Trail of Lies (12 page)

“Mommy, I wanna show Daniel the stable.” Kaitlyn stomped her foot and put her hands on her waist.

“Young lady, that's enough. We can't leave here right now.” Melora faced her daughter in the middle of the kitchen, all the blinds shut, relieved most of the people were gone and her house was quiet again.

“Why?”

Because I said so,
was on the tip of Melora's tongue, but
she gulped back those words and moved toward Kaitlyn. Drawing her toward the table, Melora sat and held her daughter's hands. “Honey, we need to stay here right now. Daniel asked us to.”

“Where is he?” Kaitlyn drew her eyebrows together while her mouth turned down in a pout. “He promised to teach me to play Go Fish.” She bent toward Melora and whispered, “Who is that other man here?”

“I told you it was a friend of Daniel's and Gisella's.”

“He's big. He wears a star, too.”

“Because he's a Texas Ranger like Daniel.”

Kaitlyn tilted her head to the right. “What's going on?”

She couldn't keep everything from her daughter, but what should she tell her? The whole truth frightened her, so she could just imagine what Kaitlyn would feel. “Some bad men want something of your daddy's. I don't want them to have it.”

“Robbers?” Her daughter's eyes grew round.

“Yeah. But we're safe with Daniel and Gisella. Nothing is going to happen to us.” She hoped and prayed.

“I know. Daniel is the good guy.”

Yes, he was. A guy who was trying to protect them and get answers to what was going on. But at the same time struggling with his own personal problems. She wished she could help him with Clay. He'd done so much for her and Kaitlyn.

Voices coming from the foyer intruded into Melora's thoughts.

Kaitlyn swiveled her head toward the doorway into the kitchen. “Daniel's home.” She tugged her hands from Melora's and ran out of the room.

Melora heard Daniel's greeting to Kaitlyn and her giggles. What was going to happen when all this was over?
Her daughter was really starting to care about Daniel. She'd loved her great uncle Tyler but had never warmed to him as she had with Daniel. She was determined that Kaitlyn wasn't going to get hurt anymore. It was bad enough that the two most important men in her life had been killed. Actually the same could be said for herself. Melora rose, resolved to keep her emotional distance and help Kaitlyn do the same. Somehow.

Daniel's large frame filled the kitchen entrance. Kaitlyn stood slightly in front of him with his hand on her shoulder. A huge grin transformed her daughter's earlier expression into one of excitement and happiness. How was she going to tell Kaitlyn that Uncle Tyler was dead?

“Daniel's gonna teach me Go Fish.”

The sight of her daughter's eyes sparkling as though everything was right with the world brought home how important it was to keep as much as possible from her.
Lord, give me the wisdom to say the right thing.

Gisella appeared behind Daniel. “I thought you were going to show me your stuffed animals.”

“Oh, yeah.” Kaitlyn leaned back and looked up at Daniel. “Can we play Go Fish after dinner?”

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

Kaitlyn went to Gisella, and they started for the stairs.

“Are you staying here now, too?” her daughter asked the Texas Ranger.

“Yeah. Is that okay?” Gisella asked.

“Some of my friends have had sleepovers. Kinda like that?”

“Yes.” But the rest of what Gisella said faded as the pair went up to the second floor.

Daniel's gaze zeroed in on Melora. “Are you all right?”

“Yes,” she automatically said, then realized how false
that was. She sank down into the chair and shook her head. “No, I'm not.”

He sat next to her and scooted closer so they faced each other. Linking their hands together he said, “What have you told Kaitlyn? I don't want to say anything you don't want her to know.”

“Nothing about today other than some bad men are after something of her daddy's. I haven't told her about Uncle Tyler. I don't know how to—not on top of what happened to Axle. Although he was her father, she hadn't seen him in two years and had already gone through some grieving before it was official he was dead. That's not the case with my uncle. Any suggestions?”

His thumbs ran across the back of her hands. “I'm the last person to ask advice where it concerns a child. You know how things are with Clay.”

“When this is over with, you and Clay should come to dinner. Kaitlyn would think it's a treat. One of her friends has an older brother and she has mentioned on more than one occasion that she wants a brother or sister.”

“I can remember when Clay was a young boy right before his mother and I separated, how much he wanted a little brother to play with. He didn't like being an only child.” One corner of his mouth tilted upward. “I hated being an only child, too. It can get mighty lonely.”

“So are you beating yourself up over the fact you didn't give your son a sibling to play with?”

