Death Changes Everything

by Linda Crowder

  Death Changes Everything

  A Jake and Emma Mystery

  LINDA CROWDER

  © 2015 Linda Crowder

  First Edition

  Cover Art by Carla Gabriel Garcia

  All Rights Reserved Including:

  The right of reproduction in any form, or by any mechanical or electronic means including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, in whole or in part in any form and in any case not without the written permission of the author and publisher.

  This work is fictional. Any resemblance to any human being, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  to contact the author, visit www.lindajcrowder.com

  Other books by linda Crowder

  Jake and Emma Mysteries:

  Too Cute to Kill

  Main Street Murder

  Justice for Katie

  Nonfiction:

  Life Isn’t Just Luck

  1

  He parked his car three blocks away and walked. He was dressed in navy blue sweats with a black, hooded sweatshirt and dark blue running shoes. Should anyone notice him, they would assume he was just another health nut out for an early jog on this October morning.

  He reached the house without seeing another soul. Pulling on a pair of gloves, he unlocked the door. Slipping inside, he drew a notebook from his pocket and punched a set of numbers into the keyboard beside the door. It beeped and “DISARMED” flashed across the screen.

  He went through the house, picking up items that would be small and easy to carry. In the master bedroom, he moved aside clothes until he found the safe. Notebook in hand, he twirled the dial but his gloves made it impossible to control it. He swore under his breath and pulled off his gloves. Stuffing them in his pocket, he made quick work of the lock, and the door of the safe popped open. He stuffed the contents into a bag strapped to his chest underneath the sweatshirt.

  He checked to make sure he’d gotten everything, then put his gloves back on. Pulling an alcohol wipe from his pocket, he tore it open and carefully washed every surface he might have touched. Pocketing wipe and wrapper, he returned to the front door. It had taken just fifteen minutes. That might be a new record for him.

  ***

  “Thanks for joining me, Jake. I know how busy you are.” Ronald Kenworthy stood to shake Jake’s hand and gestured to the chair across from his at the small table.

  “Always a pleasure, Ron.” Jake settled into the table and accepted a menu from Liz, the hostess who’d shown him to his seat.

  Liz had once been a client of his, arrested on a shoplifting charge when she was fourteen. She’d completed probation without incident and was now in her first year at the local community college. Her part-time job at the Oil City Country Club helped pay for her education. She gave Jake a smile and turned to greet another diner.

  Jake glanced over the menu, then looked at the man across from him. Kenworthy still bore a resemblance to the linebacker he’d been in his youth. He was tall and muscular, his face chiseled by years in the wind and sun, and working his ranch. He wore a white, button-down shirt with a bolo tie of braided black leather topped by a silver and turquoise slide and matching silver tips. He wore his tan jacket unbuttoned, with black jeans and the black leather cowboy boots so common in Casper, Wyoming.

  “You’re probably wondering why I asked you here,” said Kenworthy after a server had taken their orders and departed with the menus.

  “You want my opinion on who the party should nominate for County Attorney.” Jake knew Kenworthy was heading the party task force to select candidates for the primary.

  Because of the death of the previous office holder, Natrona County was holding a special election in March to fill the seat. Each party would select candidates who would be on a primary ballot in January. Barney Madison, currently serving as Interim CA, had made it clear he was not interested in running, leaving the field wide open.

  “What’s your opinion of Clint Taylor?” Jake winced and Kenworthy laughed. “That’s my take on him, too! Still, he’s the only one who has filed a statement of interest.”

  “It’s only October, Ron. Deadline’s still a month away. Nobody files until the last minute.”

  “That may be true, but I don’t believe in leaving things to chance. Taylor’s all right, I guess, but we need new blood in that office.”

  “Can’t argue with you there. Hard for me to hold my clients accountable when the CA’s office is corrupt.” Jake, an attorney in private practice, specialized in juvenile justice.

  “Exactly. We need someone completely above reproach. Someone the people can trust absolutely.”

