Trapped by Revenge: A Shelby Nichols Adventure (10 page)

“Okay,” Billie agreed, thinking that was nothing new. “But that still doesn’t explain why you were framed for Sam’s murder. I’d say you were in the wrong place at the wrong time if it weren’t for the fact that it was your gun that killed him. That suggests premeditation.”

I sighed. “I know. That part doesn’t make any sense.”

“And you’re not getting any premonitions about that?” Billie asked. She wondered why I was so clueless about myself. As much as she wanted to believe I was psychic, there was something wrong with my explanation. It didn’t make sense that I could be set up for Sam’s murder. If I really had premonitions, I would have known something ahead of time. It didn’t add up. On the other hand, seeing me with George had been amazing. She knew I had some kind of abilities, but saying they were premonitions wasn’t quite the right word for them.

Damn! She was getting too close for comfort. “I do have a few premonitions about it, but they’re a little murky so I haven’t shared them.” I hoped that was vague enough to throw her off. “When I get something worth sharing, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay,” she said, but she was thinking,
whatever,
She was real good at spotting a lie, and her radar was going off the charts with that one.

“So what’s next?” I asked her. Since she thought she was so good at everything, maybe I’d better let her figure it out.

“We must be on the right track if Sam learned enough information to get killed for it. What I don’t understand is the connection between Sam and you.” She had believed me when I’d told her I had an appointment with him to get some pointers on being a P.I., but that didn’t seem like enough to set me up for murder. There must be something else I wasn’t telling her or the police. She glanced at me and smiled, giving me time to respond. She knew that the more time I took, the harder I was trying to figure out a lie, which meant she was on the right track with her thinking.

“There is more to it,” I began carefully. “But I can’t tell you because I’m working for a client, and that information is confidential.” She cursed up a storm in her mind, but I smiled sweetly and added, “I promise to tell you what I can if it’s necessary to find the killer. Okay?”

“Fine,” she said, disappointed and intrigued at the same time. I was going to be a challenge. “Then I guess I’ll take you home.”

“Yeah, that’s probably best. Thanks for taking me. I think we made some good progress today.”

Her lips were tight, but she nodded agreeably. She was thinking it was time to get a hold of Sam’s files and see who he was working for, and that meant a trip to the police station where I wasn’t welcome anyway, so it was best to fly solo for now.

“If I find out anything new, I’ll call you,” I suggested. “Maybe we can get together tomorrow and compare notes.”

“Sounds good,” she agreed. She knew I was holding out on her, but it wasn’t her call, and she had to remember that clearing Jim Porter was her first priority.

I got home with an hour to spare before my kids showed up and kicked off my shoes. The day had worn me out, and I needed to think. I took a pen and notepad out on my back deck and sat on the swing, ready to connect the dots with the information I had. I got as far as Jim is innocent, killer is free, and Sam knew killer, before I sighed in despair. That’s all I had, and I sat there waiting for everything to fall into place, only to have my eyes droop shut. I put my legs up on the seat and turned to lay my head on the soft cushion.

Chapter 8

“Honey?”

“Huh?” I jerked my eyes open to find Chris looking down at me. I quickly sat up, my heart racing with surprise. “What are you doing here? Did you get off work early? Where are the kids?”

“They’re in the house,” he explained. He sat beside me and pulled me into his arms. “They saw you asleep out here and didn’t want to wake you up. So, how did the golf game go?”

I relaxed into his arms and laid my head on his shoulder. “Not so good,” I began. “I drove the golf cart out of bounds and it quit working. Which wouldn’t have been too bad, but I was trying to take the judge to the clubhouse since he’d cut his arm. That was kind of my fault too, since he fell out of the cart while I was driving it. But the fact that he fell out wasn’t my fault. He was trying to get away from me while it was still moving, so I hit the brakes and then he fell.”

“Uh-huh,” Chris said, trying to keep a serious face. It worked for about one second before a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Um… so did you find out anything?” Chris was dying to know who the judge was, but wasn’t sure it would be a good idea since he knew most of the judges, and it might color his perception in the courtroom.

“Yeah, it wasn’t him, but don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you this judge’s name.”

“Oh, okay,” he agreed, even though he really wanted to know. “That’s probably best. How did it go at the prison?”

“Jim didn’t do it,” I said. “I promised him I’d find the real killer, which was probably stupid of me. What if I can’t do it? He’s supposed to die next week. This is terrible.”

“Hmm… maybe I can help with that,” Chris said. He was thinking that he could find out what Jim’s lawyers had done, and if there was any way he could get a stay of execution. “Did you find out anything that might help Jim’s case? Bring reasonable doubt into the equation?”

“Actually… yes.” I perked up. “Billie and I went to talk to the guy who found Rebecca Morris. Apparently, we weren’t the only people to visit him. Sam Killpack was there two weeks ago.” I explained about George hearing the footsteps, and how he told Sam and now Sam was dead. “That’s a good lead, right?”

“Yes. If we can get George to put what he heard in writing, we might be able to postpone the execution.”

