Bones and Brew Page 14

  I hope so!

  “I’ll walk you out.” Pete motioned to the MTAF agent.

  As Pete and Filburn exited the small interrogation room, Jason entered. Concern hardened his features as he stood in the doorway. “Geez, you were in here so long, I was beginning to wonder if I should call Greg Sparks.”

  “The renowned criminal defense attorney?”

  “That’s the one.”

  “Yeah. Right. Like some big shot attorney would come rushing to my aid.” She peeled her numb butt off the uncomfortable chair, arched her back, and stretched.

  “Greg would if I asked.”

  “Seriously?”

  “You bet. I handle his personal and business taxes and have saved him a gazillion dollars over the years. More than once he told me if I ever needed an outstanding criminal defense attorney,” he paused and chuckled, “meaning himself, that I should call and he’d take care of me.”

  “I had no idea you were so well connected.”

  He bounced his brows in a playful manner. “You might be surprised by my client list. You’re not the only famous person I serve.”

  “Me … famous? Hardly.” Louise waved off the compliment. “As eager as I am to get out of here, I’m going to need a minute. I’ve been sitting so long, my knees are complaining about it.” Holding onto the table for balance with one hand, she stood bending and extending one leg at a time to loosen her stiff joints.

  “I have good news and bad news.”

  “Oh?” Louise continued stretching her legs as she watched Jason stride from the doorway toward her.

  His gate was smooth. Posture perfect. Confidence oozed from every pore. Dressed in business attire, he looked like an executive for a high-class New York firm instead of an accountant living in a tiny mountain town. The look suited him. He was handsome as all get out, which revved up her sexual desires.

  Once reaching the table, he folded his arms over his chest and asked, “Which news do you prefer first? The good or the bad?”

  So many twists and turns of bad news had filled her day, she dared not venture a guess about what he might say. Flipping her hair over her shoulders, she inhaled a deep breath and exhaled hard. “Give me the worst first.”

  “There’s a mob of news reporters waiting out front.”

  “Great. Reporters.” She rolled her eyes. “Just what I don’t want or need right now.” Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten anything except a bowl of Cheerios at six o’clock that morning. “I’m starving. I could eat a side of beef by myself.”

  A goofy grin curved his lips. “Those reporters are starving too, but their hunger is for an interview with you.”

  Jason’s ability to draw a smile to her face tickled her. It was one of his many qualities she adored. Her stomach growled again.

  “I heard that. You are starving.”

  “I guess eating in peace at the diner is out of the question.” She craned her neck, straining to look around Jason in hopes of seeing her dog lingering in the hall.

  “If you’re looking for Ben, he’s at my place with Milt.”

  “Ben’s at your house?” Her voice rose three octaves, and eyes bloated so wide, they felt like they would roll out of her skull.

  “Ben’s not alone. Milt’s with him,” Jason restated. “I assumed those reporters would figure out where you lived and camp out in front of your house. So I told Milt that you and Ben could stay at my place tonight. I mean, if that’s acceptable to you, of course.”

  Acceptable? It was more than acceptable! Could it be that the craziness of the day would be the catalyst for a breakthrough in their relationship? After all, they did finally kiss.

  Grinning, he added, “And I made sure Milt didn’t mention a word to Rachel or Stella.”

  “This morning I suggested Rachel start a monthly newspaper to report local happenings.” Louise let out a partial laugh. “Stella could be her assistant and help her write the news.”

  “A newspaper headed by those two?” Jason slapped his palm on his thigh. “I have the perfect title.” He tilted his head back and gestured, making a banner in the sky. “The Tumble Lake Busybody. No, no, no. The Tumble Lake Gossipmonger.”

  “Oh, Jason. I would never support Rachel reporting anything that wasn’t true.”

  “Come on.” A cheesy grin spread across Jason’s handsome face. “Admit there’s more truth in what I said than you want to admit.”

  Louise stepped up to Jason and draped her arms around his neck. “So is Milt cooking dinner?”

