by Matt Juhl
“How?”
“Yes, how’d it happen? How was she killed?”
“There’s no easy way to say it—”
“Then just say it. I’m a grown woman. I can handle it.”
“I don’t know if you can—”
“Just tell me!” Harper demanded.
Tonya cleared her throat. “Very well. Although a lot of the evidence was burnt in the fire, we were able to determine that her head was wrapped with a black garbage bag and she was shot execution style. Both of her hands were severed off. We believe there may have been an altercation, and the killer did this in case their DNA got under Faye’s fingernails.”
For a moment, Harper didn’t say anything. All she could do was focus on the gnawing feeling in the pit of her stomach.
“Are you all right, Miss Jones?”
Harper was so frightened she couldn’t speak. The color drained from her face as she tried wrapping her mind around the vicious crime.
“Harper?” she asked.
She held her composure as long as she could. After a few moments, she threw herself into Tonya’s arms and blubbered hysterically, desperately trying to suppress the horrific imagery.
Although it was unorthodox, Tonya consoled Harper. She felt that she didn’t have anything else to give except comfort. It was the least she could do.
It took Harper a while to regain her composure, considering all she’d endured. Eventually she took a deep breath to speak. “Y’all really think Mama did this?”
“There’s a strong possibility. However, I can’t speak in certainty until we find her.”
“But what if you find her and discover she’s innocent, then what?”
“It’s hard to say, but the evidence is stacked against her.”
“But what if you’re wrong?”
“Then we have to look at the other suspects, possibly some of the one’s we’ve already spoken with. We may have to consider the chance that Mindi was set up.”
“Yeah, but who’d do that?”
“Someone who hated her.”
“You don’t mean—”
“We have to consider every possibility, even if that includes nice, innocent-acting Bill Winston.”
SEVENTEEN
“Pops, open up!” Nik shouted. He yanked on the soiled screen and pounded against Old Man Winston’s front door. “Seriously, c’mon!”
The tiring sunset blinded him as he looked across the street and watched the yellow police tape blow in the chilly October breeze. Its tattered edges looked as destroyed as a fallen fortress conquered by some menacing army.
Staring at the remnants of Faye’s rickety shack, along with the faint smell of burning leaves in the distance, reminded Nik of seeing the place engulfed in hungry flames. He could almost taste the smoke collecting in the back of his throat again.
Then Nik’s heavy mind trailed back to waking up in the woods earlier that same evening, being watched by a stranger. It was nearly as ominous as spotting the stalker leering through binoculars while he was at the marina with Harper. The recollection scared the hell out of him.
“Are you trying to break down the door, Muscles?”
“Excuse me?” Nik spun around.
Gage stood tall with his arms folded, annoyed by the disturbance.
Nik glared at him. It was the first time they’d been face to face since the night of the fire.
Gage wiped his soiled hands on the back pockets of his fitted jeans and fumbled through the pocket of his black t-shirt. “Why are you beating on the door so damn loud?”
“’Cause Pops has a hard time hearing.”
“Well shit, he ain’t deaf.”
“Whatever.”
“Want a stick?”
“I don’t smoke.”
Gage tossed his hair back and lit a cigarette. “Health conscious, I get it. Good for you, bud. It’s good to take care of your body.”
“Yeah, you look really concerned about yours.”
“Why would I care about my lungs when I’ve got a body like this?” Gage asked. Then he lifted the bottom of his shirt, rubbing his large hand over his tight, defined abs. “Can’t argue with these, can ya?”
Nik smirked. “I’m not impressed.”
“You’re not?”
“No, not at all.”
“Huh, most guys love when I do that.”
“Most guys probably don’t have a better stomach than you.”
“You’re cocky. I like that. Maybe I’ll have to get to know ya better.”
“Sorry, but I’m not into men.”
Gage tilted his head to the side. “Maybe you just haven’t found a good one yet.”
“Don’t flatter yourself. You smug guys are all the same. You think just ‘cause you’re six-four, have a reasonably good-looking face, and a little muscle that everyone’s gonna swoon over you.”
“Well look at that. You’ve got me figured out.” Gage smirked. “Looks like I’m already having an affect on you.”
“You could try ‘til you’re blue in the face, but I wouldn’t give you a second look.”
“Yeah right.”
“Yeah, right. I’m into women.”
Gage laughed. “I know. Pops told me.”
“No he didn’t.”
“Yeah he did. He tells me everything. ‘Course it’s kind of a shame. You’re pretty hot.”
“Even if I was into guys, I’d never go for someone like you.”
“Someone like me, what’s that mean?”
“You’re a snake.”
“A snake?”
“You heard me.”
“Why do you think that? You don’t even know me, Kid.”
“You got me in trouble with the cops.”
“When?”
“Don’t play stupid, during the fire.”
“Ah. Enlighten me, how did I do that?”
“C’mon, you whined that I punched you. We both know that’s a lie. Some big tough guy you are.”
“You looked strung-out, like you were high.”
“That’s bull. I’ve never done drugs.”
“There was no telling what you may have done. And to set the record straight—you did hit me,” Gage lied.
