The Straight Crimes (23 page)

“I can’t,” Harper choked on her tears, struggling to breathe. She was helpless. All she could do was point to her phone and desperately cling onto Nik.

While he cradled Harper, Nik quickly picked up the phone. “Detective Harris? It’s Nik Roberts. What’s going on?”

“We have a lead—unfortunately it isn’t exactly what we were hoping to find.”

“What is it? Harper’s freaking the hell out over here!”

“We found human remains. DNA records confirmed they belong to Mindi. I’m sorry she had to find out this way, but Harper’s mom is dead.”

TWENTY-TWO

J
ust before Traci’s party began, Kendall quietly lingered in Harper’s door frame, feeling completely on edge. It was a quiet escape from the madness. Somehow the undyingly loyal servant managed to drown out the rumbling of caterers, clanking exquisite stemware while bustling around in sheer panic.

Harper sat at her vanity, looking out into the stormy sky with a vacant stare. The poor girl was barely able to muster the strength to run the gold-handled brush through her wavy hair. Since learning of her mom’s death, she was completely devastated.

Watching Harper’s sadness was difficult. Kendall’s kind heart hadn’t known such compassion for someone since she worked for Andrea.

Harper’s spirit had a pureness that mirrored her former employer’s humanity. And like Andrea, Harper had firsthand experience dealing with Traci’s selfishness.

Kendall quietly noted Traci’s insensitivity unfold towards Harper in the preceding days. Although Traci had offered false sentiments, it was painfully clear that Mindi’s death wasn’t going to interfere with her agenda. Her blatant disregard for Harper’s loss was disgusting and infuriating.

After being left behind by Andrea, having to work solely for Traci had become pure hell for Kendall. Every second of her bleak existence was a perpetual reminder of the foolish promise she made to Andrea, to always look after the compassionate woman’s only daughter. Kendall’s undying devotion and her sacred promise were her undoing, symbols of her blighted ambition.

“Kendall!” Traci’s piercing voice blasted through the entire house.

She ignored her boss. “Need some help?” she asked Harper in a hushed voice as she quietly closed the French doors to the bedroom.

“It’s that obvious, huh? My eyes are a lil’ puffy from cryin’.”

“You’re distraught, and understandably so.” Kendall grabbed the brush and ran its soft bristles through Harper’s hair. “I know we haven’t had much of a chance to talk since they found your mom, but I want you to know how terribly sorry I am. You’ve been through more in the past few months than some people endure in a lifetime. I can’t even imagine how you’re feeling.”

She closed her eyes and put her hand on Kendall’s.

“I’m here for you if you need anything. You know that.”

“Thanks for bein’ so sweet.”

“You’re trying so hard to pretend you’re all right, but it’s okay if you’re not.”

“I just don’t know how much more I can handle.”

“I know, but you’ve still gotta take care of yourself. I noticed you haven’t been sleeping. I heard you pacing last night.”

Her expression grew cold. “That’s ‘cause I’m scared. All I can think about is that maniac out there who’s after me next.”

“You don’t know that.” Kendall assured her.

“He killed my family. Why wouldn’t he come after me? It’s just a question of when, especially if Detective Harris is right.”

“You’re talking about Bill Winston, aren’t you?”

“Nik went to see him, but Gage said Pops disappeared weeks ago. Plus it’s no secret that he hated Mama—and she’s dead.”

“That’s puzzling—” Kendall paused. “Wait, Gage?”

“Yeah, he works for Pops and lives in his guest room.”

“Gage.” Kendall cleared her throat. “I didn’t realize Bill Winston had taken in help.”

“Do you know him?”

“No,” she quickly denied the question as if it were an accusation. “I’ve never met Gage, but I know Bill. I just can’t imagine him doing something so horrible.”

“This is a nightmare. I can’t believe we’re even havin’ this conversation. You know the worst part?”

“What?”

Harper pointed to her door. “
She
 doesn’t get any of this.”

