Shadow Notes by Laurel Peterson (cool books to read txt) 📗

split. David hasn’t brought that child around, ever. Mary Ellen’s not allowed to see her, not after almost killing her.”

“She almost killed her own daughter?”

She looked up. “Hugh diagnosed postpartum depression, but who knows. David filed for divorce right after it happened, and Mary Ellen was so furious in court that the judge ordered therapy and gave David full rights and custody.” Mother allowed the glimmer of a smile.

“David told me she filed for divorce.”

“I’m sure that story was part of their agreement. Mary Ellen would want to leave, not be left. Anyway, Hetty and Mary Ellen were free to engage in…” she waved her hand vaguely, “…whatever they wanted. They were consenting adults.”

I spoke slowly, tying the strands of the story together. “So we know Mary Ellen would do anything for Andrew, even create an opportunity for him rape you, to teach you a lesson. She also knew Andrew was blackmailing his friends for campaign funds. Maybe she even came up with the idea; it sort of sounds like her. Then, she takes Hetty as a lover to persuade her to do readings for Andrew, and because, after I come home, she realizes she can use Hetty to get close to me and find out what I know. Well, at least before I got her to put me on Andrew’s campaign. Anyway, that didn’t work, but when Hetty saw Hugh and me getting cozy, she called Mary Ellen—who then called Pete to kill Hugh.” I sat back, a bit stunned.

“Pete? I’ve known him since he was a boy.”

“People change, Mother.” Although she did have a point. Why would a cop kill someone? What could be in it for Pete?

She mulled it over. “Okay, so I can see the connections to Mary Ellen, but there’s no evidence Andrew was behind any of this. He could plead ignorance.”

“That’s the hole we’ve got to fill. If the chief can get Mary Ellen or Pete to talk…”

“Mary Ellen will never talk.” She scrubbed at her nose. “I suppose I should call Kyle, too, let him know Hankin will be a witness.”

I handed her the house phone just as the doorbell rang and she disappeared into the other room with the phone.

By the time I reached the front door—after checking the steps and yard from behind the curtains in the front rooms—Bailey was stamping her high heels free of snow and squirming out of her cashmere coat. I shut, locked and bolted the door behind her and set the perimeter alarm. She followed me into the kitchen, tossed the coat over a chair and flopped sideways into another. “You can not believe what is going on. The cops took Mary Ellen in for questioning. Right from the campaign office! They said—and I quote, ‘In connection with the murder of Hetty Gardner.’ Winters flipped out. When Jennifer tried to calm him, he slapped her hand so hard he almost ripped it off. She cowered, literally, and it didn’t seem like a new pose.”

“You didn’t go to the station with her?”

“She didn’t ask for me. I bet they use John. He’s got more experience.” She rubbed her finger across the remaining breakfast crumbs.

I brought her up to date on what I’d discovered. Each time I told it, it made more sense, except Pete’s motivation.

“Maybe Mary Ellen was paying Pete off,” she said, “or maybe she was sleeping with him, or maybe she was paying him off and sleeping with him.” She grinned.

“It’s not funny. Hetty and Hugh are dead.”

“You’re right.” She wiped her hand across the table, and my mother came back to hang up the phone. She greeted Bailey, walked to the back door, and put on her boots.

“Where are you going? We have to stay inside. I’ve even set the alarm.”

She turned it off. “I’ll only be a minute. I’ll stay on the property.” She stepped out into the cold. In her bathrobe. I cocked my head at Bailey, and she shrugged.

“Who was she talking to?”

“The chief.” I filled her in on Mother’s meeting with Gary Hankin.

“Why would Hankin talk now? Winters must have the same hold over him as always.”

“Guilt, apparently.”

“Doesn’t make sense. You sure Hankin’s not playing her?”

“She says he signed a statement.”

“Mmm.” Bailey wasn’t convinced.

I twisted to look out the back door for Mother, but she wasn’t in view. What could she be doing out there?

Bailey coiled herself forward. “Listen. Mary Ellen isn’t doing this alone. Somehow, Andrew is behind it, and making that connection is key. If she doesn’t confess, you got nothin’.”

“Mother says she won’t confess. Why would she drag Andrew into it? He’s her reason for living. Do you think she’ll confess?”

Bailey went sideways in her chair again, crossed her legs. “No way. She’ll take the bullet for him.”

“Of course, she is crazy, so maybe she did do it all by herself, thinking Andrew would reward her, or she’d be the power behind the throne, or whatever.” I shook my head. I told her about the boy who’d defied Andrew and ended up in the hospital when his car crashed. “He’s the sort of man who would pimp his sister to the highest bidder to get into office.”

“You’re babbling.”

“I know. I think I need a glass of wine.” I stood and crossed to the wine rack.

“Oh yeah, that’s going to help—but while you’re up…” She gestured that I should bring her a glass, too. “Who’s your weak spot?”

I took the bottle to the counter where I could see out the window. Mother was nowhere in sight. I put down the corkscrew and went to the door. I could feel Pete out there, like a prickle at the ends of my fingertips. Kyle had said there was a dirty cop.

Bailey persisted, oblivious to my concern. “Who’s the person most likely to give if you press on them? The one who has the information you need?”

“Is this how lawyers think?”

“All the time. C’mon, Clara. Who knows what’s going on inside the Winters clan?”

I turned and breathed it out in a