Tate Valley Sexy Suspense Series (Books 1-3)

by Stacy-Deanne

  “That’s a good philosophy.” Alexis straightened up in her chair.

  “It wasn’t easy for me to come here.” Amy glanced around as an officer passed through the hall. “On the way over I was praying that what I think might’ve happened…didn’t happen.”

  “Is this about Donovan’s murder?” Alexis asked.

  “Yes.” Amy fidgeted. “I have some information about Jesse that you guys should know.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “So I’m here.” Jesse flew down the station hallway with Rose beside her. “What’s going on?”

  “Come on.” Alexis and Penelope took off toward the interrogation room.

  “Wait a minute.” Jesse rushed in behind them. “Penelope, what’s going on?”

  “We need to get some things clear.”

  “What’s going on?” Rose struggled to keep up. “Is Momma in trouble?”

  Alexis stopped at a door in the middle of the hall. “Come in.”

  “Well, can’t you at least tell me what’s going on?” Jesse looked back and forth at the detectives. “Did I do something?”

  Alexis pointed inside the room.

  Jesse huffed and went in.

  Rose started after her.

  “No.” Penelope held her back. “You wait out here.”

  “Why?” Rose took her purse off her shoulder.

  Penelope followed the others inside and shut the door.

  “Could someone please tell me what the hell’s going on?” Jesse sat at the table.

  “Why don’t you tell us, Jesse?” Alexis sat down. “I mean there’s a lot of stuff you need to tell us, don’t you think?”

  “No.”

  “Are you sure?” Penelope asked.

  “I’m not in the mood for games.” Jesse set her purse on the table.

  Penelope crossed her arms. “That’s funny seeing how you’ve been playing them from the beginning.”

  “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”

  “I’ve always liked you, Jesse,” Penelope said. “So I’m giving you a chance to come clean. You’d be smart to take the invitation.”

  “Is there anything you’ve lied about when it comes to the Donovan case?” Alexis asked.

  “No.” Jesse twitched.

  Alexis glanced at Penelope who shook her head.

  “Well, that would be a lie wouldn’t it, Jesse?” Alexis laid her hands on the table. “Because we know you’ve lied.”

  “About what?”

  “You said you were at the Tate Valley Lounge when Donovan was killed, didn’t you?”

  “I was, Alexis.”

  “Why did Amy and Tawny say you left for an hour the night Donovan got killed?”

  “What?”

  “Tawny didn’t tell us this at first because she wanted to protect you, but she told Amy.”

  Penelope crossed her legs. “And Amy told us.”

  Jesse stared at the table.

  “Are Amy and Tawny telling the truth?” Penelope asked.

  Jesse put her hand over her face. “Yes. But I can explain—”

  “Oh, hold up on explaining that until you hear this.” Alexis chuckled. “Amy says you have a thirty-eight. Is that true?”

  Jesse balled her hands on the table.

  Penelope stood and leaned over her. “Is that true?”

  Jesse’s lips shook.

  “Answer the question,” Alexis said. “Is what Amy told us true?”

  “Y…” Jesse burst into tears. “Yes, it’s true, but I didn’t kill Donovan. You gotta believe me.”

  “Well…” Alexis gawked at her. “Where did you go for an hour?”

  “I get migraines.” She laid her shaking hand on her forehead. “I take prescription meds for them, but they weren’t working that night. My head was pounding, and I was queasy. I went back home to lie down.”

  Alexis looked at Penelope.

  “I took a nap then went back to work. I swear I didn’t kill Donovan.”

  Penelope rubbed the bridge of her nose. “If you went home to lie down, then why didn’t you tell Tawny that? She told Amy you left, and she didn’t know where you went.”

  “It didn’t occur to me because Tawny knows I do it all the time. My employees know I get bad migraines. Sometimes they’re so bad I have to leave work early.”

  “I bet the reason your head hurt so bad that night was because Rose was out with a man you hated.”

  “I didn’t kill him.”

  Alexis wriggled in the chair. “Why did you lie about the gun?”

