Chapter Twelve

 

Stella burst through the automatic doors of the hospital and narrowly missed a collision with a young wheelchair acrobat who came skidding down the hall on two wheels.

“Sorry,” she called to the boy, who flashed her a grin and whipped on down the hall.

On the fourth floor, she rushed past the desk while the ward clerk had her back turned and made a beeline for 406.

The scene inside the door brought a huge smile to her face.

Kelly was sitting up in the hospital bed, his arms and legs free of tubes and Gillian was leaning over the rails, deftly running an electric razor over Kelly’s face. His color was back to normal and when he turned his head at the sound of her entrance, his eyes were clear and their usual shade of slate blue.

“Wow!” Stella said, dropping her purse in a chair and stepping over to the bed. “You’re a sight for sore eyes, Kelly McWinter and that’s a fact.”

“Hey, gal,” Kelly said, “you’re pretty easy on the eyes yourself. Gillian’s just been telling me how you’ve been picking up my slack while I’ve been indisposed and from what the doctor tells me, it’s only on account of you two that I’m still among the living.”

His voice rasped and Stella had to listen hard to get the words but it sure sounded good to hear him talk. Tears had popped into her eyes and unable to hold herself back, she leaned over and wrapped her arms around Kelly and Gillian both.

Gillian, who had set the razor down when Stella approached the bed, laughed and drawled, “It’s a good thing I saw that comin’ or you’d have been sporting the skinhead look.”

“Whoops, I tend to get carried away,” Stella said, standing up and grinning at both of them. “I’m just so relieved to see this big lug awake and smiling that I could bawl.”

“Hey! No waterworks.” Kelly grinned and put up his hand. “We’ve got work to do.”

Stella’s eyes widened. “You’ve got something?”

“I don’t know.” Kelly frowned. “I think so but I’m not sure how to handle it.”

“What?” Stella shook the bed rails in her excitement.

Kelly blinked his eyes in an attempt to clear the residual fog and fixed a firm eye on Stella. “Before I tell you anything, I want your absolute promise you’ll follow my instructions to the letter.”

“Of course I’ll do what you say.” Stella tossed her head and spoke with an indignant lift to her voice.

“I’m serious, Stella,” Kelly said. “You’ve been known to be impetuous and we’re dealing with a killer here. I’m not going to take the chance of putting your life in jeopardy.”

“I do promise. Now tell me what’s going on.”

Kelly leaned back on the pillows and Gillian, who had been sitting back watching the two of them, stood up and poured a glass of water. “Better drink this,” she said. “Your voice is getting scratchy.”

“Thanks.” Kelly caught the straw between his lips and took a long sip. Then he turned back to Stella. “While I was locked up in that shed, I did quite a bit of thinking and I came to the conclusion Lorena’s blackmailer and Alex’s killer are one and the same person. I won’t bore you with all my rationalizations. Suffice it to say that any other theory allows for too many coincidences.

“What had me stumped, though, was the geography. Lorena’s here in Dallas and from all indications, so is her blackmailer. Not only that but except for his semi-regular business trips to Nashville, most of Alex’s business is in Dallas. So why was he killed in Nashville?

“I went through everything we’d learned in Nashville and there was quite a bit. First, we scratch Marcy, because we know she’s out.”

“Yes!” Stella beamed and nodded her head.

“Then I considered the Gordons and Mike Langley. With Mike, there just doesn’t seem to be much of a motive. Sure, he ended up with the business but from what Chris tells me, all he’s gained is a bootful of creditors. Then there’re the Gordons. They’re hiding something, all right but when it comes right down to it, their dirty laundry probably has more to do with money than anything else.”

“Jealousy can be a powerful motivator,” Gillian said in her quiet voice.

“That’s true,” Kelly agreed. “But in this case, I don’t think it applies. Winn’s a fool but he’s not stupid. According to Chris, it’s common knowledge Theresa’s been sleeping with everything in pants for years and Winn hasn’t killed anybody over her yet.” Kelly paused to take another sip of water. “I saw my assailant before I blacked out and it was a woman.”

“What?” Stella’s response came out as a shout and she clapped her hand to her mouth.

Kelly nodded. “When I realized someone had started pumping carbon monoxide into that shed, I plastered myself smack up against the door so as to breathe as much outside air as I could get through the crack.”

“That’s probably what saved you,” Gillian said.