  The server returned with their food and set the plates on the table, forcing a pause in the conversation. “I can give you a few names,” said Jake, picking up his roast beef sandwich after the server departed.

  “Already have the name I want.” Kenworthy put down his fork and leveled his gaze at Jake.

  Jake chewed his sandwich slowly. “No.”

  Kenworthy leaned back in his chair and laughed, drawing attention from the other diners. “I told Mother you’d say that!” Beatrice Kenworthy was as active in local politics as her husband and the couple had a reputation for backing winners.

  “You tell Bea I’m flattered, but I’m not a politician.”

  “We don’t need another politician in that office.” Kenworthy leaned forward, his voice low and serious. “Bill Blakely viewed the CA’s office as a stepping stone to the Senate and everybody knew it. Taylor’s cut from the same cloth.”

  “Clint Taylor may not be my favorite person,” countered Jake, “but he’s no Bill Blakely.”

  “God help us, I hope not! But you and I know the only reason he wants the job is for power and status.”

  “He’s a capable attorney.”

  “He’s not what we need, Jake. I know you agree with me.” Kenworthy paused, giving his words time to sink in. “Just think about it. That’s all I ask. I know it’s a sacrifice for you, but the people of this county have had a bellyful. They need you.”

  Jake took another bite of his sandwich, considering. Kenworthy sat watching him, his expression determined. “I’ll think about it,” he agreed at last. “That’s all I can promise, Ron.”

  Kenworthy nodded, satisfied, and turned his attention to his meal. Bea was going to lose that bet she made with him over whether Jake Rand would agree to run for County Attorney. She might know politics, but he knew men. Jake was the kind of man who would serve when duty called.

  ***

  Emma was packing for Jake when he got home. She knew from experience that if she didn’t pack for him when he went hunting, he’d wear the same clothes for the entire trip. There was something about being in the woods that brought out the caveman in her husband. Because it wasn’t safe for a man to hunt alone, she’d been relieved when Jeb Cannon had offered to go with him. Because he would have had to apply for an elk license in May, Jeb would be hunting deer, but both seasons were open in the hunt area near their cabin.

  Sparky and Peachy, the two indoor cats, were curled together inside Jake’s suitcase, watching her with wary cat eyes. They didn’t approve of suitcases, which were frequently followed by a prolonged absence of human laps.

  Jake parked his truck and walked slowly into the house, enjoying the last gasp of the autumn sunset. Grace was sitting in the living room, chatting with Jeb. The renowned suspense author and the respected psychologist had become friends when the two joined forces to solve a cold case.

  “Hello, Grace, Jeb. Sorry I’m late. Hope I didn’t spoil dinner.”

  “Of course not, Jacob. I just put the lasagna in a little later after you called Emma. Now that you’re home, I
’ll go start the garlic bread.”

  Jake flinched at her use of his full name, but he knew her well enough to know she didn’t do it to annoy him. The venerable older woman couldn’t bring herself to use nicknames because she didn’t consider them dignified.

  He greeted the author with a smile and a hearty handshake. “Jeb, you ready for tomorrow?”

  “Can’t wait!”

  Jake headed down the hall and found Emma in the bedroom. Closing the door, he slid his arms around her and kissed her cheek as she held up a shirt to fold. “Hello, beautiful,” he whispered.

  Emma put down the shirt and turned in his arms. “You’re later than you thought you’d be.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that.”

  “No worries. Grace and Jeb have been going back and forth about the novel he’s writing. They’re debating the origin of evil.”

  Jake released her and sat down on the bed on the other side of the suitcase. Sparky got up, stretched, and climbed out of the suitcase to rub against his hand. “We’ve seen more than enough evil lately.”

  “Which is why I decided to come in here to pack.”

  Jake looked down at Sparky, who was purring happily. “Interesting lunch with Ron today.”

  “What did he think of your recommendations?”

  “Actually, he had someone in mind already.”

  “Who?”

