“Margi boards horse and she’s full. But she gets rescue horses from time to time, and she heard about my farm,” I said as I sent Stewart a text saying we were free to start the next Wednesday. “She came and toured the barn yesterday afternoon, saying she’d pay to make the necessary changes and that she and her hired help would provide all the care.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea right now?” Joe asked. “With everything else goin’ on?”
“I didn’t ask her to come over, Joe,” I said in exasperation. “She just showed up.” Then I remembered her boyfriend was sitting in front of me. “I’d told her the day before that I’d show her around. I’d just forgotten.”
“Margi would do all the work,” Randy said, shooting a glance to Joe. “And I’d probably help with the construction. If you’re worried about who’ll be showin’ up on her land, considerin’ everything, they’ll be vetted. I would never put Rose at risk. Especially now.”
When Randy put it like that, I had to wonder why I was hesitating. “That was my biggest concern,” I admitted, “and the possibility that I’ll have to help take care of them. I don’t know the first thing about horses.”
“You have no business learnin’ right now,” Joe said in a stern voice. “One kick from a horse…”
“Joe,” I groaned. “Enough with the overprotectiveness.”
He turned to look at me, pain filling his eyes. “You forget I’m cursed when it comes to the pregnant women in my life. Neely Kate, Hilary. Savannah. Two of those women died, Rose, so I won’t apologize for being overcautious.”
My heart hitched. “Joe. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think about that.”
“My past isn’t your problem,” he said in a gruff voice. “But I hope you’ll understand that this is only coming from a place of love. I can’t let anything happen to you too.”
If he hadn’t included Neely Kate in his list—and if he hadn’t already told me he didn’t want us to get back together—I would have been concerned he meant he was in love with me. We were friends now, and I cherished his friendship. I loved him too—how could I not after everything he’d done for me?—I just didn’t love him like I used to. “Thank you for your concern, and I promise not to take any unnecessary chances.”
“Thank you.” His voice was heavy as he turned around, refusing to meet my eyes.
After a couple of awkward moments, Randy said, “So what do you say about Margi’s proposal?”
I suspected I’d never hear the end of it, and I couldn’t think of a good reason to tell her no, even though I still wasn’t enthusiastic about the prospect.
“Now is not the time, Deputy,” Joe growled.
“It’s okay, Joe,” I said, then turned to Randy. “Tell Margi to give me a call next week so we can go over some specifics.”
“Rose,” Joe said in a low tone.
“It’s my farm. My decision.” But as soon as the words fell out of my mouth, I instantly regretted them. He was worried about me—with just cause—and I’d pretty much blown off his feelings and concerns. If it had been just the two of us in the car, I would have instantly apologized, but it felt awkward with Randy there. Especially since we weren’t really a couple.
We rode in silence after that, and as we pulled up at the back of the courthouse, I was thankful the conversation had at least taken my mind off my upcoming testimony.
The other sheriff’s car pulled up behind us, and the deputy got out and walked toward my door, his hand on his holstered weapon as he scanned the area around the building.
Joe got out and opened my car door, reaching in to help me out. As soon as I was on my feet, he wrapped his arm around my back and ushered me to the back door. When we got inside, I pulled him to a halt. “Joe. Wait.”
“What’s wrong?” he asked, looking me up and down as if making sure I was still in one piece.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice tight with worry. “I shouldn’t have been so short with you. You live on the farm. You’ve given up two months of your life to help us. I should have given your concerns more thought. I’m nervous about what’s about to happen, but that’s no excuse. I’m so sorry.”
“Hey,” he said softly, affection in his eyes as he lifted a hand to the back of my neck. “You’re right. It’s your farm. And it’s your body. I have no say in any of it.”
I closed my eyes. “I’m so confused right now, Joe.”
His forehead touched mine, and I could barely hear him as he said, “I know, darlin’, and I’m sorry for makin’ it more difficult for you. I’ll rein in my own issues. I promise. I just want you to be safe.”