Daniel blinked. “According to him that was one of the many things I didn't give him. The top of his list was my attention. The problem with that is he was right. As my marriage fell apart, I spent more and more time at work. I wanted to become a Texas Ranger, and I knew there were only so many selected and that my father would try to stop me from doing that. He kept hoping I would give up my
dream of working in law enforcement and join him in his company. Another person I couldn't please.” Combing his fingers through his hair, he grimaced. “It seems to me I have a habit of leaving unfinished business between me and the people I care about. My dad died before we ever settled our differences.”

“And you don't want something like that to happen with you and Clay?”

“Something like that. I regret my father and I didn't reconcile and I don't want my son to ever feel that way. There's no way to change it now.”

“Please do think about coming to dinner when things are settled.”

“What are you up to?” Daniel asked with a grin.

“You've done so much for me. I thought I would return the favor.”

“And be a referee between Clay and me?”

“No, just facilitate you two getting to know each other better. It'll give my daughter something to look forward to. She misses her friends, especially Cara. I wish I could have Jorge, Beth and Cara over for dinner, but we'll just have to wait until this is all over with. I can't deal with others right now and play the gracious hostess like nothing is wrong. I know Jorge and Beth would understand but…” She couldn't finish her sentence, knowing in her heart no one should come to her house—not after what happened to Uncle Tyler. All that had transpired recently overwhelmed her.

He tightened his grasp on her hands. “I know this is hard on you and what I have to tell you isn't going to make this any easier.”

D
aniel looked away, his jaw set in a hard line. “You aren't going to like it.” He drew in a deep breath. “Your uncle was a partner in the restaurant chain. Did you know that?”

The accusation in his voice sliced through the haze his announcement had first created in her. She yanked her hands from his and bolted to her feet. “No. Are you sure about that? My uncle would have told me an important detail like…” She remembered all the times he tried to convince her not to sell, to keep things as they were. Why would he keep that a secret from her? She would have sold him the whole business. Shaking her head, she collapsed back into the chair. “I don't understand all this. I can see Axle keeping stuff from me. He never wanted me to be involved in his affairs. Went out of his way to keep his business and family life separate.” She flipped her hand in the air. “Of course, now I see why.”

“I hate to say this, but your uncle might have been involved in the illegal side of your husband's business as well. Maybe he was trying to protect you from it.”

“We don't even know what the illegal business is for sure. We haven't found anything definite.”

Daniel dropped his gaze to his lap. “Not exactly. The Ranger who has been going through the books we got from
the business found one of your husband's suppliers has drug cartel connections. It isn't obvious but after some digging we uncovered a company that ties the supplier to a lieutenant in a drug cartel in northern Mexico.”

“What are you saying? He was smuggling in drugs through food shipments?” The series of shocks inundating her made her want to curl up in a ball and hide.

“He's running down some things and should have something for me in a couple of days. But yes, I think that might be it. We've had other indications that drugs are tied up in all of this. What we need to know now is where the drugs come from and where they go.”

She squeezed her hands so tightly that her fingernails dug into her palms. “I could believe that of Axle but my uncle…” Inhaling deeply, she fortified herself for what she had to face. “Is that why Uncle Tyler told me he was sorry? That he put me and Kaitlyn in danger with his illegal activities?”

“That's a good possibility. Why else did he plead with you to stop working with us? To let him protect you? Maybe he's been protecting you these past two years, and he couldn't any longer. It's obvious someone is going to great lengths to find Axle's flash drive before we do.”

The pounding against her skull increased to a maddening tempo as though proclaiming her doom. She couldn't deal with all of this now. Again, she came to her feet although her legs barely held her up. “I'd better check on Kaitlyn. I don't want her to talk Gisella's ear off.”

“I asked Gisella to keep her occupied while I talked to you. Kaitlyn is all right. But I'm not so sure about you.”

The softly spoken statement, full of concern, wrecked what composure she had. She barely felt Daniel take her hands in his and guide her to sit. What a sheltered life she had led! Axle and her uncle must have had a good
laugh about how naive she was. “Maybe Uncle Tyler didn't know what was going on? Maybe he began to suspect lately and…” A hysterical laugh escaped her throat. “Who am I kidding? My uncle would know about what was going on with any of his investments. He's sharp. What am I going to do?”

“Nothing right now. When we get hard evidence, we'll make a move. But to tell you the truth, I have a feeling that William Thompson shut down any drug operations once we carted off all the paperwork.”

“So you think William is part of it, too?”