  “Me.”

  Emma dropped the jeans she’d retrieved from the closet. “Seriously?”

  “You don’t think I’d be a good CA?”

  “You’d be great. I just didn’t know you were interested.”

  “I didn’t know either until he asked me, how’s that for crazy? He made a pretty convincing argument though.” Jake stopped petting Sparky, so the little cat batted playfully at his hand as he talked.

  “So you’re considering it?”

  “I don’t know, Em. I never thought about it before. I’d be a crappy politician.”

  “All the better. Blakely was a terrific politician but he was a horrible man.”

  “That’s what Ron said. He said the people needed someone who could restore faith in the office again.”

  Emma tousled his hair playfully. “Someone like you?”

  Jake grimaced. “Is being honest enough? Forget politics. I’ve never run an office. Never had to deal with the County Supervisors or manage a budget. What do I know about being anybody’s boss?”

  “Oh stop it, Jake. You know I’m behind you whatever you want to do.”

  “That’s the problem. I don’t know what I want.”

  “Do you remember when Clint Taylor suggested you apply for the ACA job when Carolyn Maxwell announced she was retiring? Didn’t you say then you didn’t want to switch sides?”

  Jake put Sparky down and walked to the window. He stared out at the lights of Casper, ten miles away. “I didn’t want to be low man on the totem pole. Ego, I guess.”

  “And what else?”

  “Never marry a therapist.” He turned to face her. “Fine. With the kind of cases I’d be getting, I felt like I could make a greater difference staying put.”

  “Because making a difference in people’s lives matters to you, Jake. That’s one of the things I love about you.” She crossed the room and put her arms around him. “But, if you were County Attorney, you could make a huge difference. Think of it. You’d be setting the tone for the whole office and taking the cases that really matter. You could make sure that every attorney in that office is focused on getting it right, not on notching up wins.”

  She gave him a kiss, then returned to her packing. “As for being a boss, if you have the right people working for you, it’s a snap.”

  “Says the woman with a grand total of one employee. I don’t know, Em. I hear what you’re saying. I just don’t know whether I’d be doing it for the right reasons.”

  “What other reasons are there?”

  “Clint Taylor. Right now he’s the only one running.”

  “Youch!” Shooing Peachy out of the suitcase, she picked up the clothes she’d been folding, placing them carefully so they wouldn’t wrinkle. Though she was only packing flannel shirts and jeans, Emma liked Jake’s clothes to look neat.

  “You’ve got enough clothes for a month in here. I’m going to be gone a few days.”

  “I thought you used to be a Boy Scout.”

  “Not even scouts are this prepared.”

  “Someday you’ll thank me for it.” She turned and headed for the living room.

  Jake trailed after her. “I know it’s petty, but I can’t stand the thought of Taylor getting the nomination. Maybe somebody else will file.”

  “Nobody like you,” countered Emma.

  “Nomination for what?” asked Grace, who was setting the table. Jake went outside to put his suitcase in the truck.

  “What in tarnation? You’re going hunting, man. Where’s your duffel bag?” asked Jeb, following him out the door.

  “Emma made it disappear. You don’t know how lucky you are to be single.”

  Emma joined Grace in the dining room. “Jake’s been asked to run for County Attorney. Can I help you with anything?”

  “Everything’s done. Is Jacob going to do it?”

  “Do what?” asked Kristy, who’d come in the door that Jeb had left open. Kristy Castle was Emma’s lone employee and closest friend.

  “Kristy! What a nice surprise! I thought you had a date with Matt.”

  “Oh Emma, I’m sorry. We thought you’d be finished with dinner by now.”

  “Jake was late coming home tonight.”

  “We have more than enough for everyone, unless you’ve already eaten,” offered Grace. “Let me set places for you and Matthew.”

  “We have, but that smells heavenly.” Kristy breathed in the scent of Italian spices and laughed as her stomach rumbled.