I opened my eyes and gave him a warm smile. “I know, and you have no idea how much I appreciate everything you’re doin’.”
“I do,” he said. “Trust me, I do.” He stood up straight. “You ready to go?”
I sucked in a breath, preparing myself for the performance of my life. I had to get this right. My baby’s life might depend on it.
CHAPTER 28
We took the elevator up to the second floor. My new attorney was waiting for me, and to my surprise, so was my old one.
“Rose,” Carter Hale said, walking toward me with a pinched mouth. “I believe there’s been a miscommunication about who’s representin’ you.”
“You think so?” I asked in a direct tone. “I decided I needed an attorney who has my best interest in mind,” I said. “Not one who puts his other clients first.”
His face reddened. “May we have a word in private?”
“No,” Joe said, stepping between us. “You may not.”
I shot a dark look up at Joe. “I’m perfectly capable of speakin’ for myself.”
He looked pissed, but my comment must have reminded him of the conversation we’d only just had because he took a step back.
“Yes,” I said. “I will speak to you in private.”
“I will be part of that meeting,” Gary said in a stern voice as he stepped up next to me.
I met Carter’s gaze. “No. We’ll be havin’ this meetin’ alone.”
“Rose,” Joe protested.
I didn’t look at either of the men on my team, instead holding Carter’s gaze as though we were having a staring contest. I’d be damned if I was the first one to blink. “Where do you want to do this, Carter Hale? Because I’m only givin’ you five minutes of my time.”
He gestured down the hall, so I headed in that direction and he fell into step beside me. Halfway down, he reached for an unmarked door and pushed it open, revealing a small conference room. I walked inside and he followed, shutting the door behind him.
“What the fuck, Rose?” he half shouted as he turned to face me.
I crossed my arms over my chest and lifted my chin. “You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Good point,” he said in a hateful tone. “Where do I start?”
“I’m only giving you five minutes, Carter Hale, and you’ve used about thirty seconds, so you better figure it out right quick.”
“Why did you hire a new attorney?”
“Because I came to the conclusion it was unethical for you to represent us both.”
Disgust washed over his face. “Who the hell told you that? Simmons? Your new high-dollar attorney?”
“Give it up, Carter. You know it’s true, otherwise you’d be proving that you’re right, not trying to gaslight me into thinkin’ I’m wrong.”
He pushed out a groan and plopped in a chair. “You obviously don’t trust me. Why?”
“How about the fact you didn’t prep me at all? Or that you told me to tell the truth without really telling me anything about what’s goin’ on? You left plenty of room for doubt, Carter, and it’s not just my life on the line now.”
He rolled his eyes as he leaned his arm on the table, tapping his pen. “Ah…the pregnancy. How convenient.”
“Convenient? What the Sam Hill is that supposed to mean?”
“You expect me to believe you’re pregnant and you just
found out? I know for a fact you haven’t slept with him since around the Sugar Branch incident, so if you’re pregnant, it sure isn’t Skeeter’s.”
James had discussed our sex life with him? Did he honestly believe the baby wasn’t his? I tried to swallow my temper.
“First of all,” I said, struggling to maintain my limited control, “my sexual history is none of your business. And second, this matter is between James and me.”
“As his attorney, Mr. Malcolm has given me permission to deal with this on his behalf.”
“Deal with it?” I said in disgust. “Let’s get something straight. You and Mr. Malcolm don’t need to deal with a damn thing. He made his position perfectly clear on Monday night.”
He gave me a look of mock confusion. “What I don’t understand is why you waited until Monday night to tell him. Why didn’t you tell him when you saw him that afternoon?”
I opened my mouth, prepared to tell him that I’d informed James I had an appointment with a doctor that afternoon, but it was none of Carter’s damn business. “I’m not having this discussion with you, Carter, whether James has given you his permission to be his proxy or not.”
