“Son, if I’m in danger, I’m in danger no matter where I am. The reach these people have...don’t you see? I have to act against them before they act against me. Besides, there’s a far more tangible threat against Bud,” Jett said.
Mallorie sighed.
“He’s right. None of us are beyond their reach.”
“And that puts them within ours,” Bud said.
“No offense Uncle Bud but that’s brave talk for a man carrying two handguns,” Matt said.
Bud grunted.
“None taken.”
“Right now, remember only Bud and I have been mentioned as targets, although I do worry that you’re in their sights so to speak,” Jett said to Mallorie.
“What do you want us to do?” Dan asked.
“The same thing Bud suggested I do earlier – live your lives normally, keep your daily routines,” Jett said.
“Doesn’t your argument apply to us? Aren’t we within their reach?” Matt asked.
“You are. But you have an ace in the hole, possibly as many as three – we all do,” Bud said.
Mallorie sat a little more upright.
“Possibly four,” she said.
Bud nearly beamed. “I stand corrected.”
“I guess what I’m trying to say is, I don’t intend to back down. I’ve never put up with bullies and I don’t intend to start now,” Jett said.
“Your mom said she would be with us. I believe her,” Linda Sue said.
Matt nodded.
“So do I,” Dan said.
Jett’s cell phone rang and he stepped away to answer it.
“Well I guess that settles it. Your dad will go to Frankfort. Me and Mallorie have got a couple if stops to make in Whitley County. Maybe by the end of the day we’ll have the answers we’re looking for,” Bud said.
Jett turned back to the table.
“That was Alicia. She and Maggie are on I-75 near Berea. They’ll be here soon,” he said.
Dan looked at his dad.
“They’ll stay here until this is resolved,” Jett said toward Dan who looked relieved.
***
By 9 a.m. Bud and Mallorie were on Highway 92 East heading toward Williamsburg. She noticed he still carried both pistols although the shoulder holster was now concealed by a lightweight gray jacket and the revolver sat between them on the front seat of the Mustang.
“I have to ask. Can you actually hit anything with those?”
Bud chuckled.
“Truthfully, not unless I’m close – but that’s true of most people with handguns. Give me a good rifle and that’s a different story,” he said.
“Too bad you don’t have one. I’d feel better,” Mallorie said.
He answered with a brief upturn in the sides of his mouth.
She started to ask but stopped herself.
What she did not know she could not give away.
Since her physic experience an evening earlier Mallorie could not shake the feeling that someone was probing her thoughts – attempting to the return the favor so to speak. She didn’t want to mention it to Bud just yet. He had enough to worry about and besides, this was more her fight than his.
“Did you learn to shoot in the army?” Mallorie asked as she watched the side mirror.
Bud glanced over to her.
“No. My father loved to hunt. I grew up around shotguns and rifles. He taught me to shoot all kinds of game – quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, deer – you name it.” He paused and spoke with no emotion. “The army taught me to shoot my fellow man without compunction.”
“Vietnam,” she said quietly.
Bud checked the rearview mirror.
“Yep. Fresh out of high school I joined before they could draft me. My father served in the army near the tail end of World War II. I heard his stories about occupation duty in Germany and I saw all of the war movies growing up. I figured it was my duty,” he said with a bitter laugh.
“It wasn’t like the stories or the movies,” Mallorie said quietly.
“Not even close. In the movies, you never saw Audie Murphy or John Wayne smoking dope in a foxhole. But over there, a lot of people did. I turned 18 in a firebase in the Mekong Delta. Didn’t get a cake. Got an order to slip into the jungle and look for VC officers to shoot. I was a sniper and a spotter,” Bud said as if unburdening himself. “When I came back in two days later, my best friend gave me a case of beer and helped me drink it.”
“Sounds like a good guy,” she said.
“He was. You would’ve liked Chuck,” Bud said. Before he could speak again, Mallorie took his right hand, which was resting on the seat.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to dredge up painful memories,” she said.
“With everything that’s gone on in the last few weeks, it’s been on my mind more and more. I’ve seen tragedy and I know what loss is. I saw too many bright futures destroyed before I turned twenty. I guess that’s why your mom’s death hit me so hard. She never had a chance at life,” he said as Mallorie noticed his eyes start to water.
She gripped his hand and concentrated.
“Your friend – in Vietnam – was named Chuck. You were very close,” Mallorie said.
“Like brothers. He was from Evans County. His wife gave birth not long before he was killed. Chuck never knew his son. More importantly, his son never knew him. Cryin’ ass shame,” Bud said.
“And you saw him die,” Mallorie said.
“I saw what took his life. Our firebase was hit with mortar fire and I was wounded. One of the medics told me Chuck didn’t make it,” Bud said.
“And years later you were there when my mom died – a young woman who left a baby to grow up without a mother. That’s why you were so determined to make sure someone took care of me,” Mallorie said.
Bud only nodded.
“I had no idea one day...,” his voice trailed off.
Mallorie smiled and patted his hand.
“I know. But what can I say? I have a thing for old farts with guts.”
“More like old fart with a gut,” he said.