  “As a matter of fact, he is. He said if I gave him a call when we were about to leave the station, he’d throw steaks and corn on the cob on the grill. That way they’ll be ready when we walk in the door.”

  “Seeing you with Milt and Ben on that trail after I was rescued was the most fabulous surprise.” She swallowed hard, holding back tears. “You were scheduled to teach several workshops at that conference and looked forward to it all year. Yet, you left when you learned I was in trouble.”

  His lips pressed against hers, bestowing a kiss. “There’s not a conference in the world that means more to me than you.”

  “There’s no reason you can’t go back tomorrow and I can’t make it to the Friday dinner.” She raised her arms and pointed to the scrapes and bruises. “I’ll wear a dress with long sleeves.”

  “There will be other conferences. I’ve already arranged for my workshops and speaking engagement to be covered. I’m here for you.”

  Louise combed her fingers through his head of thick silver hair. “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.”

  “Does that mean I’m a blockhead?” he quipped.

  “That means I’m grateful to have you in my life.”

  “Ditto.” He tilted his head toward the hallway and back door. “Let’s blow this pop stand. I pulled the truck around back so we can sneak out.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  After Dinner

  “As usual, my steak was grilled to perfection. Thank you.” Louise reached across the patio table and patted the top of Milt’s forearm.

  “As was mine,” Jason added. “Thank you. You’re hired.”

  Milt leaned over and eyed Ben sprawled out on the deck. “And how was yours?”

  Ben raised his head and thumped his tail.

  “I’ll take that as a sign you enjoyed it.”

  Louise laughed and shook her head. “You spoil that dog rotten.”

  “He’s my favorite fur nephew.”

  “He’s your only fur nephew,” Louise clarified.

  “True.” Milt pulled a goofy face. “But I want to be his favorite uncle.”

  “No danger of competition there.” Her mind drifted to Tom’s other brother, Wayne, and his hoity-toity wife, Celeste. The couple made it clear they weren’t interested in continuing a relationship with Louise after Tom died. Or with Milt. Or their daughter, Rachel. To them, visiting Tumble Lake was the equivalent of slumming, something they had no interest in doing.

  “Who’s ready for ice cream pie? Thanks to your well-stocked pantry and freezer, Jason, Ben and I whipped up a cool dessert.”

  “Ben loves ice cream,” Louise said. “I’m sure he was a big help.”

  Ben scrambled to his feet, bolted to the closed patio door, and unleashed a barking frenzy.

  Louise froze. Had the Barrs found her?

  DING-DONG-DONG-DING. The Westminster chime indicated someone was at Jason’s front door.

  “Keep Ben here while I answer the door.” Jason marched to the patio door.

  “Quiet Ben.” Louise grabbed the dog’s collar and pulled him away from the door to allow Jason unobstructed passage into his house.

  Returning to her seat at the patio table, “Sit, Ben. Sit,” she commanded, tapping her hand against his hindquarters.

  The dog sat quietly but remained on high alert, his full attention focused on the door.

  An audible sigh of relief escaped Louise when Jason ushered Pete onto the patio.

/>   Ben relaxed, leaning his thick body against the outside of Louise’s calf.

  Milt rose and extended his hand to the police chief. “We were about to have a piece of ice cream pie. Would you like to join us?”

  “Thanks for the offer, but this is business.” Pete parked his hands on his hips. “You should all have a seat for what I’m about to say.”

  Dread clogged the air.

  Louise’s heart jumped into her throat. A cop coming to your home and asking you to have a seat was never a good sign. She recalled the day Detective Poulson rang her doorbell and asked her to take a seat. Moments later, he broke the devastating news. Tom had been gunned down in cold blood.

  Jason and Milt reclaimed their seats around the table.

  Louise sat rigid, bracing for impact.

  “Roger called. There’s been a terrible accident on the death strip.”