“Of course not. Traci’s blind to everything except herself.”

“When I told her about Mama, she didn’t care. I told Traci I didn’t wanna come tonight. I thought she might be a lil’ understandin’, but all she did was burst into tears.”

“I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m not.”

“The woman outright demanded that I go.”

“Of course she did, but if you don’t wanna go, then you shouldn’t.”

“Traci ain’t gonna let me out of it.” Harper walked to the window, watching the heavy rain pound against the glass. “I just wanna be with Nik.”

“Is he coming tonight?”

“Of course not—she hates him. I asked if he could and she said no.”

“So? Do you have any idea how many people are gonna be here tonight? She wouldn’t even notice him.”

“Are you kiddin’ me? If she caught a glimpse of Nik she’d have a panic attack. I feel like I ain’t got any choice but to stay here.”

Kendall sighed. “Just wait ‘til Traci has a few drinks and then slip out.”

“And walk to Nik’s house through the dark and pourin’ rain while a killer is on the loose?”

“No. Just wait ‘til some of the guests arrive, then you can borrow my car and leave.”

“Traci will kill us.”

“So?”

Harper looked at her in disbelief. “Girl, what’s goin’ on with you?”

“Nothing.”

“Yeah right, this ain’t like you, Kendall. You always do 
everything
 she says. Traci walks all over you. That’s just the way y’all are.”

“I’m paid to follow her orders, but I don’t always take the things she says personally.”

“There’s a difference between takin’ orders and bein’ treated like a slave. You sure talk a big game about me defyin’ Traci, but you’ll never do it yourself.”

Kendall frowned. “Yeah, I know.”

“I know? That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Harper parted her lips and struggled to find the words. “Get a backbone, Kendall. It drives 
me
 crazy listenin’ to the way she speaks to you. I can’t even imagine how angry it must make 
you 
feel.”

“I’ve grown used to it.” Kendall scooted to the end of the bed.

“Bull—it eats you up. I can see it in your face. She gets to you even more than she gets to me. You can’t hide it.”

“Please, Harper, just drop it.”

“You know I’m right.”

“Even if you are, it doesn’t matter. I made a promise to Andrea that I’d look after Traci.” Kendall frowned. “It’s complicated. There’s a lot of history between the three of us.”

“Right, but you’re loyal to a ghost who left y’all behind. Was Andrea really that good of a person?”

“Bite your tongue. Of course she was.”

“Then why’d she leave you here with someone you hate?”

“She had her reasons.”

“Like what?”

“They’re rather personal.” Kendall folded her arms and imagined Patrick’s face. He bore such a striking resemblance to his
son, Nik. The secrets seared her insides, burning her to the brink of implosion. Kendall desperately wanted to tell Harper the entire truth about the elusive affair, about Andrea being the woman who ran off with Nik’s father, and every other sordid detail she knew. The words practically suffocated her.

“But Andrea’s dead. I don’t see how tellin’ me why she left would make any difference?”

“All I can say is that her choices to leave were driven by love.”

“So she ran away with someone?”

Kendall hesitantly nodded.

“And it didn’t bother you at all that she left?”

“Andrea begged me to stay here. I can’t break my promise.”

“Traci’s an adult. She doesn’t need you.”

“But she can’t take care of this place herself.”

“Who cares? She could easily hire someone else. That woman just drags the life out of everything. I didn’t see it before, but now that I do, I’m goin’ crazy. You’re as miserable as me, but you ain’t gonna do anything about it, are you?”

“Harper, it’s not that easy.”

“Sure it is. Get the hell outta here and never look back.”

Although Harper’s words resonated with Kendall’s deepest desires, she just couldn’t do it.

Suddenly Harper’s bedroom doors swung open and Traci tore through with a contemptuous look on her face. “What the hell’s going on in here?”

Kendall cleared her throat. “Nothing.”