“I was pretty far gone by the time that door popped open but I had enough wits left to lean hard enough so when the latch lifted, gravity did the rest. I went down like a sack of cement and sprawled clean across the entrance.”

“And it’s a damn good thing you did,” Gillian said.

Kelly nodded. “I know. But the smartest thing I did was invite you over to the house for that barbecue I’m still holding a chit for.”

Gillian flushed and laid her hand on top of his.

“Anyway,” Kelly continued, “I’d made up my mind to play dead when I hit the ground, which wasn’t hard considering how close I was. Fortunately, our blackmailer wasn’t a trained medic. She shone the flashlight in my face and poked around a bit but I held my breath and after a couple of minutes, she seemed satisfied I was done for. I heard her boots as she stepped over me and I opened one eye and got a good look at her backside.”

Stella reached out and grabbed his arm. “Did you recognize her?” Kelly nodded. “I did but I’m not going to tell you right now.”

“What?” She practically yanked him out of the bed.

“Now don’t go off halfcocked on me,” he said. “I’ve got a plan and I want you to listen for a minute. It’s not enough to prove she’s guilty of blackmail. We need to tie her into Alex’s murder and if my plan is going to work, I need you to play a role. Given that hot temper of yours and your impulsive nature, I think you’ll have a better chance of carrying it off if I keep the name to myself for the time being.”

Stella’s eyes flashed and she turned to Gillian. “I suppose he’s told you.”

Gillian shook her head. “No, Stella, he hasn’t and I haven’t asked. I know this is none of my business but if Marcy was my niece and I’d hired a professional to help her out, I’d put everything in his hands. I’d stand behind his judgment no matter how much it hurt my dignity.”

Stella looked at Gillian for a long moment and then turned back to Kelly.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Gillian’s right and so are you. I am hotheaded and impulsive but I’m not stupid. I trust you, Kelly and I’ll do whatever you say. Just tell me what you want me to do.”

Kelly reached up and squeezed her arm. “Okay. The first thing I want you to do is put in a call to Lorena. You’re going to tell her that you’ve just come from the hospital and that I’m out of the coma. I asked you to call and tell her that I’m going to be okay. Tell her I’m still weak and the doctor wouldn’t let me say more than a couple of words but I did say something about recognizing the blackmailer.”

Stella frowned. “You mean Lorena’s involved?”

“I don’t want to explain right now,” Kelly said. “Just take my word for it that I’ve got a good reason for wanting Lorena to know I recognized the blackmailer.”

“Okay, so you want me to call her and tell her that you recognized the blackmailer. What if she asks me who it was?”

“Tell her you don’t know. Say I was still too groggy to talk much and most of what I said was just a mumble but the doctor told you I’d be back to normal by tomorrow and you’re planning to be my first visitor in the morning.”

“Okay. I’ve got it. Anything else?”

“Yes. I want you to give Lorena the number of the motel where you girls are staying and then I want you to go on back to the motel and wait for a call.”

“Why would she call me at the motel if I’ve already told her everything I know?”

“Because if I’m right, she’s going to call you back and ask you to give her my room number here at the hospital. When she does, I want you to give it to her.”

Stella had started shaking her head as he spoke and when he finished, she had her lips set in a hard line and there was a stubborn glint in her eyes. “I won’t do that, Kelly. You almost died in that shed and I’m not about to set you up as a target for a killer before you’re even strong enough to drag yourself out of bed.”

“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not fool enough to lie here and get myself killed. You just take care of your end and let me take care of making sure I don’t end up a corpse. Okay?”

Stella didn’t look happy but she nodded her head and muttered, “I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“So do I,” Kelly said and laughed when she opened her mouth to speak.

Gillian stood up and leaned over the bed toward Kelly. “I’ll go along with Stella. I know you have things to do now.”

Kelly reached up and pulled her head down for a kiss. “Will you go home, or are you staying at the motel?”

“Oh, I’m staying.” She smiled into his eyes. “You’re not getting rid of me until you’re out of that bed and walking out of here on your own two legs.”

“Thanks,” he whispered against her hair. “Try to keep Stella cooled off, will you? And send Cam over?”

Gillian nodded, picked up her purse and walked over to join Stella at the door.