“No more like you’re the most decent man I’ve ever known. You like to hide behind cynicism and make people think you really don’t care. But I know better. What you’re doing now proves my point,” she said.
“You’re right about one thing: I care about you,” Bud said.
***
By mid-morning Jett and Al were getting close to Frankfort. With Al at the wheel of the CSPD Ford Explorer, he glanced over to his old friend.
“This shouldn’t take long. We’ll go and get a couple of copies of the complete file. You can brief me on the way home and maybe we can avoid some of the afternoon traffic on I-75,” he said.
“Sounds good to me,” Jett said as he checked the side mirror.
“You alright? You keep checking that mirror it’s gonna break,” Al said with a chuckle.
“Sorry, nervous habit. Remember, I’m familiar with these roads. I know the kind of loons that drive around here,” Jett answered.
“I’ll bet you are. You spent quite a few years in the Bluegrass,” Al said.
“Listen I really appreciate you taking this trip with me and I appreciate you adding those extra patrols around Bud’s house,” Jett said.
“It’s my job. Besides, it’s not like we’re facing a crime wave right now. You gave me a good excuse to get away from the office for a little while and I’ve got some young officers that need some experience patrolling. And even if any of that wasn’t true, you’re still my friend,” Al said.
“All the same, I owe you,” Jett said.
“Buy my lunch on the way home and we’ll call it even,” Al said.
“Deal,” Jett answered as they exited the interstate. Fifteen minutes later they were headed into the records building. A half an hour after that, they found the file and Jett immediately requested several copies of each page.
As Al collected the two folders the two of them headed toward the door.
/> Jett whistled.
“Look at the size of those folders.”
“Yeah, I’d say it’s a safe bet these have a little more information than the one in my office,” Al said.
After they were buckled up and back on the road, Jett started leafing through the pages.
“This is from the tox report: ‘Various prescription strength barbiturates found in stomach contents. Approximately 12 valium capsules found undigested.’ Get this it goes on to say that a small needle mark in her left big toe suggests that she took a lethal injection of amphetamines. What’s more, the cause of death on the official autopsy is listed as suspicious. Is that enough to reopen the case?” Jett asked.
“I think so. Of course, the Commonwealth’s Attorney will have to make that decision,” Al added, “But we still have to find the killer or killers, I hope you understand that.”
“I do but I’m also confident a case can be put together,” Jett said.
“Do you have evidence I don’t know about?” Al asked.
“At the moment, no. By the end of the day, possibly,” Jett said.
Al looked a little agitated.
“I told you my department would handle it,” he said.
“And you will. Right now there is no active investigation and if anything is uncovered, you’re more than welcome to it – I’ll gladly hand it over,” Jett said.
Al relaxed, somewhat mollified. Miles rolled by as Jett silently flipped through the folder and Al preferred to focus on the road. As they approached the first Richmond exit, Al looked over.
“I believe you promised me lunch,” he said.
“Yeah, pick a place,” Jett said.
“Sit down okay?” Al asked.
“That’s fine,” Jett answered.
A couple of minutes later the SUV wheeled into the parking lot of O’Shane’s, a local casual dining franchise.
“You care to go in and get us a table? Since I’m so close to EKU I thought I’d see if any of my daughters are free to join us,” Al said with an easy smile.
Jett shrugged.
“No problem. I’ll tell them party of five just in case,” as he placed the folder in the passenger seat when he stepped out of the vehicle.
As he started to enter the restaurant Jett looked back to Al who was already speaking to someone on his cell phone.
***
Alicia and Maggie stepped up to the front door of Jett’s house. Before either could knock, Dan whipped the door open so quickly startled both of them.
Maggie entered first and Dan immediately embraced her as Alicia entered and closed the door.
“It’s good to see you too Dan,” she said as she noticed her daughter squeezing him tightly.
“Sorry, Aunt Alicia. It’s just that –,” Alicia cut him off.
“No need to explain. Where’s your dad?”
“He’s on his way to Frankfort with Al Anderson. He’ll be back this afternoon,” Dan said as he ushered them into the living room.
“Where’s your brother?” She asked as took a seat in the recliner.
“He went with Linda Sue. She had a couple of classes and he’s staying close,” Dan said as he and Maggie sat together on the couch.
“What about his classes? Or yours?” Alicia asked.
“We’re both basically reviewing for finals so if we miss it’s really not a big deal. Dad doesn’t like it but at a time like this my mind or Matt’s isn’t on classes,” he said as Maggie squeezed his hand.
“I understand his feelings but I agree with your thought process. Truthfully, I won’t be able to relax until this whole thing is over,” Alicia said.
“I feel the same way,” Maggie said.
“We all do,” Dan said.
After a few seconds of silence Alicia spoke up again.
“I understand you and Matt had a special visitor last night,” she said.
Dan’s face brightened considerably.
“Yes we did and it was great!” He said with a smile and twinkling eyes that looked so much like his mom.
Maggie, still holding his hand, smiled.
“I know how you feel. I got to see dad last night as well as your mom. It sounds weird but it felt so...natural,” she said.
“And wonderful at the same time,” Dan said.