“I never laid a hand on you. Because of that, I got thrown in jail.”
“You can’t blame me for your tantrum.”
“Yes I can, and I do.”
“Besides, you were the idiot who punched a police officer. That’s why he locked your ass up.”
“None of that would’ve even happened if you hadn’t lied.”
“I didn’t lie.”
Nik rolled his eyes in frustration. “You frickin’ did, just own it. See, that’s what I’m talking about. You’re a snake.”
“No, I’m just a single guy, spending all day taking care of an old man, his forty acres, and his home. I don’t even go out on the weekends. I keep Pops company on Saturday nights while everyone else in town is at the Silver Tavern. Those hardly sound like the actions of a snake. Like I said, you don’t know me.”
“Stop acting like a saint. You get paid for all that.”
“No, he doesn’t pay me to spend my nights with him, he pays me to farm.”
“Where the hell did you come from any way? He’s never needed help before.”
“I moved here this summer from Port Vista. I needed a place to stay and a place to work. Luckily, I found both right away.”
“You lived in pretentious Port Vista, but now you’re somebody’s handyman?”
“Everyone’s got a story, kid. Besides, it wasn’t right in Port Vista, just outside of town. Lost a good job there and couldn’t afford my apartment, so I moved down here. Silver Shores is a lot more affordable.”
“Yeah, especially when you’re mooching off an old man like a gold digger. Let me guess, he doesn’t charge you rent for living here?”
“No, he doesn’t. Look, he’s lucky I came when I did. The guy needs all the help he can get, considering his condition.”<
br />
“His condition? You make him sound like he’s decrepit. Pops is hardly in poor health.”
“The man’s got arthritis, high blood pressure, and asthma. He can hardly open his mouth without an inhaler.”
“All the more reason for him to spend his free time hanging around a smoker.”
“I don’t smoke around him.” Gage shook his head. “Damn, take your teeth outta my leg, killer. You’ve got me all wrong.”
“Somehow I doubt that.”
“I’m actually a pretty decent guy.” Gage extended his hand. “All right, I sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding between us the night of the fire. I don’t want any bad blood. How about we call a truce?”
Nik folded his hands under his arms. “Can you just get Pops for me?”
“He ain’t home right now.”
“When will he be back?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why not?”
“He’s outta town, left yesterday afternoon.” Gage stomped out his cigarette on the pavement. “Said he was headed up North to fish.”
“Why wouldn’t he bring you along?”
“I offered, but Pops said he wanted to go alone to clear his mind. I think it’ll be good for him. He’s been acting strange lately.”
“Strange, how?”
“Ever since the fire, he’s been having trouble sleeping. It started several weeks ago. I heard him tossing and turning in the middle of the night. Then his door creaked open around two in the morning, and I hear footsteps heading down the hallway. I sat up in bed, wondering what the hell was going on. Suddenly, the front door slammed shut. That’s when I got dressed and followed him. I looked through the curtains and saw the old man standing in the middle of the yard, in the pouring rain. He didn’t move or anything, just stared at Faye Jones’s house. It was like he was in a trance.”
Nik shook his head.
“He spends a lot of time over at Faye’s place. I try asking him about it, but he won’t answer me. Pops just says that it makes him sad. Then he starts mumbling to himself. I don’t know what’s going on. I figure a little time away may do him some good, ya know, have a few beers, catch some fish, and get away from whatever’s troubling him.”
Unsure of how to proceed, Nik scratched his face and looked down. “I hope he’s not gone too long. Do you think he can handle being on his own? You said he’s not in good health.”
“I made sure he took everything he’d need in case of an emergency. Besides, Pops knows his way through the wild. He’s been a woodsman his whole life.”
“If you say so.”
“Why do you wanna see him so badly?”
“When he bailed me out of jail, he promised to give me an address for my father.”
“Oh right, for Patrick and his mistress, Andi. He mentioned you may be stopping by for that.”
“You know about them?”
“Of course. I know all about your father’s filthy affair.” Gage patted Nik on the shoulder. “Sorry that the guy bailed on ya.”
“I can’t believe Pops told you.”
“We spend a lot of time together, so he tells me everything. It must be kinda hard finding out that one of your parents is straight—and sleeping around behind your dad’s back.”
“Why would I care if my father’s straight? We both are.” He rubbed his fingers over his mouth. “Why the hell am I talking about this with you? You don’t have any right knowing my business.”
“I was only talking about the affair.”
“Seriously, I don’t wanna discuss it with you.”
“I was surprised when Pops said you’d still wanna see your father after what he’d done. Seems kinda like a sleazy thing to do to your family, but he swears Patrick’s a good guy, so he can’t be all bad.” Gage noticed Nik’s livid expression and cleared his throat. “I have no idea where he’d keep your father’s address, and Pops didn’t leave it for me. If I knew you were coming so soon, I would’ve asked for it.”
“Does he have a cell phone?”
“No, but even if he did, he was adamant about wanting to be left alone.”