  Grace beamed as all good cooks do when someone compliments their food. “I made an especially large batch but Emma and I will be happy to forego leftovers tomorrow in favor of good company tonight.”

  “Any excuse for a party, Grace, suits me just fine. Can I help you with anything?” Grace shooed her out of the kitchen so Kristy could take a seat at the table.

  “I like your outfit,” said Emma. “Bet Matt couldn’t keep his hands off you.”

  Kristy blushed. She was dressed in black jeans with a red tank top and a gauzy white shirt. Her sandals sparkled silver, but Emma noticed there was mud on her carefully manicured toes and her face was smudged with dirt. Her platinum blonde hair, usually lively with a natural curl, fell flat around her face.

  “Where is Matthew?” asked Grace.

  “Outside, talking to Jake and Jeb. Do you know where that man took me for our date? Fishing! Can you believe it?”

  Emma laughed, remembering her own fly-fishing adventures with Jake. “That’s a Wyoming man’s way of saying he likes you.” Kristy turned a withering look on her. “I’ll get you a glass of iced tea. You look like you could use it.”

  “What I could use is a glass of wine, but I’ll settle for tea.”

  “Wine it is! I’ll even join you.”

  “If you don’t mind my saying so,” said Grace as she laid out two more plates, “I think you’re a little over dressed for fishing.”

  “Ya think? Thank you, Emma,” said Kristy, accepting a glass of Chianti.

  “Did you catch anything?” asked Emma, still giggling. Kristy stuck her tongue out at her.

  “I think you should run,” Matt said as the men came inside. Matt was senior detective for the Casper Police Department and had been dating Kristy for just over three months since he had arrested her abusive ex-husband for murder.

  “Run for what?” asked Kristy.

  “County Attorney,” Matt answered, walking over to stand behind her and putting his hands on her shoulders.

  “If I were to run,” mused Jake, “and if I were to get the nomination, and if I were to be elected. That’s a lot of ifs.”

&n
bsp; “You’d win the primary,” Matt assured him. “There’s nobody better qualified than you. After that, the election is just a formality. Everyone knows the only contest is for the nomination.”

  “I don’t know about that,” countered Jake. “I hear Amanda Knoll is thinking about running and as US Attorney, she’d be a formidable opponent.”

  “They’ll vote for you because of party affiliation,” said Jeb. “No offense, Jake. I think you’d make a fine County Attorney, but Matt’s right. Amanda Knoll could be an ideal candidate, but with the wrong letter behind her name on the ballot, she won’t win.”

  Jake scowled at him. “I hate that. I want to win because people think I’m the best person for the job, not because of partisan politics.”

  “I knew you wanted to win!” said Matt.

  “What makes you think you wouldn’t be the best person for the job, Jacob?” asked Grace, bringing lasagna from the kitchen. She placed the pan on a trivet in the center of the table. “You’re a fine man and an honest one.”

  “Thank you, Grace. I appreciate you saying that.”

  “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. Please, everyone, let’s eat while the food’s hot.”

  “Grace asked a valid question, Jake,” asked Jeb once everyone had filled a plate. “What’s your hesitation?”

  “Just between us, I’m not sure I’m up to the job. I’ve spent my career in private practice. What do I know about being a prosecutor?”

  “Do you think it would feel funny being on the other side?” asked Kristy. “Don’t defense attorneys enjoy getting guilty people off?”

  “Being a criminal attorney isn’t about getting guilty people off or innocent people convicted. It’s about doing what’s right. A County Attorney should ask of every case, how would justice be best served? It might be by pressing hard for a conviction, but it might also be by negotiating a fair plea deal or dropping charges. Every case is different and should be decided on its own merits.”

  “That needs to be in every campaign speech you give,” said Matt. “No, hear me out, Jake. Even before we knew the truth about the CA’s office, we cops were ready to mutiny. We’d bust somebody, only to see him get a slap on the wrist or the charges dropped with no explanation. How long can you expect us to keep arresting people when there’s a revolving door on the jail?”