  Although news of a fatal accident was disturbing, it wasn’t shocking. The barren thirteen-mile stretch gained a reputation for claiming lives. Some locals believed Satan cursed that particular section of the undivided highway.

  Louise clutched her chest with both hands and held her breath. As mayor, she received word about all manner of incidents involving Tumble Lake residents. Someone she knew must have been involved in the death strip accident. Why else would a Tumble City homicide detective call Pete and have him make an in-person visit to break the news?

  “A Peterbilt hauling produce and a bus transporting prisoners collided head-on. Details are sketchy. But since the semi crossed the double yellow line, it’s surmised the driver experienced a severe medical issue. Or fell asleep at the wheel.”

  “I don’t understand, Chief.” Louise rubbed her forehead, racking her brain to think of any long haul truckers she knew yet came up blank. “It’s a tragedy for sure, but I’m failing to make the connection. What does the accident have to do with us?”

  “That prisoner bus was transporting the Jones brothers. They, along with three other inmates, escaped from the crash.”

  “Holy ham hocks.” Milt’s big brown eyes ballooned. “Glad you warned us to sit down.”

  “Lou,” Pete knelt in front of Louise and picked up her hands. “Roger called because, as remote of a possibility as it is, he thinks Devon and Colton might contact you.”

  “No way.” Louise mashed up her face. “I appreciate Roger’s concern, and yours, but given their life sentences without the possibility of parole, I bet they’re heading to Mexico.”

  “You’re probably right.” Pete stood up and rubbed his hands on his thighs, straightening his pants. “Still, be careful, Lou.” He pointed his index finger and wagged his wrist back and forth between Milt and Jason. “I assume you two will take whatever precautions are necessary to keep her safe.”

  “The Jones brothers don’t know where I live,” Jason piped up. “Lou, you’re welcome to stay with me as long as you like. Or as long as law enforcement deems you might be in danger from either the Jones or the Barrs brothers.” He grinned and leaned in closer. “Or permanently.”

  Her insides burbled with excitement. It wasn’t long ago she couldn’t fathom the prospect of living with anyone but Tom. Or falling in love with another man.

  “Roger said the escaped inmates were shackled to one another, so it’s doubtful they ventured very far.” Pete shrugged. “For all we know, the marshals may have them back in custody already.”

  Milt worked his cell phone. “I have the Action 12 News app.” He flashed the screen at everyone. “They already have someone at the scene.”

  “Well, I better head home to help Virginia with the kids. We started Petey on baby food. Now his tummy is giving him all kinds of fits, if you know what I mean.”

  “Thank you, Pete.” Louise rose and gave him a hug. “Please tell Virginia I said hello.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Jason escorted the chief back into the house.

  “After pie, I’ll be happy to drive you to your place so you can grab your toiletries, clothes, and whatever,” Milt offered Lou.

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  An Unexpected Visitor

  Milt wheeled T-Rex—the big red Ford Explorer with Tumble Lake Fire Chief emblems on the door—around the bend in the winding mountain road. “I hope that’s not a reporter.” He pointed a block ahead at the vehicle parked in Louise’s driveway.

  She leaned her body forward and squinted through the windshield. “A black pickup.” She jumped up her shoulders. “Could be almost anyone. There are a zillion black trucks around here, but I doubt it’s a reporter. They drive flashy SUVs with their station information plastered all over like a billboard on wheels.”

  “Let’s get a look at who is inside the pickup before we get out.”

  As they approached, a tall slender woman holding a manila envelope stepped out from behind the wheel of the truck. Her chestnut hair pulled back in a ponytail, the woman wore dark blue jeans, a green and pink camo T-shirt, and hiking boots.

  Louise immediately recognized her. “That’s Norma Rae, Morton’s wife.” Her throat dried. Muscles stiffened. Sgt. Filburn warned the Barrs might come after her.

  She stretched her neck, straining to see inside the pickup. Was Morton lying in wait to ambush her? No, that didn’t feel right. Besides, what was up with that envelope?