  “Why do you think?” Jesse glared at her. “I knew it would land me right here. Why am I not surprised? The trailer park trash had to do it, right?”

  “Don’t give us that bullshit,” Alexis said. “Do you realize the trouble you’re in, Jesse? You had motive, you don’t have a decent alibi for when you were gone, and you lied about having a thirty-eight.”

  “The same type of gun Donovan was killed with,” Penelope said.

  Jesse’s face drowned in tears. “I didn’t kill him.”

  “I think you did.” Alexis pointed to her. “You knew ahead of time that Rose and Donovan would be at the beach and you followed them and shot him.”

  “No!” Jesse jumped up. “I didn’t do it! I would never put my daughter in any danger! Believe me.”

  “Well, we don’t.” Alexis stood. “Jesse Malone, you’re under arrest for murder.”

  * * * *

  “Good evening, Mr. Reed.” Grant’s doorman invited Kevin inside. “Mr. Copeland is in the dining room.”

  “Thank you, Thomas.” Kevin turned left at the end of the massive hallway and ended up in Grant’s chic dining room greeted by the aroma of sweet pork and rosemary. “Grant?”

  “I see you got my call.” Grant sat at the head of the large, rectangular table, slicing the pork tenderloin in thin pieces. “Sit down and I’ll have a plate prepared for—”

  “No.” Kevin did a dismissive wave. “I’m not hungry. What did you want to talk about?”

  “Firecracker.” Grant bit into the pork.

  Kevin cleared his throat. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “You wanna tell me why she’s been talking to Leo Pacheco?”

  Kevin gaped. “Come again?”

  Grant lifted the glass of burgundy wine. “I think you heard me.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Grant picked up his knife. “Don’t lie to me.”

  “I’m telling you the truth.”

  “You mean she’s talking to Pacheco and you don’t know why?” Grant turned the knife between his thumb and index finger. “I’m supposed to believe that?”

  “It’s the truth, and I won’t say it again.” Kevin huffed, doing his best to keep his temper in check. “She never told me anything about Leo.”

  Grant put another piece of pork into his mouth and squinted as he chewed.

  “Why would you care if she was talking to Leo anyway?” Kevin approached the table. “You got something to hide?”

  “You know Pacheco hates me. He thinks I got him fired.”

  “Did you get him fired?” Kevin leaned on the table. “You can tell me if you did.”

  “I didn’t get Leo fired.” Grant winked as he chewed. “He was caught with drugs and that’s the end of it.”

  “Leo has a spot-on reputation.” Kevin walked around the table. “I don’t see him as a guy who used or deals drugs, and he was one of the most decorated officers in town.”

  Grant wiggled the fork. “Pacheco has it out for me, and so does Alexis, so you can understand why I don’t want them hanging around each other, right? It would be better if Leo just went away.” Grant stabbed the pork. “After the embarrassment he’s suffered in this town, I don’t see why he hangs around.”

  Kevin shrugged. “It’s his home.”

  Grant stared at the wineglass. “Are you seeing Firecracker tonight?”

  “I don’t know. Why?”

&nb
sp; Grant sipped from his glass, glaring. “You two seem closer than ever, hmm?”

  “My relationship with Lexi is off limits with you, Grant.” Kevin turned to leave.

  “You get her off my back.” Grant slammed the glass down. “I won’t have Alexis and Pacheco plotting against me. I want you to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  “Lexi’s a grown woman, and she does what she wants. Besides, if you’re so innocent then you got nothing to worry about, right?” Kevin walked back to the table and leaned over Grant. “Did you get Leo fired, Grant? You know you can tell me anything.”

  “I thought that before Alexis came back to town.” Grant sat back. “But other than business I’m not so sure I can trust you anymore, Kevin.”

  He leaned up, snickering. “I’m not the one acting like I have something to hide. It’s hard to think you didn’t do anything with how antsy you’ve been lately.”

  “You can leave now.” Grant scoffed, wiping his mouth.

  “See you at work,” Kevin said in a sarcastic tone then headed to the doorway.