“Oh,” I said. “Well, I don’t think George will do it. Mostly because he told Sam and now Sam’s dead and George doesn’t want to be next. Plus there is the small problem that he moved out, and I don’t know where he went.”

Chris frowned, thinking that wasn’t any help at all. But at least I’d found a connection between the two murders, so that was progress. He hadn’t heard anything from Dimples, so he hoped that was a good thing and they weren’t ready to arrest me…yet.

“You really think they’re going to arrest me?” I asked.

“No, no, not at all,” he assured me. “But if they do, be sure you don’t tell them anything without me there, okay?”

“Okay.” He was lying about the getting arrested part. He really thought it might happen. Didn’t he know I’d hear that? It kind of freaked me out, but since that’s what he thought, maybe now would be a good time to tell him about tonight and the poker game. How could he object to it if he realized that going might keep me out of jail?

“I have plans tonight,” I blurted. “Uncle Joey wants me to listen to another judge, and under the circumstances, I think it’s a good idea.”

“Another judge? Good grief! How many has he got under his thumb anyway?”

“Well… at least three, but they’re not exactly under his thumb,” I said. “He calls it scratching each other’s backs, so it’s not like he’s really bribing them or anything.”

“Right,” Chris said. But he was thinking I was making excuses for Uncle Joey, and he didn’t like it one bit. It was never a good thing to get too close to an enemy because it was easy to get sucked in and take their side. He could see it was happening to me, but didn’t know if I realized it yet. “So what does he want you to do now?”

“Just play a few games of poker,” I replied. How could he think that I was taking Uncle Joey’s side? I wasn’t getting sucked in. If I didn’t have to work for him, I wouldn’t, and it was unfair of Chris to think otherwise. “At least he’s trying to find the connection between me and the murderer. Checking out the judge might be what it takes to keep me out of jail.”

Chris sighed. I made a good point, but playing poker with his goons? Was that really necessary? What about the danger to me, especially if I won all their money? That sure wouldn’t go over very well with a bunch or crooks. Although he wouldn’t put it past Manetto to want me to play just so I’d win. Manetto was probably betting on me and hoping to make a lot of money.

“You’re wrong,” I said. “Uncle Joey’s playing against me. So there’s no way he will make any money.”

Chris shrugged, still not convinced. “Where is the game?”

“At Uncle Joey’s place,” I hedged. That wasn’t exactly a lie, and knowing that Chris might not approve of where it really was kept me from telling him the whole truth. “He’s picking me up at eight-thirty so I don’t have to drive, and since I’ll be with him, you don’t have to worry that anything bad will happen to me. Plus, all the money I win I get to keep, even Uncle Joey’s, so that’s good.” I almost told him Ramos would be there to protect me too, but I didn’t think he’d like hearing that.

Chris wrinkled his nose, thinking that if I was with Uncle Joey, it was a pretty sure bet that Ramos would be there too. “Maybe I should come along.”

“That would be nice, and I wish you could, but it’s probably not a good idea. I’d rather keep you out of it if I can.” I stood, knowing I needed to get Chris’ mind off tonight. Even the fact that I might beat Uncle Joey out of his money hadn’t seemed to register.

“But what if I want to come?” he asked. “Maybe I want to see you play and make sure you’re safe. I think I have a good reason to be there.”

Why was he making this so hard? “Well… maybe you’re not invited.” Wow, did I just say that out loud? Crap! “Chris… listen, it’s not that I don’t want you to come, but Uncle Joey doesn’t, and this is his show. He’s trying to help me and we’ve got to do it his way. I know you don’t like it, but it’s not fair for you to put me in the middle like this. Don’t you see how I can’t please you both?”

“Yes, I can definitely see that.”

It was so hard not to roll my eyes. Even without listening to his thoughts I knew he meant I was putting Uncle Joey before him. Why was he being such a poo-head? I decided to take it the way he should be thinking of it and not the way he was. “Good. I’m glad you understand. It’s late. I’d better get dinner started.”

“Shelby, wait.” Chris jumped up and caught my hand, stopping me. “I’m sorry I’m making this so hard. I’m just frustrated and worried. You’re right. You need to find out if this judge is the one Killpack was working for. But will you do me a favor? While you’re there, please see if you can find out anything about Manetto that will help you get out from under him. I know it’s a long shot, but will you keep that in mind? For me?”

“Of course,” I agreed. “I’ve been thinking about that anyway, so I’ll see what I can find out.”

“Good, thanks.” Chris pulled me into his arms. “We’ll get through this.” He hugged me close, and I sighed, letting the tension of our little chat flow out of me. Chris might be a poo-head sometimes, but he really did love me. He pulled away and lovingly held my gaze. “Now, what’s for dinner? I’m starved.”

***

After dinner was over and things had settled down, I slipped into my room to get ready. I had to add more make-up since I was going to a fancy nightclub and didn’t want to look washed out. I darkened my eye-shadow and eye-liner, added more mascara, and then finished up with blush and red lipstick. I added a little more volume to my hair and set it with hairspray. Looking at the results in the mirror, I had to admit I looked pretty darn good.

