Come Rain or Shine: Rose Gardner Investigations #5 (Rose Gardner Investigatons)

by Denise Grover Swank

  “I don’t think anchovies are Cajun or German,” I said, my stomach beginning to revolt.

  Her eyes lit up. “Even better.”

  I was close to losing my dinner. “I’m gonna get a glass of water.”

  I’d just made it into the kitchen when my phone rang. I wasn’t surprised to see Dermot’s number.

  “I heard things went in your favor,” he said as soon as I answered.

  I didn’t bother asking him how he’d found out, but if he knew, then James did too. Had he expected me to say more than I had? Would he be pissed?

  “Better than expected,” I admitted.

  “I heard you played Deveraux like a fiddle.”

  I couldn’t help my small smile of satisfaction.

  “You know grand jury testimonies are confidential, Dermot,” I said, but I was sure he heard the grin in my voice.

  “I’ve been thinkin’ about your situation with Malcolm,” he said in a solemn tone. “I have a proposition for you.”

  “Go on.”

  “I’d like to speak to you in person. Do you still have a sheriff detail watchin’ the house?”

  Joe would have preferred it, but there’d been no grounds to keep them now that I’d testified. “No. Joe’s here, but I’ll make him go upstairs or out to the barn.”

  “He’ll do it?”

  “If you truly have a way to help protect me from James, he’ll do it.”

  “He won’t have to go anywhere. I’ll pull up in about ten minutes and text you when I get there. Come speak to me out front. If Carlisle and Neely Kate are there, bring them too.”

  “Okay.” I hung up, my stomach in knots. After I grabbed my water, I headed back to the living room. Neely Kate had settled on a sitcom, and I nearly told her about my call, but I was still sorting it out in my head. I sat in a chair and nursed my water while absently watching the screen.

  Why had I agreed to meet with Dermot? James loved me. Sure, he didn’t want the baby—I was heartbroken and beyond pissed by how he’d reacted to the news—but I didn’t believe he’d resort to hurting me. Ever.

  Joe and Jed came downstairs not long afterward. Joe headed into the kitchen, saying he was going to work on a mountain of paperwork, and Jed turned to Neely Kate. “You ready to head home?”

  I glanced up at him. “I think you should stick around for a bit.”

  He studied me with narrowed eyes. “What happened?”

  “Dermot called. He’s comin’ by to see me.” I paused. “He said he wants to talk to you too.” I cast a sideways glance at Neely Kate. “The both of you.”

  Jed’s brow furrowed. “He must be ready to talk about whatever he’s been cookin’ up.”

  I nodded.

  “What about Joe?” Neely Kate asked in a half-whisper while glancing at the kitchen door.

  “We need to do this without him for now.” I gave her a sad smile. “We need to protect him.”

  She nodded.

  My phone dinged with a message from Dermot telling me he was pulling up. I stood and grabbed my sweater off the coat hook. “He’s out front.”

  Jed and Neely Kate followed me, with Neely Kate calling out to Joe, “We’re gonna sit on the front porch.”

  I expected Joe to protest, but he must have decided it was okay since I was with Jed.

  I went out the front door as Dermot pulled up in front of the house. I waited on the top step of the porch as his car pulled to a stop and he got out.

  Wrapping my arms across my chest, I nodded as he walked toward me. “Dermot.”

  “Lady.”

  I tried not to read too much into his acknowledgment. He usually called me Lady, but this time the title seemed to carry more weight.

  He looked up at Jed with a grim look. “Carlisle.” Then he gave Neely Kate an ornery grin. “Neely Kate.”

  “We’re eager to hear about this plan of yours,” Neely Kate said.

  Dermot nodded, his grin fading. “Don’t worry. You play a part in it too.” He turned his attention back to me. “You might want to take a seat for this.”

  He didn’t look like he planned to join us on the porch, so I perched on the steps and Neely Kate sat next to me, while Jed stood behind us.

  “Where’s your dog?” Dermot asked.

  “Upstairs with my sister. She won’t leave her side.”

  “And Simmons?”

  “Working in the kitchen,” I said.