 

* * *

 

As soon as the door closed behind Stella and Gillian, Kelly slid his legs over the side of the bed and sat up. His head spun a bit and he sat for several minutes letting the fog clear. The doctor had said it would take a few days to get back to normal but Kelly’s vitals were good and all he required was time. The problem was, Kelly reflected, that he might not have much time.

The telephone rang and Kelly reached for the receiver. “Hello.”

“Kelly?” Chris’ voice came over the line.

“Hi, Chris. Where are you?”

“Love Field.”

“That was fast.”

“Yep! A flight was boarding when Mark dropped me at the airport. I grabbed the last seat and made it just before they rolled the steps away.”

“Great. We may not have a lot of time here. Did Mark give you the details?”

“Uh-huh and I studied the map on the plane. I’ve got the route marked out and I’m at the car rental desk right now.”

“Good show. You’ve got your cell phone with you?”

“Yep. I’m all set. Just let me reconfirm that description. Mark said the woman’s Mexican, about five foot four, a hundred and fifty pounds, with curly hair and a nice face.”

“That’s right. Her name is Celestina.”

“Okay, I’m on my way.”

“Give me a call as soon as you’re in position.” Kelly hung up and sank back on the cushions. Damn, I wish my head would clear.

The door opened and Cam walked in. Kelly looked up and grinned. Cam stood at the foot of the bed and let his eyes roam over every inch of Kelly’s long, lanky frame. “Well, it looks like you’re all in one piece,” he drawled.

Kelly laughed. “There’s a hive of bees buzzing around in my head I could do without but other than that, everything seems to be in place.”

“So!” Cam said, pulling out a chair. “What’s this I hear about you getting set to pull some kind of a fast one?”

“Stella!” Kelly said with a grin and Cam nodded.

“She’s having conniptions but Gillian’s getting her calmed down and they’re sticking to the room just like you ordered.”

“Good! That’s why I asked Gillian to send you over. This thing is touchy as hell and I’m counting on you to keep Stella at the motel even if you have to sit on her.”

Cam nodded. “You gonna tell me what’s goin’ on?”

“Just as soon as I get a phone call out of the way. Why don’t you go rustle us up a cup of coffee while I give Jim Forbes a ring?”

Cam got out of the chair. “Be right back.” Kelly picked up the receiver and punched out the number of Jim’s direct line. In a few minutes, Jim’s voice was in his ear.

“Captain Forbes, here.”

“Jim, this is Kelly. What did you find out?”

“Hi, Kelly. Hold on a second while I grab the file.”

Kelly listened to the sound of drawers opening and papers rustling and, in moments, Jim was back on the line. “Okay, I’ve got it. Like we figured, nothing but minor stuff — a couple of speeding tickets going back three years and a deferred adjudication, on a possession charge. That’s the lot.”

“I just talked to my man from Nashville,” Kelly said. “He’s on his way over there right now.”

“I’m in kind of an awkward position here,” Jim said.

“I know, Jim and I appreciate it. Don’t worry, though. I won’t step over the line. Chris knows the rules and he’ll keep his conversation with Celestina in bounds.”

“Okay, just so you understand, officially I’m not involved but I’ll be along to spend the evening with you as soon as I get your call.”

“Thanks, Jim. I know this is a long shot and my plan may not even work but it’s worth a try given this might be our only chance to pin this one down.”

“Just so you remember,” Jim said. “No heroics. The minute that call comes in, you grab your phone and get me on the line. I’ll stay loose all night and I won’t be more than fifteen minutes away no matter what time you call.”

Kelly hung up the phone and a couple minutes later Cam came back with two large Styrofoam cups. “I had to go down the block to the mini-mart,” he said. He set the cartons on the table and flopped down in the chair beside Kelly’s bed. “The stuff they call coffee here is too much like swamp water for my taste.”

“Thanks.” Kelly took one of the cups, got himself propped on the pillows and proceeded to give Cam a full rundown on the evening’s program.

Cam started shaking his head when Kelly got to the part about Jim hiding in the bathroom and when Kelly stopped talking, Cam let out an explosive breath. “Holy jumpin’ creepers,” he shouted. “I think you musta cracked your skull when you fell outta that shed. Either that, or you got permanent brain damage from suckin’ poison into your lungs.”

Kelly scowled. “Was I outta my head when I insisted on going down to Houston and searching Stella’s house last year? Seems to me, if I hadn’t played my hunch back then, you might not be sitting here telling me how I ought to run this investigation.”

