Secrets Among the Cedars (Intertwined Book 2) (12 page)

A sun-baked man in overalls and a soiled white T-shirt climbed out from underneath the tractor and called to the dogs. He removed a green can from his back pocket and loaded his jaw up with what looked like tobacco, then returned the can to the pocket with a shove. He hollered at the dogs, and they ran into the crawlspace underneath the house. Hopefully, this man would lead her right to the weapon.

Kathryn straightened her sundress and slipped her sunglasses onto the top of her head. She reached her hand out to the grubby farmer, his brawny hand swallowing hers. "Mr. Ballew? I'm Kathryn Bellamy, Assistant District Attorney for Perkins County, Georgia. We spoke earlier on the phone."

He eyed Phil and wiped his neck with a blue bandana. "Howdy. You didn't say nothin' on the phone about bringin' nobody out here with ya."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Ballew. I had some car trouble back there on 24, and my friend came to help. He followed me here to make sure I didn't have any more trouble."

Mr. Ballew scratched his stubbly chin. "Mmhm, well, I don't 'xactly like the thought of talkin' in front of him."

Kathryn held up her right hand. "I understand. He's okay though. You can trust him. This is—"

Phil stepped forward, but Mr. Ballew retreated. "I know 'xactly who he is. And that's why I ain't comfortable talkin' with him around."

Kathryn held her hand up to push Phil toward his SUV, but Phil stepped closer to Mr. Ballew. "Excuse me, sir. You know who I am?"

The man nodded. "Yep, I do. You's one of those guys from New York."

Phil locked his knees and shoved his hands into his pockets. A less forceful posture might work with this simple farmer. "Yes, I am from New York originally, but I live in Cedar Key now."

"Yeah, I know you do. You belong to that family. I—I ain't gonna talk with him around, miss."

Kathryn stepped closer to him and folded her hands in front of her. What did he know about Phil? If this man didn't trust him, should she? "Please, Mr. Ballew. I need to know what you know. I'll have him wait in the car." She glanced in Phil's direction and begged with her eyes.

"No, if you're associated with him, I'm not gonna talk to you neither."

Kathryn's heartbeat pounded in her head and threatened to explode out her ears. How had her budding trust in Phil turned into uncertainty in a matter of minutes? Trusting others had always proven to be a mistake. Was it going to happen this time too?

Phil rocked on the balls of his feet. "Sir, what family are you talking about?"

"The ones who keep murderin' people and breakin' arms and legs. No way I'm gettin' myself in the middle of things."

So he did know the Ezzo family. "Mr. Ballew, I can subpoena you for court if I have to. I really don't think you want me to do that. Do you?"

He swatted a fly and shook his head. "No, no, I don't. Listen, his family is bad news." He pointed at Phil.

"But I'm not, sir. I'm a former attorney and a private investigator. I am here to help her put the bad guys in jail permanently."

"Even if they's your family?"

"Even if they are my family, yes."

Mr. Ballew tightened his overall straps and scratched his chin again. "Two guys came down here with a gun that supposedly was used to kill a couple of people in Georgia. They hid it on the property of someone they know."

"You don't know any names?" This case was like a mosquito bite that wouldn't stop itching. Kathryn wouldn't be satisfied until she solved it.

"No, ma'am. That's all I know."

"Okay, I see." She tapped her chin. "Would it change your story if I told you your name was in the file?"

"Uh…"

"You apparently talked with investigators when they came down here trying to locate the weapon. It's reported that you claimed the evidence was washed away. Now you're saying it was hidden on someone's property. Which is it, Mr. Ballew?"

"Uh, well, I don't rightly know."

"Where did you get your information? Did someone threaten you not to talk to the police?"

He rubbed his chin again. "I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend. Ya know? Like that old song from the 80s. It's just a rumor, I guess. Shoot, this town and Cedar Key are too friendly for something like that to go on." He kicked at the dirt with his right boot.

He was going to try to change his story to get out of testifying against the Ezzo family. Understandable, but not acceptable. "Mr. Ballew, I beg you to tell me what you know. Please, just a hint. Today, someone slashed the tires on my car." She pointed behind her at her car. "I almost wrecked on the way here. I could've been killed. I've received threats ever since I've been here. This place isn't as nice as you'd like to think it is."

"Well, I—"

"You wouldn't want a little old thing like me to fall into any trouble, would you? I'm just as innocent as you are. And my friend here, he's innocent too." At least she hoped he was. "We want to put these guys away."

Phil held his hands out to Mr. Ballew. "Sir, please tell her what you know."