  He nodded. “As I mentioned on the phone yesterday, I’ve noticed you’ve been collectin’ allies, and that you currently have more than Malcolm does.”

  My back stiffened. “My goal isn’t to best Skeeter Malcolm. My goal is to protect myself and my baby.”

  Dermot’s eyes narrowed. “Not too long ago you claimed to be neutral. Have you changed your mind?”

  “Well, no,” I said reluctantly. “But that still doesn’t mean my goal is to outwit Skeeter. I provide sanctuary to those who need it. Like I did with Marshall.”

  “But what about now?” he asked, motioning to my gut. “What about with a baby comin’?”

  When I hesitated, Neely Kate said, “She’s givin’ sanctuary to someone even as we speak, so what do you think?”

  I wasn’t so certain we should have shared that information, but I could understand Neely Kate’s motivation. She was trying to prove my word had weight. “Neely Kate’s right. We’re harboring someone.” When I saw his gaze shift to the house, I said, “Not here. I have them in a safe house.”

  His brow rose. “You have a safe house?”

  I didn’t want to dwell on that. It wouldn’t be too hard for someone to figure out where it might be. “That’s neither here nor there,” I said. “Now more than ever, I need to be seen as neutral ground in this Wild West.” I shifted on the step. “Ever since the grand jury was announced, I’ve been doin’ my best to soothe concerns that I might turn on people. I think it will come out soon enough that I didn’t betray anyone in my testimony.”

  He studied me closely. “Not even Skeeter Malcolm?”

  “Ratting out even one criminal would put me at risk. The men and women of this county have to trust that I’ll hold their secrets, no matter which way the wind turns.”

  “Not even after Malcolm betrayed you? The men around the county know about it.”

  My breath caught in my chest. What did Dermot know that I didn’t? “And exactly how do they think Skeeter Malcolm betrayed me?”

  “By tryin’ to have you killed at the pharmacy.”

  I lifted my chin. “I still believe that was a misunderstandin’.”

  “Has he called to apologize or inquire about your safety since the incident?”

  The answer tanned my hide, but I bit out, “No.”

  “And would he have contacted you before?” When I didn’t respond, he lowered his voice. “I saw him after the whole Merv mess. I saw how upset he was when he thought you were dead. That man would have moved heaven and earth to be certain of your safety.”

  “It’s not that easy for him now, Dermot,” I said, but part of me couldn’t help thinking he had a point.

  Dermot’s gaze softened, and he took a step forward. “There are others, Rose.”

  “Other what?”

  “Others who will pledge themselves to you. And others who only need to be convinced.”

  I shuddered, sure I’d misunderstood. “What are you talkin’ about?”

  He cast a glance to Jed before shifting his gaze back to me. “When Carlisle first started askin’ around about Hardshaw, none of us saw them as a credible threat. But it caught our attention, and now we realize things aren’t on the up and up and Skeeter Malcolm’s mired in the thick of it.”

  “You think Skeeter’s involved in Hardshaw,” I said in a flat voice. “What’s your proof?”

  “Not just him. We think Malcolm and Carmichael are in it together.”

  “Because Denny Carmichael bought the Sugar Branch Police Department?” I asked, repeating the rumors. “Like Hardshaw has done
in the past when they move into a town?”

  “Yeah,” he said, sounding surprised. Then respect filled his eyes. “You know.”

  “Not as much as you might think,” I admitted, “but I want to know more.”

  “Knowin’ more will only draw you deeper into this mess. Are you prepared for that?”

  Part of me wanted to turn around and run into the house. Close my eyes and stick my fingers in my ears and pretend this wasn’t happening. But I wasn’t that woman anymore. In fact, it struck me that Rose and Lady hadn’t just merged into one—Lady was taking over.

  The thought bothered me, but right now, with an innocent baby in my belly and the county in trouble, I had to be strong. Maybe letting Lady out wasn’t such a bad thing.

  “Have you asked Carmichael about his involvement with the Sugar Branch police?” I asked.