  “Oh.” Grant snapped his fingers. “I almost forgot. How was your date at the Garland Hotel last night?”

  Kevin stopped abruptly and moved from the doorway. “How did you know I was at the hotel last night?”

  “I heard Firecracker almost brought the house down in that red dress.” He licked his lips. “I bet that dress had you rolling around on the floor with your paws sticking straight up in the air.”

  “You’re watching us?” Kevin marched to the table. “Is that what you’ve been doing?” he shouted. “I won’t stand for you spying on us.”

  “Me?” Grant sipped wine. “Now why would I do that? An executive from Copeland saw you. That’s all.”

  “Uh-uh.” Kevin lifted his chin, clenching fists. “You’re not gonna do this, Grant.”

  “Do what?” He grinned.

  “I will always be grateful for what you’ve done for me, but don’t push me.” Kevin pointed at him. “Don’t make me choose between you and Lexi because if I do you sure as hell won’t win.”

  “Is that so?” Grant raised an eyebrow.

  “Oh yeah.” Kevin nodded. “I don’t care what I lose or what you try to do to me but don’t even think of doing something to Alexis.”

  “It’s not me who’s screwing things up. You need to check with your girlfriend because she’s trying to ruin my life!” He stood. “And considering all I’ve done for yours I’d think you’d be more concerned.”

  “If you didn’t do anything you shouldn’t be worried. But if you try to intimidate Lexi…you’ll have me to worry about and I don’t think you’re ready for that.”

  “I’m gonna let this attitude slide for now.” Grant chuckled, lowering himself back in the chair. “Once you come up from the haze of Alexis you’ll remember where your best interests lie.”

  “Don’t be surprised how far I’d go if pushed, Grant.” Kevin winked, still pointing. “After all you taught me that.”

  * * * *

  “He knows you met with Pacheco.” Kevin followed Alexis around her living room. “I don’t know how he does, but he does.”

  “Jesus.” Alexis sat on the couch. “He’s watching us.”

  “No shit.” Kevin put his hand on his waist. “He even knows we were at the hotel last night. He says someone from Copeland told him, but I’m not so sure.” He sat beside her. “You gotta cool it, Lexi.”

  “Okay, so Grant’s watching me?” She shrugged. “I wouldn’t expect anything less and I want him to squirm.”

  He sighed.

  “You don’t have to worry.” She put her hands on his face and forced his eyes on hers. “Have faith that everything will be fine.” She hugged him tight. “Have faith in me.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  The Next Day

  “Hey.” Sebastian stood at Rose’s door with an enormous smile. “How are you?” He touched the screen door. “I heard about your mom, so I came to check on you.”

  “How do you think I am?” Rose headed for the kitchen.

  Sebastian closed the door and followed. “Well, you don’t have to worry, Rose.” He entered the kitchen. “I’m here for you if you need me.”

  She got the container of strawberry jam out of the refrigerator. “Why are you smiling like that?”

  He stopped smiling. “Like what?” He sat at the table.

  “I’m surprised you’re so eager to see me after the last time.” She dished up a plate of eggs and bacon and took it to the table. “You want some?”

  “No.” He smiled.

  “How do you feel about what happened between us the last time? Did you mean what you said?” She got her toast and sat at the table.

  “About…?”

  She chewed. “You know.” She licked crumbs off her mouth. “God, you act like you don’t remember what happened.”

  “Course I do.” He rubbed his head. “I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Did you mean what you said about being glad Donovan was dead?”

  “I shouldn’t have said that.” He propped his foot up under the table “All I meant was that you did nothing wrong, so if you’re feeling guilty then you don’t need to.” He took her hand. “I’m here for you and I always will be.”

  She moved her hand. “I couldn’t sleep all night. I was so worried about Momma.”

  “So I guess you’re heading over to see her after breakfast?”

  “Visiting time isn’t until four.” She checked her watch. “I called her earlier, and she said she’d spoken to the public defender. I don’t know if that’s good news, but…”

  “So you have eight hours to kill before you go see her?” He flicked her chin. “Sounds like you need some cheering up.”

