowl, not that she seemed to notice. “If we had a cot in here, I would have made you lay down on it.”

  “I’m fine now,” she said, wiping her cheek.

  “Because you took nearly an hour-long nap which you obviously needed,” I said, aggravated she hadn’t gotten to sleep longer.

  Margi was trying the door handle again, to no avail.

  “Good heavens,” I said. “Can she not take a hint?”

  “She’s self-admittedly not very good at reading social cues,” Rose said, getting to her feet. “She’s probably here about the barn.”

  “You just buried your sister two days ago,” I said, growing more irritated by the moment. “Her barn project can wait.”

  “Life goes on, Neely Kate.” Her voice broke, and although I knew the majority of her grief was over Violet, I wanted to wring Skeeter Malcolm’s neck. But he’d have to stand in line behind Margi.

  “I’ve got it,” I said, marching over to the door and unlocking it.

  Margi stumbled as I pushed the door open.

  “Took you long enough,” Margi said, brushing past me as she walked inside.

  “We’re closed,” I said, not hiding my irritation.

  “But you two were clearly here, and I need to talk to Rose.”

  “Rose was sleeping,” I said, “which she desperately needs, and you woke her.”

  “What’s she doing sleeping on the job?” Margi asked.

  My brow shot up. I was about to lay into her, but Rose shot me a warning look. Turning to Margi, she said in a tight voice, “Well now that you’re here and I’m awake, what can I do for you?”

  “I’ve got two guys ready to go on your barn, but Randy reminded me that I hadn’t gotten official permission from you yet.”
>
  “I’m still not sure this is a good idea,” Rose said.

  “Sure it is,” Margi said. “Just imagine how much your baby will love watching the horses running around.”

  Rose’s eyes bugged out. “How long are you plannin’ on keepin’ horses on my property?”

  “Well…indefinitely, but not all the time,” she was quick to add. “Just when we’re full and get a rescue horse.”

  Rose made a face. “I’m still not sure. And Joe and I think it’s a bad idea for anyone to be out there unless one of us is there.”

  “So you’re lettin’ Joe dictate what goes on at your farm now?” Margi asked in a dry tone.

  Ordinarily Rose would have set her straight in a nice way, but she seemed to be out of patience today. “What Joe does or doesn’t do out at my farm is none of your concern, Margi Romano.”

  Margi’s mouth dropped open, then she began to laugh. “Look at you and your newfound backbone.”

  Rose pointed to the front door. “I’ve had enough nonsense for today. I’m not discussin’ this now, and Neely Kate and I need to leave for an appointment. So you can tell your workers they’ll have to find something else to do, because they’re not working on my property until I say so.”

  Margi looked as shocked as if Rose had just told her to paint herself blue. “But—”

  “I never said yes, Margi,” Rose said. “And I’ve got enough going on without letting you railroad me into something I haven’t made a decision on. You’ll just have to wait.” When Margi started to protest, Rose held up her hand. “If you continue to argue with me, I’ll give you my final answer right here and now, and I promise that you won’t like it.”

  Margi closed her mouth and turned to me.

  I put my hands on my hips. “You heard her.”

  Margi started laughing, then took several steps backward. “Well played, Rose. Well played.” Without another word, she turned around and walked out of the office.

  “What in the world is she talkin’ about, well played?” I asked.

  “Your guess is as good as mine,” Rose said. “This isn’t some game to me, but I’m pretty sure it is to her.”

  In some ways, Margi reminded me of Kate—she was spinning a web of her own design, hoping we’d all stumble into it. Maybe that was why I so instantly disliked her. Or maybe it was because she was so abrasive.

  “Then just tell her no,” I said. “You don’t owe her a doggone thing.”

  “I know,” she sighed. “But the rescue horses…”

  Margi knew how to tug at Rose’s heartstrings, damn her. “Rose, you don’t need to worry about this today. You’re right. Margi can wait. Do you need to go to freshen up before we head to the attorney’s office?”

  She grimaced. “Yeah. And I need to pee again. I didn’t think I was supposed to pee so much so early.”

  “It’s only gonna get worse,” I teased her. But it was the wrong thing to say, because guilt filled her eyes.

  “Neely Kate.”

  “I’m fine,” I assured her. “I promise.” And it was mostly true. I’d cried myself to sleep the night she’d told me, then the next morning I’d woken up resolved to be happy for my best friend. She’d had so much hardship lately, the last thing she needed was grief and guilt from me.

  She searched my face and must have been somewhat satisfied because she gave me a warm smile and headed to the bathroom.

  I shut down my computer and grabbed my phone to send Jed a text. After my call with Kate, at least I had a scapegoat to explain how I’d come by the information.

  I got a call from Kate with some interesting information.

  My phone rang seconds later.

  “Is she in town?” Jed asked as soon as I answered.

  “I don’t know,” I admitted.

  “What did she say?”

  “She had information about Ronnie.”

  “Go on.”

  I cast a glance to the bathroom door. “I’m not sure I should get into this now. We’re about to leave for Rose’s appointment with the attorney.”

  He paused, then asked in a quiet voice, “How’s she doin’?”

  My heart panged. “Honestly, not good.”

  “That’s what I was afraid of. She seemed fine last night, but she was in Lady in Black mode. In her mind, she was there to protect her baby.”