“I think when things settle down a bit, the Judge will pay you a visit. But don’t worry - he’s happy for both of you,” Alicia said.
Dan nodded.
“I’m glad and I look forward to seeing him. I miss him too. I always loved talking football and politics with him,” Dan said.
“I’m happy for the brief reunions we’ve had but I look forward to getting this current mess behind us so we can really enjoy our time together,” Alicia said, repeating her feelings.
“We all are,” he said.
“For the moment I’d feel better just to have Uncle Jett and everybody else back here,” Maggie said.
“We all would,” Alicia said.
***
Bud and Mallorie stared at each other in disbelief and then back to the nurse standing by the front desk. Attired in pale blue scrubs, she was a large woman – nearly six inches taller than Bud and likely 40 pounds heavier. She wore tortoise-shell rim glasses with a silver chain on the earpieces and wore her streaked gray and brown hair in a tight bun.
“Nurse...Irma was it?” Bud asked as the woman nodded sternly. “What do you mean Bertha passed away last night?”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but are you a family member?” She asked.
“I’m an old friend from Crystal Springs and Bertha practically raised this young lady,” he said pointing to Mallorie.
Irma looked her up and down skeptically.
“I don’t ever remember seeing either you here visiting here – you couldn’t have cared that much,” she spat out with no small amount of venom.
Bud looked to Mallorie and she could see the wheels turning. Suddenly his demeanor changed and he stood straighter as pulled a business card holder from his pocket. Bud presented his Kentucky Press Association credentials.
“All right, she’s wise to us Mallorie,” he said gruffly as Irma offered a slight smirk. “The reason I’m here is follow up a number of complaints about the treatment provided by this nursing home,” Bud said sharply.
“Complaints? What kind of complaints and from who?” Irma asked as the color began to rise in her face.
“I’m not going to disclose any sources,” Bud said as he waved his right hand.
“Ha! Sources my ass! I don’t have to tell you anything. In fact, HIPPA laws prevent me from telling you anything,” Irma said.
“True. You don’t have to but you’re going to wish you had. You had a woman die here last night. Granted she was older and suffering from a degree of dementia but otherwise physically sound. With the other allegations lodged against this place that’s not good. Not good at all,” he hoped his guess about Bertha’s condition was close to accurate.
“Some degree of dementia? She was full blown Alzheimer’s and had been for years,” Irma blurted.
“But she was in otherwise good physical condition. Ms. Afton? Do we have the notes on Mrs. Stone?” He asked looking to Mallorie who played along.
“They’re in the car – in fact both sets are in the car with the rest sir. Shall I get them?” she asked.
“Both sets? What are you talking about?” Irma asked as her curiosity grew. Her expression was one of someone needing to hear something but not really wanting an answer.
“Are you familiar with Dr. R.J. Duncan?” Bud asked.
“Yes. He’s the head of the state licensing board for nursing homes. What does this –” Bud cut her off.
“He’s a close personal friend. I have agreed to supply him with a list of suspected problems in this nursing home along with any evidence I gather in exchange for his department’s cooperation in this story. How long have you worked here Irma?” Bud asked.
“That’s really none of your –”
he interrupted her again.
“It really doesn’t matter. With your obvious experience I’m sure you’ll land on your feet but in this economy...” he let the words linger before continuing. “Lord knows what the rest of the people here will do when this place gets shut down. Forget the notes Ms. Afton. She will get no immunity from my efforts and I don’t care what Ray offers. He can send his own people to do his dirty work,” Bud said as Irma began to fidget. He noticed a small bead of sweat forming above her upper lip.
He turned to walk away as Mallorie looked at the bewildered nurse apologetically and hurried to follow him.
“Wait! What do you need to know?” Irma asked without moving.
Bud offered Mallorie a quick wink before he turned and walked back to the worried nurse.
“Do you any idea on cause of death?” He asked.
“You will help me if I get called on the carpet?” Irma asked.
“You have my word. I’ll speak to Ray personally and vouch for your cooperation,” he said.
“You’ve got to understand. The administration here is all about the bottom line. We’ve got people working double shifts just to keep up and the pay is awful,” Irma said hurriedly.
Bud spoke while she was drawing a breath.
“Okay, I believe you. Now what about the cause of death?” He repeated.
“It looks like natural causes. We don’t know for sure and unless an autopsy is requested we won’t have a definitive answer,” Irma said.
“What’s your best guess as a medical professional?” Bud asked.
“It looked like she suffered some kind of seizure. My guess is she fell and bumped her head on something and that’s what triggered it,” Irma said before adding, “We can’t watch them all the time.”
“Did Mrs. Stone have regular visitors? Family or friends?” Bud asked.
Irma shook her head.
“Her husband and her niece used to visit on a pretty regular basis until her husband passed away a couple of years ago. Since then she had a nephew that visited from time to time,” the nurse said.
“Do you remember the niece’s name or the nephew?” Bud asked.
“The niece, no. It’s been too long and she wasn’t very personable. The nephew is Rex...something,” Irma said.
“Rex LaGrange?” Mallorie asked.
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