  She chewed on bacon. “Nothing will cheer me up.”

  “Not even your good friend, Sebastian?” He poked his lips out and batted his eyes in a mocking matter.

  She laughed. “Well, you’re the exception.”

  “How about we spend the day together?”

  “What?”

  He stole a piece of bacon off her plate. “Yeah, we can hang out and just forget the shit that’s been going on.”

  “I don’t know.” She chewed eggs. “My stomach’s turning. I’m so nervous about Momma. I won’t be much company.”

  “You’ll be the best company I could ask for.” He stood. “Just put your fate in my hands today.” He bowed to her.

  She smiled.

  “I’ll show you a time you’ll never forget.”

  * * * *

  “Malone!” The female guard walked into the cell and kicked the bed. “Malone!”

  Jesse rolled over with her hands on her eyes. “What?”

  “You got a new roommate.” The guard beckoned for someone outside the cell.

  “I don’t give a damn.” Jesse stuffed her head into the pillow, which smelled like old sweat and mildew.

  “Hey,” a familiar female voice said. “Old friend don’t even get a greeting?”

  Jesse sprung up.

  A tall, portly white woman with her arms painted in tattoos, smiled. “Well, ain’t you gonna give me a hug?”

  “Jamie Lee!” Jesse ran to her and hugged her. “My god, girl.” She hit Jamie Lee’s shaky belly. “I didn’t know you were back in Tate Valley.”

  The guard locked the cell and left.

  “I got back in last night.” Jamie Lee scratched her hairy chin. “Shit, I was trying to have fun but fucked up and got busted.”

  “Yeah, that sounds like you.” Jesse smacked the back of Jamie Lee’s head. “How long has it been since you left Tate Valley?”

  “Shit.” Jamie Lee pulled at her jumpsuit. “About four years. Man, you look good, Jesse.” She motioned to her. “Remember how we used to raise all kinds of hell around this boring ass town back in the day?”

  “Who you telling?” Jesse sat on the bed. “Raising hell is all we knew how to do.”

  “Ain’t much else to do in
Tate Valley with no money.” Jamie Lee sat on the chair by the little table. “What the hell are you in here for?”

  “You’re gonna flip.” Jesse clasped her hands. “Murder.”

  “What?” Jamie Lee leaned forward. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

  “They think I killed Donovan McCoy, but I swear I did nothing to that boy.”

  “Benson McCoy’s son?” Jamie Lee glanced around with her mouth open. “They must be out of their minds to think that. You couldn’t kill anyone. What happened?”

  “He was on a date with Rose, tried to rape her, and got shot by someone Rose can’t identify.”

  Jamie Lee sat back with a scowl. “Say what?”

  “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s what Rose says and I believe her.”

  “Donovan was trying to rape Rose?”

  Jesse nodded.

  “Man, that’s fucked up. I don’t even have kids, but if a man tried to rape my baby girl, he’d wish all he got was killed. Why do they think you did it?”

  “My dumb ass lied but what did they expect?” Jesse touched the back of her neck. “I was scared, and I didn’t want Rose to think I’d done it.”

  “What did you lie about?”

  “I have the same type of gun that Donovan was killed with, but I didn’t share that with the police when they asked.”

  “You got a gun?”

  “Yeah.” She shrugged. “I can’t be living in them trailers with no way to protect Rose. You know it’s bad over there.”

  “Shit, who you telling?” Jamie Lee crossed her stocky legs. “Left our trailer one day, turned around, and the whole damn trailer was gone.”

  “You’re something else.” Jesse laughed. “It’s gotten even worse over there since you moved away.”

  “Well, how’s Rose doing?”

  “She’s scared to death.” Jesse exhaled. “She has enough to deal with and now I’m putting more pressure on her. I can’t go to prison for this, Jamie Lee. You know how it is in this town. Even though I’m innocent, those rich asses could get me put away for life.”

  “Honey.” Jamie Lee walked to her. “Scoot over so my big ass can sit down.”