  “He denies it, but—”

  “And what purpose would he have for denyin’ it?” I asked with a hint of bite in my tone. “Fear that someone will rat him out? Seems like the only code of honor the criminals in this county have is not to rat each other out. So why would Carmichael bother keepin’ this to himself?” When he didn’t respond, I said, “Seems to me it would be a feather in his cap. Quite the coup. He’d earn the respect, if not the envy, of most of the men in this county. So why didn’t he claim responsibility?”

  He rested his hands on his hips, cocking his head as he studied me with a curious expression. “I’ll be damned. Malcolm bought them.”

  My betrayal sank in deep, filling me with dread. “I never said any such thing. I only asked you to reason it through.”

  “And I did. Malcolm bought them.”

  What was I doing? But deep in my heart, I was facing a choice—protect James or protect my baby. I didn’t want it to be an either-or situation, but James had made it clear that he saw it that way.

  I couldn’t pin my foolish hopes on James coming around, not with so much on the line. It was time to grow up and deal with the situation at hand. “So where does that leave Carmichael?”

  Admiration filled Dermot’s eyes. “That’s a good question.”

  “Seems like an important one,” I said with a firmness I usually reserved for when I interrogated suspects as Lady. “Especially if you’re gatherin’ men.”

  “You’ve figured out what I’m up to?” he asked.

  “I’m capable of putting two and two together, but I’m still not clear on how I play into the picture.”

  “We’re gonna ask the big players to take sides.”

  “Sides?” I asked, holding back my fear. I already knew what he meant, but I needed him to say it.

  He stepped even closer. “They’ll be asked to align with Skeeter Malcolm or the Lady in Black.”

  A bolt of adrenaline shot through my bloodstream. By asking those men to choose, I would be forced to choose. “The Lady in Black isn’t real, Dermot,” I said, although I’d just been thinking the very opposite.

  “She’s more real than you know,” he countered. “She’s become a symbol of fairness and neutrality. She’s a potential leader, even more so after what I plan to propose.”

  “And what’s that?” Jed asked, his voice flat.

  Dermot turned to face him. “Lady will have no control over their enterprises and no share in their profits. Her sole role will be to act as an intermediary in disputes and to gather them in a united front when decisions need to be made.”

  “Like a court?” Neely Kate asked. “So when they get pissed at each other, they’ll come to you to settle it instead of shooting it out between themselves?”

  Dermot turned to face her. “Exactly.”

  “This is crazy!” I protested, starting to pace in the yard.

  “No,” Jed said as he descended the stairs. “It’s what Skeeter’s supposed to be doin’, but he’s never reined everyone in.”

  “Not only that,” Dermot said, “but he’s actin’ like he’s given up tryin’. Because he’s sided with Hardshaw.”

  “You’re dreaming if you think those men will listen to me,” I scoffed. “Sure, I have you and Jed and I’ve got Gerard Collard in my pocket, but—”

  “Wait. Gerard Collard is your third ally?” Dermot asked in disbelief.

  “Well, yeah, but—”

  “But nothin’.” He shook his head. “Damn.” His gaze lifted to Jed’s. “Did you know about this?”

  Jed gave a grim nod. “They snatched her from the pharmacy to make sure she wasn’t snitchin’ on them, and she maneuvered him into owing her a favor whenever she calls on it.”

  “It’s just Gerard,” I said.

  Dermot’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. “Just Gerard? He’s never sided with anyone. Not once. Ever. He stays out on his land and sticks to his philosophy of live and let live.” His brow furrowed. “What do you know about Collard for him to be concerned?”

  “Never you mind about that,” I said. “I shouldn’t have told you anything about him. In fact, this whole thing is plum crazy.”

  “No,” Dermot said, excitement filling his eyes. “This only convinces me it’s the right idea.”

  “Dermot…what exactly do you think I’m gonna do?” I asked, incredulous. “I’ve addressed the few men who respect me one by one. Do you expect me to start makin’ house calls to sway them?”

  “No,” he said. “I’m holding a summit.”

  “A summit? To get them to side with me?” I asked, raising my voice. “Are you insane?”