“Is it money you want?” he asked. “I have a check to give you right now, but this is a one-time offer.”
I gasped. “Are you kiddin’ me? What exactly are you buyin’? Are you askin’ me to give up all claim to him or to get rid of the baby?”
His eyes turned cold. “If the baby is his, you need to abort it immediately.”
I couldn’t hide my momentary pain, but I said, “Does James know you’re doin’ this?”
“It was his idea.”
I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. After several seconds, I finally found the breath to say, “I want to talk to him.”
“That’s not gonna happen, Rose.” He sounded embarrassed for me as he shifted in his seat. “You’re not the first woman who’s tried to trap him. He’s ready to cut his losses and move on. He suggests you do the same.” He pulled an envelope out of the inside of his jacket pocket. “We’ve made an appointment for you in Little Rock for tomorrow afternoon. It’s discreet and the expenses have already been taken care of.” He put the envelope on the table and slowly slid it toward me with his index finger as though it were contaminated. “When you’ve completed the task, feel free to cash this check.”
I sucked in a breath. “How much is the life of my baby worth, Carter Hale?”
“The check is for twenty thousand, Rose. That money will help pay off the expenses you’ve incurred with your sister’s illness, as well as replace the ancient furnace in your basement.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “We both know you’re not in a financial position to support a baby on your own. You’re usually a rational woman, Rose. Do the smart thing.”
Usually a rational woman?
I slowly picked up the envelope and ripped it in half, then ripped it again and tossed the pieces at him. “Tell your client that he can take the tattered remnants of this check and shove them up his ass.”
Anger flashed in Carter’s eyes. “He won’t support this baby, Rose. If you try to get any child support from him, he’ll—”
“He’ll what?” I demanded. “Have me killed? He can try.” I shook my head, my heart breaking, but I’d be damned if I let Carter see that. “Tell your client that as of this moment, I don’t want a damned thing from him. In fact, I don’t want him anywhere near me or this baby.” I took a step closer and glared down at him. “Tell your client if he tries to lay claim to this baby, he’ll be the one who needs to watch his back.” I narrowed my eyes. “Your five minutes is up.”
As I stomped toward the door, Carter called after me, “You better keep that appointment, Rose.”
I opened the door and turned to face him. “Tell your client to go to hell. And you can follow him there.”
I stormed out of the room, needing to find the bathroom before I burst into tears, but Joe was waiting for me about ten feet down the hall.
The minute he saw me, rage filled his eyes and he rushed over to intercept me. “What happened?”
I shook my head. If I tried to talk, I’d lose all control.
“What did he say?” When I didn’t answer, his chest expanded, and his face went red. “I’m going to kill him.”
“Don’t say things like that, Joe. Not about him.”
He paused. “You’re not talkin’ about Hale, are you?” Understanding filled his eyes, but it only made him look more furious. “Did he threaten you?”
Tears stung my eyes. “Let it go, Joe.”
“The hell I will.”
I grabbed his arm. “Joe, please. He’s not gonna hurt me.” I took a breath, trying to calm down. “He was just tryin’ to intimidate me into gettin’ an abortion.”
“What do you mean intimidate?”
“It’s over. It’s done. I need to settle down before I’m called in to testify.”
Joe cursed under his breath. “If he was tryin’ to shake you up, then it looks like he succeeded.”
That caught me by surprise, but he had a point. Why ambush me with this before my testimony?
“But to what purpose?” I asked. “He already wanted me to spill what I knew about him.”
Joe lowered his voice. “Maybe he caught wind that you were talkin’ to his enemies. Maybe this was timed to make you pissed enough to rat him out.”
“But why? It makes no sense.”
“I don’t know, Rose. None of it makes sense.”
Gary walked toward us, looking pissed. “What did you discuss with him?”
“The baby,” I said. “Or rather his twenty-thousand-dollar incentive for me to keep the appointment he made for me to have an abortion tomorrow.”