  I hadn’t known what to expect from the first two meetings. Rose was trying to get an accurate assessment of how deeply Hardshaw had infiltrated the county, both successful and non-successful attempts, but the members spent far more time arguing than getting anything productive done. The previous night, Rose had needed to continually call the group to order, finally declaring that every person who wished to speak had five minutes to state their piece before another could jump in with a rebuttal. That had lasted through two men before a multi-person argument broke out. At Rose’s order, Jed had dragged the unruly parties out of the warehouse we were meeting in, telling them they were welcome back next time as long as they followed the rules. She’d been fearless, and at the end of the meeting, more men had respected her than at the meeting before.

  “Yeah,” I said. “When I was upset last winter, she moved me into her farmhouse so I wouldn’t be alone. I hate that I’m not living there now, but at least she has Carly and Joe with her in the evenings.”

  “I’ve been thinkin’ about Joe,” he said, and I could hear the hesitation in his voice.

  “You mean her declarin’ him to be the father?”

  “That too.”

  “What else?” I asked in confusion.

  “I don’t think—”

  Rose walked out of the restroom, forcing a smile. “Okay. Ready to go.”

  “Jed, I gotta go,” I said, getting out of my chair. “Can I call you later?”

  “Yeah,” Jed said. “But tell Rose we’re coming over for dinner and we want Joe to be there too. I’ve already talked to Carly and she’s takin’ care of the food.”

  “I can whip something up,” I said.

  “Nah,” he said. “You’re gonna be busy with Rose. Why don’t you let Carly take care of it? I think she needs to feel like she’s contributing something.”

  Ordinarily, I’d be thrilled at the prospect of a big dinner, but this one sounded ominous. I wanted to press him, but there wasn’t time. “Okay.”

  “Love you, Neely Kate. Stay safe and keep our girl safe too.”

  “Love you too, Jed. And I will.”

  Rose reached for her purse in her desk drawer. “Is everything okay with Jed?”

  “Yeah,” I said. “He wants us to come over for dinner tonight. He’s already arranged it with Carly, and she insists on takin’ care of the meal.”

  “Oh,” she said with a frown. “What’s up?”

  “We’re all takin’ Violet’s death pretty hard,” I said. “Jed thinks we might feel better if we’re together.”

  She nodded but didn’t say anything, obviously fighting back tears, then adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder. “Ready to go?”

  Picking up my own purse, I stood and walked over to her. “I love you, Rose,” I said, wrapping her up in my arms, “and I know I can’t make this easier for you, but I promise the hurt will fade over time and you’ll feel better. Until that happens, I’m here for you, just like you were there for me when Ronnie took off after I lost my babies.”

  She held onto me for several seconds before she asked in a quiet voice, “Are you talkin’ about hurtin’ over Violet or James?”

  I leaned back and wiped a tear streaming down her cheek. “Oh, honey. Both.”

  Pursing her lips tight, she gave me a curt nod. “Enough wallowin’. We’ve got an appointment to get to.”

  “This isn’t wallowin’, Rose,” I protested, dropping my hold on her. “This is grievin’, and it’s important and necessary.” When she started to speak, I said, “For both losses.”

  Determination filled her eyes. “I always knew James was temporary. I wasn’t deluded enoug
h to believe he’d actually want to be with me forever, and he always said he didn’t want kids. His twenty-thousand-dollar check made it crystal clear that he’s not changin’ his mind, so there’s no sense grievin’ him. He hasn’t been part of my life for two months anyway.”

  “Rose,” I said softly. “You love him and you found out he’s lyin’ to you, not to mention the way he acted about the baby. You have every right to grieve him.”

  “I’m not grievin’ that man,” she spat with a defiant look. “He chose to invite Hardshaw into this county, and instead of joinin’ forces with everyone to keep them out, he’s makin’ a path of gold pavers to welcome them in.”

  “Rose…” I said. “Maybe he’s tryin’ to protect you in his own way.”

  “No,” she said, her tone harsh. “I asked him time and again to tell me what was goin’ on, and he chose not to tell me. Besides, if he had his way, he would personally drive me to that abortion clinic in Little Rock. He wants this baby gone. He told me to choose—the baby or him.”

  “Rose…” I’d had no idea.

  “I’ve got to think about my baby now. So no. I will not be grievin’ that man. But I will grieve for my sister and the probable loss of her kids in my life, because I have no doubt Mike will make it as difficult as possible for me to see them.”

  Was this what Violet had meant about Rose needing support to do something hard? “Then we’ll find a good family attorney to help you get visitation rights, because those babies need you.”

  But somehow I knew it would be more complicated than that.

  Chapter 5

  Mr. Gilliam was waiting for us in his office doorway when we walked into the waiting room. The grim look on his face set me on edge. “Sorry to be seeing you under these circumstances, Rose,” he said to her in a soothing tone, then turned his attention to me. “You must be Neely Kate. Please come in, both of you.” He stepped back to give us space and then shut the door behind us.

  His office was lined with bookcases and dated furniture—dark woods with carvings and corbels—that seemed to suit the older gentleman. Two large windows with heavy drapery and valances flanked his massive desk. The computer screen set up on one side looked out of place in a scene that could otherwise have been from a century ago.