Cam blushed. “I’m sorry, Kelly,” he said. “I know you know your business but I can’t even get my mind around all the things that could go wrong with this program you’re setting up. Like, for instance, what if she simply walks through the door, pulls out a pistol and puts a bullet in your head?”

“That’s a chance I’ve got to take. Besides, I don’t think it’s likely and Jim agrees with me. If we’re right and she’s the one who killed Alex, it’s a good bet she’ll stick with the same MO. Nurses’ uniforms are easy enough to get hold of and what I expect is she’ll try either a shot with something lethal, or maybe, if she thinks I’m still doped up enough, she’ll go for the old pillow over the face routine.”

“Well, it’s your play but I sure as hell don’t want to sit it out at the motel babysitting Stella while you’re over here putting your neck in a noose. Ain’t that bathroom big enough for two?”

Kelly shook his head. “It’s too risky, Cam. Even with Jim in there, we’re gambling nothing will have aroused her suspicions, so she won’t give the room more than a casual glance. That’s where your babysitting comes into play,” Kelly said softening his refusal with a grin. “Stella’s part in this is critical. Everything depends on the way she handles that call from Lorena. If she says one thing out of line and raises the least suspicion, the whole deal’s out the window.”

Cam stood up and looked at his watch. “In that case, I’d best be getting back to the motel. Stella was phoning Lorena when I left and that call you’re expecting could come in any time.”

Kelly pushed himself up in the bed and stuck out his hand. “Thanks, Cam.”

Cam grabbed his hand and squeezed it hard, then leaned over the bed to give Kelly a hug. “You take care, y’hear? I ain’t got no hankerin’ to attend a funeral.”

“I will,” Kelly said.

Shortly after Cam left, a nurse came in with a tray of meds.

“What’s that?” Kelly asked.

“Just tetracycline and something the doctor ordered to help you sleep.”

Kelly shook his head. “I’ll take the tetracycline but I’ve slept enough the past couple of days to last me all winter.”

The nurse smiled. “That’s fine, Mr. McWinter. You can buzz us later if you find you need something.”

“Thanks. By the way, did the doctor explain Captain Forbes from the Dallas PD would be spending the night here?”

“Oh, yes, that’s all cleared and the night nurse has been instructed not to interfere with any of your visitors.” She stood there for a minute with a puzzled frown on her face before she gave Kelly her professional smile and left the room.

Kelly glanced at his watch. They’d be around with the dinner trays soon. So why in hell hasn’t Chris called?

The trays came. Kelly lifted the lid and sniffed. Meatloaf, creamed peas and mashed potatoes. He sighed, then picked up his fork and dug in. He’d need all his strength later tonight.

He’d finished the plate and settled back on the pillows when the phone rang. He grabbed it on the first ring. “Hello.”

“Kelly, Chris here.”

“Thank God. I was getting worried.”

“Sorry about that. I had a bit of luck but everything happened so fast I couldn’t take the time to call.”

“What happened?”

“Well, I’d just pulled in at the end of the block and was getting set to give you a call when the garage doors opened and a BMW backed out and came straight toward me. I got a good look at the driver and she fit your description of Lorena.”

Kelly breathed. “That was close.”

“I’ll say. I might’ve sat there all night with no way of knowing she’d already gone out.”

“Did you make contact?”

“I sure did and it worked like a charm. Celestina isn’t near as dumb as Mrs. Wyatt would like to think.”

“What about my speculations?”

“You were right on the money. It seems Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt were both dipping in the same pond, with neither one of them knowing anything about the other.”

“Damn, you’re good.” Kelly put a grin into his voice. “What did it cost you?”

“Nothing but a night at the local cantina and I won’t even be putting that on my account. Celestina’s a great gal and I’m expecting to have one helluva good time tonight. That is, if you don’t need me anymore.”

“Nope. You go right ahead. You’ve just moved the last piece into place and you’ve earned a night on the town. Toss back a couple for me too, will ya?”

“You bet. I’ll be catching a morning flight back to Nashville, unless I hear from you otherwise. You’ve got the cell number and I’ll keep it with me just in case I’m needed.”

“Good, Chris and thanks.”

“Well, that checks,” Kelly said, hanging up the phone and sliding his legs over the edge of the bed. “Now it all depends on Stella.”