“Maybe. I have to assume that until proven otherwise. Your uncle hired him to run the restaurant chain. It could all be connected.”

“I need to make arrangements to bury Uncle Tyler. I have to do something. He had it all set up so I don't have to plan it, but I need to go. Is that possible?”

“I would like to say no, but I'd rather keep whoever is behind this guessing at what we know and are doing. I think we can manage protecting you. We do have some experience in that area with protecting the governor.”

“Who will likely come to the funeral.”

Daniel frowned. “Along with a lot of other important people. Maybe the very people behind all of this. Did you ever hear Axle talk about the Lions of Texas?”

Melora closed her eyes and thought back to the time Quin had come into the house when Axle and he had argued. A faint memory teased her—just out of her reach. “Maybe.”

“When? What did you hear?”

She kneaded her temples, the hammering of her headache intensifying until she couldn't think straight. “I think Quin mentioned them when he talked to Axle right before he went missing.” Her eyes popped open. “But I can't be
sure. It sounds familiar, but I don't remember exactly why.”

He replaced her hands with his and massaged slow circles on her forehead. “Don't force it. It'll come to you sooner or later.” His fingers combed through her hair and gently cradled her. “Right now you need to see to burying your uncle. I ask one thing. Please keep Kaitlyn here with Gisella.”

Her gaze glued to his, she nodded. His touch robbed her of any coherent thoughts. All she wanted to do was surrender to him, give her heart to him. She couldn't, not with what was going on, but that didn't squelch the need to be cherished that burned inside her. “I agree. She has gone through enough with Axle's funeral. I'll have to say something tonight, though, to her about Uncle Tyler. I just don't know what.”

He settled his hands on her shoulders. “You'll come up with the right thing to say. You and your daughter have a good relationship.”

“And so can you with your son. Remember, we'll have dinner after the person who has been after me is caught.”

His eyes softened. “Thank you for caring. I don't think it will help, but I appreciate the thought anyway.”

“Daniel Boone Riley, do I hear you giving up?”

His mouth fell open, his eyes round. “Never. That isn't in my nature.”

“Good, because one day what you say to Clay will work. Just don't give up on having a relationship with him. You are not your father.”

“And one day this will be over, and you'll get on with your life. Safe. Free.”

His words were music to her ears. She wanted that so much. Didn't quite understand why the Lord would put her—and especially Kaitlyn—through this nightmare in
the first place. Her daughter was an innocent in all of this and could be hurt.
I'm the one who married Axle. I'm the one who ignored the warning signs. Not Kaitlyn, Lord. Please keep her safe at least.

The sounds of Kaitlyn and Gisella coming back into the kitchen turned Melora away from Daniel to face the doorway. She plastered a smile on her face, determined to keep everything as normal as possible.

“She's got quite a collection of stuffed animals. Enough for her own zoo,” Gisella said as they entered.

“Shh. Don't say that too loud, or she'll be wanting you to play zoo with her tonight.” Melora opened her arms for Kaitlyn.

“Yes! We need to.” Her daughter hugged her, beaming. “After dinner.”

“Speaking of dinner, Juanita wanted to be awakened in time to prepare it. Honey, can you go get her?”

“What are we having?” Kaitlyn stepped back.

“Spaghetti and meatball casserole is what she told me earlier.”

Her daughter ran from the room. She could hear her footfalls on the tiled floor as she hurried down the hall to Juanita's room, then the sounds of her knocking on the door.

At that moment, Ranger Levi McDonnell came into the kitchen from the other part of the house. “I'll be heading out now that you're here. There will be two men outside.”

“I'll meet with you tomorrow about security at the funeral,” Daniel said.

“Mommy!” Kaitlyn yelled from the back hallway.

Melora jerked around and started toward the hallway off the kitchen when Kaitlyn rushed back into the room. Melora's heartbeat accelerated.

“Juanita isn't in her room.”

“What?” Melora passed her daughter to go back to the housekeeper's suite.

“She left earlier to go to the store to pick up some items for dinner tonight.”

Levi's words stopped Melora in her tracks. She swiveled around. “What items? She already has it made and only has to put it in the oven and make a salad.”

“She didn't say. I let her go since she isn't…” The Ranger glanced at Kaitlyn and paused, inhaling a breath.

Gisella approached Kaitlyn. “Let's leave them to figure out dinner.” Taking the little girl's hand, she led her toward the doorway. “We could set up the zoo, so we can play after dinner.”

“What about Juanita?” Kaitlyn asked.