“Okay…”
“Look, why don’t I get your number? Pops promised he’d call within a few days. He’s planning on sleeping in his camper, but said if he found a payphone or hotel, he’d give me a shout. Then I’ll try to get your father’s address. I can’t promise anything though. It’s like he doesn’t want anyone knowing where he is or what he’s doing.”
“Why’s he’s acting like that? Do you think it has to do with Faye or the fire?”
“I don’t know. They weren’t that close. He didn’t go over there too much, probably ‘cause of Faye’s trashy ass sister, Mindi.”
“But do you think he was involved with the crime?”
Gage rubbed his jaw. “It’s hard to say. I can’t really see him doing something like that, but part of me wouldn’t be surprised. He’s kind of a mysterious guy. After all, most of his life’s been a lie, hiding his relationship with Gail from everyone and all.”
“Right.” Nik nodded, feeling uneasy about Old Man Winston acting so heinously. “I should probably get going.”
“Me too. I was about to put on something warmer before I haul all those pumpkins from the patch.”
“Well, thank God you’re so strong. Otherwise I don’t know how you’d do it,” Nik responded sarcastically.
“I can do anything. You wanna stay around and watch me move them?”
“Yeah, right.”
“Are you sure? I could cook you dinner afterwards. I’m pretty handy in the kitchen.”
“I thought you were an outdoorsman, being a farmhand and all?”
“You think that’s all I’m good for? For your information, I worked in a small mansion once.”
“As a handyman?”
“Yeah, but also as a personal chef and butler.”
“You don’t say…”
“See, you don’t know me. I’m a jack of all trades.”
“I guess so.” Nik frowned, struggling to see the duality in Gage’s talent. “Well, I’m heading out.”
“I’ll let you know when I hear from Pops. You go on and take care of yourself, bud.”
“See ya.”
Gage waved and went inside. He rubbed his chapped, overworked fingers against his deep-blue eyes. His discerning glare burned as he watched Nik’s silhouette vanish into the setting sun.
After staring a moment longer, he walked to the recliner and threw his coat down. As he did, Gage knocked everything off the end table. He knelt down and picked up Old Man Winston’s belongings: a pair of nail clippers, his blood pressure medication, and his inhaler.
EIGHTEEN
“Oh my God, this is absolutely exquisite. Put it on.”
With her patience wearing thin, Harper groaned and pulled her hair into a bun on the top of her head. “Hold on. I’m still tryin’ to zip the last one.”
Traci cautiously placed the emerald and yellow toned dress on top of the mountain of discarded gowns while poking her head above the fitting room. “Need any help?”
“Damn it, Traci, do you mind?” Harper modestly covered her exposed chest. “I can dress myself.”
“I was only trying to help.”
“Just give me some privacy, okay?”
“Well hurry up, I love this one.” As she waited, she ran her hands across her bare neck, feeling around for Harper’s heart-shaped pendant. She snapped into panic mode, realizing it was missing.
Traci feverishly scoured the ground with her hands, too frightened to admit she may have lost something so sentimental.
Meanwhile, Harper sulked in annoyance in the fitting room. “You realize you’ve said that about every dress I’ve tried on in the last two hours, don’t you?”
“I have not.”
She slammed the door open. “Yes you have. Everything I try on is the wrong length, the wrong cut, or the wrong color. Look at this one. What’s the matter with this? I’ve liked
over a dozen of these, but you keep makin’ me try on more.”
“There’s certainly nothing wrong with that dress. It looks quite lovely, but not good enough.”
“I don’t get it.”
“What’s that?”
“Why’s this so important to you?”
“I just wanted to have a fun girls’ day together.”
“Not the shopping trip, I’m talkin’ about the dress. Why’s it so important that my dress is perfect for your party? I don’t see why I can’t just wear my pink dress.”
“That thing? It’s so plain. C’mon, Harper, every girl wants to get a new dress.”
“But I told you I’m fine wearin’ it.”
“You can’t wear just any old thing. The crème-de-la-crème of the art society, along with several friends and clients of my deceased mother, are attending this charity event. More importantly, it’s been a year since she’s died. I’ve explained that countless times. Honestly, I’m upset that I have to go through all this again.”
“I know how hurt you are over Andrea’s death, but that’s the point, this is about her, not me. Why do you care so much what I’m wearin’? Are you afraid if I wore my pink dress I’d embarrass you?”
“Although your pink dress would be sufficient, if my mother were still alive, she wouldn’t find it appropriate for the occasion. Besides, you deserve the best, sweetie. I want you to feel totally comfortable on my arm.”
Harper’s stomach rumbled, feeling the overwhelming anxiety of Traci’s presumptions washing over her again. “On your arm, like a date?”
“No, I didn’t mean it that way.”
“I don’t wanna have this conversation again. We’re not datin’. I’m in love with Nik.”
“I haven’t forgotten that you like him.”
“Love,” she corrected her.
Traci rolled her shoulders back and exhaled to calm herself down. “You’re in love, really?”
“Yes. I love him.”
“Are you sure you know what you’re saying? You’ve only known him a short time.”
“I’ve known him longer than I’ve known you, but that hasn’t stopped you from pretendin’ like you know what’s best for me.”