Conscious of Ramos’ desire that I wear the dress he bought for me made me a tad uncomfortable. I didn’t want him to read too much into it. Besides, I wanted to prove I was my own woman, so I put on my little black dress instead. I reasoned that I could still wear the fabulous shoes he’d bought me, and this dress looked just as good, or maybe even better.

As I slipped on the diamond earrings and necklace Chris had given me for our anniversary, he came in to see what I was doing. His breath caught, and his mouth dropped opened. The shock from his mind had me worried that he was going to have a heart attack or something.

“You’re wearing that to play poker?” He had thought this little poker game was an informal affair, and I hadn’t said anything to the contrary, so he was more than a bit surprised. “Didn’t you tell me you were playing at Uncle Joey’s house?”

“Um… not his house. I thought I told you,” I said, trying to sound innocent. “Uncle Joey is picking me up and we’re going to his club. He told me to dress up. Do you think I over-did it?”

He was thinking he didn’t want me to go anywhere looking like that. Not without him by my side. “Yes,” he said. “You should wear something else. You’re way over-dressed for a poker game.”

My phone buzzed, and I glanced at the text message. “Dang, they’re here,” I told Chris. “I don’t have time to change now.”

Chris pursed his lips and frowned. If he didn’t know better, he’d think I’d staged the whole thing. “So you’re going to a nightclub? What club is it?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure. All I know is that Uncle Joey owns it. Do you want me to call you when I get there?” I knew better than to tell him which one right now, because he was thinking that he was going to show up whether he was invited or not. Just to keep an eye on me.

“Shelby.” He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth, thinking I was driving him insane. “Do you know what this is doing to me?”

My face flushed with guilt. “Kind of, but don’t worry. I’ll be good… um… fine.” I gave him a quick hug, then pulled back and gazed into his eyes. “I have to do this. I don’t want to go to jail.”

He sighed, knowing he couldn’t argue with that, no matter how much he didn’t like it. He’d always been happy to have such a beautiful and alluring wife, but watching me leave looking like I did tonight made him more than a little cranky. “Okay. You’d better go.”

I hurried out, telling my kids goodbye as I rushed past them. Savannah glanced up and blinked. Wow, I looked amazing. “Where are you going?” she asked.

“Work,” I answered briskly. “I’ll be back later.”

I sailed out the door before she could ask any more questions. In the driveway, Ramos was standing by the passenger door and quickly opened it for me to get in. As he shut the door, I glanced back at the house to see Chris and Savannah watching me from the window. I waved, but they didn’t wave back, and my stomach clenched with remorse.

“They can’t see you,” Uncle Joey said. “The windows are tinted.”

“Oh. Yeah, I forgot.” I kept my gaze on them until we pulled away. Uncle Joey didn’t say a word. Even his mind was quiet, and I was grateful for the silence. I needed a few minutes to pull myself together, and not think too hard about how this affected my family. I reasoned that if I got arrested, it would be lots worse, so this was hardly anything in comparison to that. Chris might be unhappy, but he understood. I hoped.

“How was your visit to the prison today?” Uncle Joey asked.

“Good,” I said, grateful to stop thinking about Chris. “I actually found a connection between the cases. It looks like Sam Killpack was investigating this other murder, and might have found out something that got him killed.”

“So the guy in prison is innocent?”

“Yes. He didn’t do it.”

“Hmm… so why was Killpack investigating?” Uncle Joey asked.

“I have a few ideas,” I answered. “But the only way to know for sure would be to see his case files. Did you get access to them?”

“Not yet, but I’m working on it.” Uncle Joey was thinking his source should have copies to him by tomorrow. I wondered how both Uncle Joey and Billie were going to manage that, since each of them was trying to get to the files. It wouldn’t be easy, and I was glad I didn’t have to worry about it.

I also wondered if I should tell Uncle Joey about George, but decided against it. It didn’t seem as significant to my case as it probably was for Jim and proving his innocence. But what if I was wrong? I could always tell him later. Besides, right now, I needed to concentrate on playing poker.

“So tell me about the poker game,” I asked. “Is there anything I need to know before we get there? Like… is it all right to win from everyone, or is there someone who would get really mad if I beat them?”

Uncle Joey chuckled, thinking he really didn’t want to get beaten by me, but he didn’t think I was including him in my equation. “It’s a regular game we play once a week. There’s usually five of us, but tonight someone couldn’t come, which left an opening for you to take his place.” He was thinking it had only taken a minute to ‘persuade’ Sonny to stay home tonight. “I’ll introduce you as my niece from Orlando again if you like. That way it will be easier to keep our stories straight.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

“Our little group has been playing together for years, but I don’t think anyone will object to a new face, especially one as pretty as yours.” He smiled, but was thinking these poker games were darned exclusive, and they’d never allowed someone else to join them before, so he’d have to come up with an explanation they would buy. Of course, not too many people objected to what he wanted.