“It looks to me like I’ve interrupted a rather heated discussion. Would either one of you care to enlighten me?”

“I said it’s nothing.”

“She was just comfortin’ me ‘cause of Mama.”

Traci scowled at Kendall. “Apparently this little chat is more important than your obligations. In case you’ve gone deaf, I’ve been shouting your name incessantly for the last fifteen minutes. The staff is waiting on you. Guests are due to arrive momentarily.”

“Of course.”

“Do you understand how much stress I’m under right now?”

“I know. I’m sorry, Traci.”

Harper rolled her eyes.

“I thought I was rather explicit with my instructions for this evening, yet I find you here bothering Harper while she’s getting ready.”

“Again, I apologize.”

“I’m getting God damn sick of doing everything myself. Get to work, now.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kendall quickly scuffled out the door.

Harper folded her arms in annoyance. “You know, Traci, you should be nicer to her, considerin’ all she does for you.”

“I treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”

Harper raised her eyebrows and smirked.

“That insufferable woman doesn’t listen to a word I say. Besides, if you were under this much stress, you’d understand why I’m being so direct.”

“You always treat Kendall like crap. And in case you haven’t noticed,
 
I’ve
 been under a hell of a lot more stress than you.”

“Oh, sweetie.” Traci’s pointed tone diminished as she hugged Harper. “I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”

She pushed Traci away. “You don’t give a damn what I’m goin’ through. Mama and Auntie are both dead. I’ve lost my entire family to a killer who’s probably out there lookin’ for me, but all you care about is your stupid party.”

“That’s certainly untrue.” She placed her icy hands on Harper’s shoulders and looked her in the eyes. “I’m terribly sorry if I’ve come off as insensitive. However, I don’t want you to think I’ve forgotten the trouble you’ve endured. To help ease your mind, I’ve hired security for tonight. If someone isn’t on my guest list, they won’t be allowed entry.”

“You’re missin’ the point. I don’t wanna be here at all.”

Traci blinked her eyes feverishly as if she’d just been struck upside the head. “I thought we’ve been through this. I need you there.”

“But—”

“Do you have any clue how much anxiety I have right now? Don’t put me through this again, Harper.”

“I don’t think I can handle all these people tonight. At least if Nik was here—”

“Enough. Stop it. Finish getting ready and come downstairs. I don’t wanna hear another word about Nik or about how you’re not coming. Tonight’s event is not optional. I said I needed you and you
 
will 
be there for me.” She pushed Harper down in front of the vanity.

“Traci, don’t you understand—”

“God damn it, Harper, I’ve tried being patient, but I’m about to snap. Don’t test me right now, I’m warning you!”

Harper had seen several displeased looks on Traci’s face, but never one so seething and explosive. Instead of responding, she held her breath and closed her mouth.

“Put some color on your lips, get into your dress, and be down in ten minutes.”

“But—”

“And put your hair up.”

“Traci—”

“It’ll look better with those earrings and draw attention to your neckline. You need my help?”

Harper held her tongue. “I’ll do it myself.” She put her hand to her exposed chest. “May I have my necklace back?”

“But I love that necklace. I thought you said I could keep it?”

“It’s the only thing I have left from Mama and I want it back now. Besides, you haven’t even been wearin’ it.”

“I’ll see if Kendall can find it.” Traci began to panic, knowing very well she’d lost it.

“You don’t know where it is?”

“Of course I do. It’s around here somewhere. Now enough with this nonsense. Go get ready.”

After Traci left, Harper put her hands to her face and let out an exasperated groan. “I’ve gotta get the hell outta this place.”

As night fell and the storm grew stronger across the vast lake, the guests began to arrive. Within hours, Traci’s beachside palace was packed.

Harper's reluctance to socialize with the pretentious clan was evidenced by her apparent absence. She meticulously dodged behind every broad-shouldered tuxedo and exaggerated gown, desperately avoiding scrutiny from Traci’s displeased glare.