After the pair was out of earshot, Melora faced both Daniel and Levi. “Yeah, what about Juanita? There wasn't any reason for her to leave. What if she is in danger? She's like a member of my family.” Her fear spiked at the thought of something happening to Juanita, too. “Do you think she is scared and has run?”

“Does she carry a cell?” Daniel headed down the hallway to Juanita's room.

“Yes.” Melora stepped into her housekeeper's living quarters and realized she rarely came into the suite.

Daniel made a beeline for the dresser where a note and a cell sat. Lifting up the note by the corner, he read, “I can't stay, Melora. Too much has happened. Don't try to find me. I'll be fine. Keep safe, Juanita.” He swung around and looked at Melora then Levi. “She must realize a cell has a GPS that can track her.”

“And she doesn't want to be tracked? Why does she think she's in danger?” Levi crossed the bedroom and checked her calls on the phone. “The last person she talked with was Carmen Perez.”

“That's her sister. The one who works for Tyler Madison. She received a call as I was finishing up going through Tyler's house. It must have been Juanita.”

“I'll take Oliver and go question the sister. We'll do another look around the house, too.”

“You think Juanita went to Uncle Tyler's?” Heartache gripped her and wouldn't let go. With each bit of news Melora got, it pounded even more as though someone was knocking urgently on a door.

Levi shook his head. “No, probably not.”

“But your uncle's house is a big one. I couldn't cover the whole place. I focused on his office, bedroom and den where Carmen said he spent most of his time.”

“Also out in the greenhouse. He raised orchids and was out there every day he was in town.” Melora backed up until she sat on her housekeeper's bed, untouched as if she'd never had any intention of resting when she came to her room. All the people around her weren't who she had thought they were. Everything was a lie. Where would this trail of lies lead to? Death or salvation?

“Did he have a safe or any place he kept important papers besides his office?” Daniel asked as Levi took the cell and note then left the room.

“No safe that I knew of, but he did have a safety deposit box at his bank.”

“We can get a court order to open the box. Maybe there's something in it. Did you ever check and see if Axle had one other than the one you and your uncle opened?”

“No. I never found evidence of another one. As I told you earlier, the one Axle and I shared didn't have anything relevant to this in it. The deed to the house—some other papers like that. I figured if there was anything, it was here. Like Uncle Tyler, Axle rarely worked from his office at his company headquarters.”

“I'll have someone run that down. There might be a safety deposit box in another bank you don't know about.”

“With Axle anything is possible. He was a very private man.” As was her uncle. Melora clutched the edge of the bed, her fingernails digging into the soft coverlet. How could she trust any feelings for Daniel that were developing when she'd been so totally wrong about others?

Kaitlyn ran into the room with Gisella a few steps behind her. “Mommy, did you find Juanita?”

“She's gone to visit a friend for a while. You, young lady, can help me make a salad for dinner.” Melora shoved herself off the bed and grasped her daughter's hand. “I don't know about you but I'm starving.” As Melora left, she threw a look back at Daniel and Gisella, their heads bent toward each other. They talked quietly.

In that moment, Melora realized if it hadn't been for Daniel's persistence with her, she and possibly Kaitlyn would be dead by now. A cold wave flooded her, and she quaked.

 

Later that night, Melora tucked Kaitlyn into the bed. “We're going to put up the Christmas tree in a few days and guess who said he would come help us?”

“Who?” Kaitlyn yawned.

“Daniel.”

Kaitlyn clapped, suddenly wide awake. “Yippee. Can we go see the Nutcracker this year? Cara's going with her mom.”

“I don't know, honey. We need to stay close to home for the time being.”

“Why, Mommy?”

“Lots of things are happening. Uncle Tyler went home to Jesus today.”

“Like Daddy?”

Melora nodded.

Kaitlyn frowned. “When? He was here earlier and left without saying goodbye. Was that why all those people were here today?”

“Yes. It was sudden or he would have said goodbye to you. He loved you very much. We need to say a prayer for him.”

“And Daddy.” Kaitlyn folded her hands together. “God, tell Daddy and Uncle Tyler I love them. Amen.” She peered at Melora. “When will I get to see them again?”

Tears closed her throat. She didn't know what to say to Kaitlyn. When Axle had died, she'd had a long talk about people dying and going to live with God. That one day Kaitlyn would see her loved ones again.

“Only God knows when, honey.”

“I'm gonna draw Uncle Tyler and Daddy, too, a picture. I can give it to them when I see them again.”