“Please tell me you have that check,” Gary pleaded.
“I ripped it up into tiny pieces and told Carter to tell his client to shove them up his ass.”
A hint of a smile played on Gary’s lips. “That’s almost worth givin’ up the leverage.”
“If you’re dreamin’ up a paternity lawsuit, you can forget that nonsense right now,” I spat. “I don’t want a damn thing from that man.”
A door opened down the hall and a woman walked out. “We’re ready for Ms. Gardner.”
Gary cursed under his breath and cast a dark glare back toward the room where I’d gone with Carter. “I’ll ask them to give you a few minutes to get yourself together.”
“No,” I said. “I want to get this over with.”
“Rose,” Joe pleaded. “Just take ten or fifteen minutes to catch your breath.”
“If I do even that, he wins.” I inhaled and straightened my back. “I’m fine. I’m good.” I looked Joe in the eye. “I’m the damned Lady in Black.”
I walked into the courtroom and never once looked back.
CHAPTER 29
“P lease state your name.”
I kept my gaze on the man I’d been told was the foreman of the jury. “Rose Anne Gardner.”
I sat at the witness stand in front of the grand jury, while Mason sat at one of the counsel tables with another man I didn’t recognize. The new prosecutor, presumably.
“Ms. Gardner,” the foreman said, looking at a paper in his hand. “We’re here to talk about the incident on the evening of August 10th of this year.”
I paused, wondering if he was going to give me more context, but he simply watched me, waiting for me to say something.
“Do you care to discuss it?” the foreman asked with a hint of attitude.
“I’m more than willing to discuss the incident on the evening of August 10th,” I said agreeably, “but you’ll need to be more specific.”
“Why were you at Tiggy’s Bar on County Road 22?” he asked.
“Yes. I was there for a case we were investigatin’,” I said. “My best friend Neely Kate and I are workin’ with a private investigator so we can take the PI exam. In any case, we were tryin’ to find Sarah Freestone, a missing nineteen-
year-old. Her mother approached Kermit Cooper, the PI we work with, and he passed the case along to us. She told us her daughter had been missing and the Sugar Branch Police Department refused to look into it. We agreed, but we hit a few dead ends, so I decided to go to Tiggy’s, one of the places she’d frequented with her boyfriend Digger Malone, her best friend Nina Maxwell, and Nina’s boyfriend Stewie Frasier, hoping to find more clues.”
“Did you find any clues?” the foreman asked.
“Her mother was there, singing karaoke and drunk as a skunk. She’d found Sarah’s journal, which indicated Marsha’s live-in boyfriend had been molesting Sarah. She was convinced he’d killed her daughter. Marsha’s friend and I were walking her out to the friend’s car when Officer Johnnie Frasier approached us. He sent the other women home and made me stay.”
“Officer Johnnie Frasier of the Sugar Branch Police Department?”
“Yes.”
“Did he say why he was detaining you?”
The horror of that night was coming back full force. I remembered the sick gleam in his eye as he held me back. “He said he was arresting me for obstruction of justice.” My voice shook and I took a deep breath to help settle my nerves. “He handcuffed me and put me in the back of his car.”
“His police car?”
“Yes, only it looked like a regular car with a light bar. It didn’t have the divider in the middle.”
“So he put you in the back of his car, and then what happened?”
“He told me he was taking me to the police station, but I was certain they didn’t have a jail cell, so I was worried that he intended to hurt me.”
“What gave you that impression?”
I could feel the beginnings of a panic attack in my chest. “He made a call and told the person on the other line that he’d apprehended Rose Gardner. Then they discussed what to do with me.”
“What did they say?”
“He said something like they’ll never know, then told the person to come help him get rid of my truck.”
“What happened next?”
“He didn’t believe me when I said my keys were in my truck. So he patted me down, but his search was more than a standard pat-down.”
Come Rain or Shine: Rose Gardner Investigations #5 (Rose Gardner Investigatons) Page 27