  “Stay in the car,” Milt advised as he pulled next to Norma Rae at the end of the driveway.

  Louise rolled down the window.

  Norma Rae waved and strolled over. Stress lines distorted her features. “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to leave this under the doormat.” She waved the envelope in front of her face. “Papa Porter said when he died, one of us had to make sure you received this.” She nodded at the sealed envelope and handed it to Louise through the passenger window. “I was elected to do the honors.”

  “Uh, okay.” With a bit of hesitation, Louise accepted the envelope.

  “Oh, wait. Please let me make sure I gave you the right one.”

  “It says, Miss Louise.” She flashed the front of the envelope at Norma Rae.

  “Good. Just had to double-check. My mind’s a jumbled mess.”

  “I’m sorry about all that’s happened to your family and the deaths of—”

  “I have to go. Got another envelope to deliver.” A slight smile flickered her lips as she affectionately patted the top of Louise’s hand. “Thank you for always treating our family with dignity and respect.” She turned on her heel, jogged to her pickup, climbed inside, and backed out of the driveway.

  In stunned silence, Milt and Louise gazed out the tinted rear window and watched the truck disappear down the road.

  Not until the pickup vanished from sight did Louise realize she had treated the envelope like a precious treasure and had it clutched close to her chest.

  “Wow.” Milt scratched the side of his head and readjusted his TLFD ball cap. “What just happened?”

  Louise lowered the envelope to her lap and stared at it. A mishmash of questions cluttered her mind. Why would Porter instruct the family to contact her after his death? Did the envelope contain Porter’s last will and testament? Confessions of crimes? The name of Tom’s killer?

  “Do you want to open that now or wait until we get back to Jason’s?”

  “I don’t know. Part of me wants to rip it open right this minute, but…” a slight twist of her head finished her sentence.

  “I suggest we gather your clothes, toiletries, and food and toys for Ben. Then open the envelope in the presence of your significant other.”

  “Significant other?” Louise laughed. “Is that what Jason is now?”

  “You tell me.” Milt pulled the SUV all the way up into the driveway and cut the engine. He reached across the console and rubbed Louise’s shoulder. “Falling in love with Jason doesn’t diminish your love for my brother. I know that. Rachel and Scott know that. Heck, everyone in town knows that … except you.”

  Louise
unbuckled her seat belt and cast her arms around Milt’s neck. “Thank you,” she whispered, squeezing him with all her might.

  “Tom would want you to be happy. Embrace Jason’s affections. Allow yourself to love again.” He pulled back and bounced his brows. “That’s an obvious all-hearter if you ask me.”

  Louise grinned at Milt’s use of her heart-driven twist on a no-brainer.

  “Come on.” Milt opened the driver side door and slid out of the vehicle. “Let’s get your things and head back to Jason’s. I can’t wait to see what’s in that envelope.”

  “Me neither.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Inside the Envelope

  Louise held the green Paxton Accounting promotional opener in her hand. Poised to slit the envelope seal, she sucked in a deep breath then forced a rush of air from between her loosely compressed lips. “Drum roll please…”

  Milt rolled his tongue to create the drumming sound effect.

  Jason joined in, pounding his index fingers like drum sticks against the edge of the dining table.

  She slid the sharp opener across the top of the envelope. Depositing the opener on the table, she sucked in another deep breath. “Here goes nothing.” Her heart about thumping out of her chest, hand shaking like palsy, she extracted a single sheet of paper.

  Milt and Jason leaned forward, their eyes wide in anticipation.

  Louise gawked at the natural parchment-colored card stock sheet. Mouth gaping, she blinked several times, scrambling to process the sight which was not close to what she had imagined.

  “Lou … what is it?” Concern weighted Jason’s words.

  She wrinkled her face. A small laugh escaped her lips. “I-I guess it’s a map.” She turned the paper around for Milt and Jason to see.

  “Holy ham hocks,” Milt hooted. “Leave it to Porter to make a treasure map with a red X marking the spot.”