  Dermot’s expression remained unchanged. “You’ve gained more respect than you realize, Lady. The players in this world recognize that we need to get along in order to coexist. A war of any kind only brings unwanted attention. You can take control and keep peace in this county. Skeeter not only won’t do that—he can’t.”

  I turned to face Jed. “Surely you think this is crazy.” Then I added with more venom, “Traitorous.”

  Disgust filled Jed’s eyes, though I knew it wasn’t directed at me. “Any more traitorous than Skeeter telling me that I was dead to him? Any more traitorous than treatin’ you like something he found in the gutter and insistin’ you get an abortion? We won’t even touch his possible assassination attempt.”

  I shot him a look of disbelief. “You’re askin’ me to become James’s enemy. You think he’s lost face because everyone thinks I’m pregnant with Joe Simmons’s baby? What the heck do you think he’s gonna do when he finds out I’m buildin’ an alliance against him!”

  Jed lifted his gaze to Dermot, his eyes hard. “Every member of the alliance will have to pledge to protect her.”

  Dermot nodded. “That’s a given.”

  I had to put a stop to this. “Jed!”

  “We’re holdin’ a summit tonight regardless of what you decide,” Dermot said. “Hardshaw’s comin’ and we need a united front.”

  I turned to face Neely Kate, who had remained silent up to this point. “Neely Kate. Tell them this is crazy.”

  She gave me a soft smile. “You always said you were doin’ this for the good of the county. The only crazy thing about it is that it doesn’t seem crazy at all.”

  Dermot picked up where she left off. “Malcolm is reckless and out of control, and the players are skittish. Somethin’s gotta give. You can be a solution or you can be collateral. The choice is yours.”

  “The term collateral is harsh,” Jed protested.

  “Is it?” Dermot asked. “If Hardshaw catches any wind about her and Malcolm…and their fallin’ out, her reputation for neutrality won’t protect her.” He shook his head. “She’ll be in even more danger than before. Especially if Hardshaw wants your girlfriend.” He nodded to Neely Kate. “I think it’s not harsh enough.”

  “You’re implyin’ I have no choice in the matter?” I said, my irritation growing.

  “Of course you have a choice in the matter,” Dermot countered, his voice rising. “But if you choose to do nothing…” He inhaled sharply then pushed out a breath. “Don’t be surprised if y
ou don’t find the peace you’re lookin’ for.”

  I felt like I was going to be sick. I put my hand on my belly, surprised again by how attached I was becoming to the nameless baby I’d only known about for close to forty-eight hours. I couldn’t imagine how attached I’d be when I could feel it move…or after it was born. What if someone came to hurt us…

  James. What are you doing?

  I’d hoped he’d soften his stance on my pregnancy, but Carter had made it very clear it wouldn’t happen. The man I loved had offered me twenty thousand dollars to abort my baby.

  Our baby. How could he so coldly want to throw that away? How could he think, even for a moment, that I would accept money for such a thing?

  Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them away. This wasn’t only about me anymore. I had to think about our baby.

  No. My baby.

  James had chosen to remove himself from this. This baby was just mine.

  I could mourn that fact later. Right now I needed to do everything in my power to make sure my baby was safe.

  Even if that meant turning my back on the man I loved.

  He’d already turned his back on me, but somehow that didn’t make it any easier.

  CHAPTER 31

  “O kay,” I said. “I’ll do it.”

  Neely Kate looked relieved for a second, then made a face. “What do we tell Joe?”

  Joe. Before, I would have just snuck out and dealt with the consequences later. But I felt like I owed him so much more than that. Especially after his offer to be the baby’s father. I hadn’t even processed his proposal yet, but I wasn’t ready to dismiss it either.

  “I’ll talk to him.” When Dermot started to protest, I said, “I won’t tell him what’s goin’ on, but I won’t entirely hide it from him either. He needs to know I’m potentially walking into danger.” I gave him a weary look. “How soon do we need to leave?”

  He took a few backward steps toward his car. “You have an hour. I’ll be back for all y’all then.” He glanced at the yoga pants and T-shirt I’d changed into after I’d come home from the courthouse. “Dress for the part. You’ll be selling yourself as the Lady in Black tonight.”