Mr. Ballew narrowed his eyes into slits and moved his gaze back and forth from Kathryn's face to Phil's face. He spit brown juice from his mouth onto the ground and wiped his chin with his bandana then scratched his balding head and whistled. "Lordy, Lordy, why does trouble always find its way to me? I try to work hard. I go to church almost every Sunday. And still, trouble always finds me."

Kathryn wiped the sweat from beneath her eyes. "How do you think I feel, Mr. Ballew?" She was no different from this man. Innocent, yet wrapped up in something ugly. Except she didn’t go to church. But neither one of them deserved this trouble.

Phil reached his arm around Kathryn's shoulder and drew her close to him. "Please, sir."

He threw his hands up in the air and turned a few circles before facing them again. "Okay, the man you need to talk to runs the grocery in Cedar Key."

Kathryn laughed. "Already tried that. He won't talk to me."

"Of course he won't. He knows what's good for him. But he knows the man that hid the gun. Now I ain't tellin' you no more."

"Thank you, Mr. Ballew. You've been very helpful." Kathryn waved to him, and she and Phil returned to their cars.

Phil widened his eyes. "Wow, that was intense."

As Mr. Ballew slid back underneath his tractor and the dogs ran out from under the house to join him, Kathryn opened her car door. "I'm shaking."

"I'll follow you back to the condo and help you get your things. I'm going to put you in one of my rental properties. You'll be safer there."

Kathryn knotted her brow. "There's no need to do that, Phil. I'm sure I'll be safe."

"Kathryn, I won't hear of it. Someone, probably my cousins, slashed your tires. In your driveway. I can’t believe they didn’t go flat sooner or even shred while you were driving.”

“I think they only partially punctured them so I would have time to get further away and would be caught out alone and vulnerable.”

“Exactly.” Phil emphasized his meaning with bulging eyes. “All the more reason you need to be somewhere else for the next few days. Or you need to return home."

"We'll talk about it when we get there." Kathryn climbed into her car and followed Phil back to the condo. On the way, her heart squeezed with worry for Sadie. Was she safe? When she left earlier, she had no way of knowing her tires had been slashed and no need to fear for Sadie's safety. The thirty-minute ride back to the condo felt like the road trip from home to Cedar Key. She couldn’t get there fast enough.

Kathryn closed her eyes for a brief moment. "Please keep Sadie safe."

Who was she talking to? God? She'd never cried out to him before, that she remembered. Would He watch over Sadie until she returned? He'd watched over her so far. Kathryn turned up the radio and let the soothing inspirational tunes ease her concern.

Chapter Twelve

Phil pulled in behind Kathryn and hopped out of his SUV before she could get out of her car. He pushed his shoulders back and scanned the property with eyes that normally portrayed joy. Kathryn smiled at the protectiveness that oozed from him. He'd proven his trustworthiness to her. Enough so that she could give up her quest for justice and let the Ezzo case solve itself. That's how much she wanted to spend the next few days getting to know Phil better.

Phil returned from around the back of the condo, pushing his way through the palm trees that lined the side of the building, and gave her the okay sign. Kathryn shut her car door and together they went inside, where Sadie greeted them by jumping in the air and licking their hands.

"You're safe!" Kathryn bent to receive love from her baby.

Phil walked down the hall to the bedrooms and returned with a nod. "I'm glad Sadie is safe. Looks like everything's in order here. I feared my cousins would've ransacked the place while you were gone."

"Me too. That's why I brought everything that was important with me—everything but Sadie." She held up her laptop bag. "See, everything's safe, and I'm safe here."

Phil shook his head and turned up the left corner of his mouth. "Let's examine the evidence, counselor. Exhibit one: a threatening note. Exhibit two: a threatening phone call. Exhibit three: your tires were slashed while your car sat out in the drive. You're not safe here. I'm going to have to take you into protective custody."

The tone in his voice sent shivers of delight down her spine. She could get used to having Phil as her security guard. "Oh, you are, are you?"

"Yep." Phil took Kathryn's laptop bag from her hands and put it on the sofa. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist. She draped her arms around his neck. Her legs trembled, and she had to pull all her strength together to remain standing. Phil captured her into a hug, tucked his chin, and placed his cheek against hers. "I want to keep you safe, and I haven't felt this way about anyone in...well, ever."

She pressed her cheek against his. He smelled like coconuts and pineapple. The sweet scent flooded her mind, bringing her back to their picnic on the beach. "Thank you."

Phil released Kathryn and leaned against the bar with his hands in his pockets. "Let me put you in one of my rentals."

Kathryn pointed out the sliding glass door and pouted. "But the sunsets."

"You're as stubborn as they come, A.D.A. Bellamy. With that attitude and determination, you'll make it as far as you want to go. But I'm not taking no for an answer on this one. I'll put you in a unit that's private and has the best view of the sunset in all of Cedar Key."

"I'm not sure I can afford that."

"I wasn't going to charge you. However, I could use your help on a project."

"What's that?"

"I'm in the process of repainting the bedrooms and bathrooms in the unit. You interested in assisting me?"

Kathryn smiled and nodded at the idea of working as a team with him on something other than the case. "I'd love to help! We can try to figure out where the weapon is while we work."

"You're hopeless." Phil shoved his hands onto his hips.

"Yeah, I know, but I feel like we're so close now. After meeting with Mr. Ballew, I know that gun is here."

"One thing's for sure: you must be on to something or my cousins wouldn't bother with you."

"Exactly!"

"Then let's pack your bags and get you over to the other place." He looked at his watch. "I'm getting hungry for dinner. I'd like to take you to get some seafood."

"I'd like that." Kathryn hooked Sadie up to her leash and walked her to the sliding glass door.

Phil asked,
"Are you ready to go to dinner now, or do you want me to give you time to pack?"

Kathryn stood at the back door and extended Sadie's leash so she could go outside alone. "If you don't mind coming back in about thirty minutes?"

Phil pulled his keys out of his front pocket. He rotated the keys on the ring until he found the one he was looking for then he removed the key and placed it on the bar. "Here's the key to the house. I'll text you the address. It's probably best if we don't head over there together anyway."

"Why?" Kathryn ducked her head out through the door and clicked to Sadie.

"I don't want Drew to find out I moved you. He obviously knows where you're staying now. I don't want him to know I know you."

"Good point." Sadie ran into the condo. When Kathryn unleashed her, she ran to Phil and begged. Kathryn laughed. "She wants her treat."

"Where are they?"

"In the puppy paw jar by the sink."

Phil opened the jar and gave a biscuit to Sadie. "I'll call Drew and find out where he and Barney are. I'll text you and let you know it's okay to go on over. Then I'll come get you for dinner." Phil winked at Kathryn and stepped out onto the porch.

Kathryn danced on her tiptoes to the bedroom to pack her bags, Sadie on her heels. Phil had held her so close, close enough to kiss her. Yet he’d held back. He was a true gentleman. Maybe too much of a gentleman. She giggled.

#

Phil flipped through his mail from the swing facing the canal. The greenish-brown brackish water lapped against the tree-lined shore, boats trolled to their docks after a day out at sea. Instead of the estuary's usual smell of sea grass and algae, dread filled the air as he waited for Drew to answer his phone. Thankfully, he hadn't been waiting for him when he returned from Kathryn's.

The ringing stopped and Phil straightened, tossing the mail on the swing beside him.

"What?"

"Well, hello to you too, Drew."

"Did you call Uncle Louie?"

Phil grabbed his forehead. He'd forgotten to call. When Kathryn called for help, he'd dropped everything and gone to her rescue. "No, I didn't get the chance. I'll call tomorrow. I doubt they'll bring him to the phone though."

"You're trying to get out of it. Aren't you?"

"Drew, I told you I'd call. I'm a man of my word."

"You've yet to prove that."

"I'll call tomorrow. When are you headed home?"

"I've got one more visit to pay to the D.A. and then I'll go. Barney is staying until she goes back to Perkins County."

"So you met her?"

"Not exactly."

"What do you mean?" Phil paced the porch.

"I sent her a message to mind her business."

Phil knew enough about what Drew had done, and he didn't want the details. "Don't tell me. I don't want to know. The more unapprised I am of your actions, the better." He squeezed the back of his neck and leaned against the railing. Drew had no conscience. He didn't care who he hurt as long as he achieved his goal.

What if the slashed tires had caused Kathryn to wreck? What if she'd died out on Highway 24? Phil would have nothing but his speculation and no proof that his cousins had been responsible.
Thank You, Lord, for keeping Kathryn safe.

"Phil!"

"Sorry. Look, I've got to go. Where are you now?"

"I'm at the yacht club. Barney went clamming with a group of locals."

"Clamming?"

"Yeah, something he's always wanted to do apparently."

"Let me know when you leave. And take Barney with you."

"He won't go until she goes."

"I'm going to call him. He needs to leave her alone. She's just a woman and probably won't find what she's looking for."

"You seem awful certain of that. Maybe I should get you to take care of her and not Barney."

Phil stepped into the house and dropped on to the sofa. Should he tell Drew he'd take responsibility for getting Kathryn out of Cedar Key so they'd leave her alone?

"Yeah that's a great idea, Phil. Why don't you convince her to leave the case alone?" he snorted.

"I know what you mean by convince, and I'm not the guy for that. But I'll tell you what I will do."

"What's that?"

"I'll call Perkins County tomorrow and see what I can find out. Then I'll call Louie." After Phil hung up with Drew, he sent Kathryn a text that he'd pick her up in fifteen minutes.

#

Kathryn gripped Sadie's leash as she unlocked the door to Phil's rental. The last thing she needed was for Sadie to rush in and break something. She walked through the foyer and before she made it ten steps into the home, she gasped.

The blue two-story stucco possessed vaulted ceilings with windows from floor to ceiling along the back wall, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, and ceramic tile floors throughout the downstairs. Oil paintings of ocean scenes hung on the walls in the living area, and oversized tan leather furniture waited for her to make herself comfortable. The place screamed opulence.

"Sadie, I'm not sure we're fit to stay here. We might mess this place up." Sadie woofed as if she knew what she'd said, and Kathryn laughed.

She took Sadie off her leash then explored the rest of the five-bedroom dream home. She meandered through the downstairs and upstairs rooms until she found her way back to the two-story living area and to the back porch, which overlooked Daughtry Bayou. She opened the paneled glass door and sucked in the Gulf breeze—hot and healing. A small plane took off from the runway behind the house and joined the pelicans and seagulls in the pale-blue sky, blotted with the occasional cloud.

Kathryn's phone chimed and interrupted her bliss. She unlocked the screen and pressed the messaging button.

I'm in the drive.

She didn't mind the interruption from Phil, and she appreciated his advanced warning instead of knocking on the door and scaring her. She bounced on her toes and turned away from the view. "Sadie, Phil's here!" Sadie turned in circles and whined. Kathryn returned to the front door. "I'll be right back. I’m going to get my things." She shut the door behind her and waved at Phil from the porch.

He stood beside his SUV with his keys in his hands, sunglasses covering his eyes. Were they smiling as usual behind the shades? "Is the place okay?"

Kathryn's heart begged to leap out of her chest and right into Phil's hands. "Okay? It's perfect. I'm almost afraid to stay here. I might mess something up."

"Nonsense.”

“Do you think Sadie will be okay? She doesn’t normally mess things up, but I’m a little nervous with her being left in a new place without me.”

“She’ll be fine. If she messes anything up, it can be replaced. I mean, she’d not a furniture eater, right?”

“No, she’s not.” Kathryn’s chest warmed. Phil’s generosity had no end.

“You ready for some seafood?"

Kathryn tried to control the tingling that dashed throughout her body as she bounded down the stairs toward him. "Yep! Let me get my things into the house first." She popped the trunk and grabbed her grocery bags and laptop bag.

Phil reached into the trunk for her luggage.

"Thanks for helping me unload and for letting me stay here. The house truly is amazing and the view is gorgeous. No trees to block the sunsets."

"I know. It's one of my favorites. My grandparents used to stay here before they bought the other properties. Then they bought this one. When Grandpa died, Grandma stayed in a bungalow until my folks made her move back to New York."

Kathryn opened the door, and Phil followed her into the house. "What happened to the bungalow?"

"My parents own it. They stay there whenever they come for a visit. Pops doesn’t come much because he says there’s nothing to do here in Cedar Key and he thinks I abandoned the family, but Ma comes a few times a year now that Grandma is gone."

“She comes alone?”

“Sure. She loves the shops and the locals, loves to spend time at the library and read. There’s a quilt shop she goes to too. I don’t know if she’s making a quilt or if she just likes to hang out with those ladies.”

"That’s neat that she doesn’t mind traveling alone. My mom rarely goes anywhere now that she doesn’t have Dad as a travel partner. I'm sorry for your loss, by the way."

"Thanks." On the way down the stairs and to Phil’s SUV, Phil stopped.

Kathryn halted too. “What is it?” She focused her gaze on the street. Hopefully, Phil hadn’t spotted one of his cousins.

“I just thought of somewhere the gun might be.”

Kathryn grabbed Phil’s forearm. “Where?”

“It’s a longshot, but there’s an old cemetery about five minutes from here over on Gulf Blvd. You said the guy in the store said something about buried secrets. I didn’t even think about an actual cemetery.”

“Can we go?” Kathryn clapped her hands. Who cares if she looked like a child?

“Sure. I’m willing to search anywhere.”

“Now?” She batted her eyelashes. What was happening to her professional demeanor? She’d transformed into more of a woman since she’d been here than she’d ever been.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“Yes, but I want to find that gun. If we wait until after we eat, it will be getting late. I’m not going to get stuck in an old cemetery at dark.”