Down and Dead in Dallas by Vicki Hinze

Author:Vicki Hinze [Hinze, Vicki]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-939016-18-8
Publisher: Vicki Hinze

Chapter 21

Jackson got an issue phone from Darby, then retreated to his room to phone Dr. Nell.

The call rolled over into her voice mail. After the beep, he left a message. “Nell, it’s Jackson. I’m out of pocket, but I need to talk to you about C. B.” Not knowing who might overhear the message, he avoided using Caroline’s name. “There’s been a development. I’ll phone again this evening. Don’t call me back on this number.”

He hoped Nell followed those instructions. If not, he’d have to burn the issue phone and go to Darby for another one.

Stowing the phone in his dresser drawer, he headed downstairs. Mr. Jenkins and Lester stood talking quietly near the front door, and then Mr. Jenkins departed. It was good he’d been delayed, not that it would take much effort to follow him closely enough to see where he went. Mr. Jenkins was getting up there in years, and he was dressed in his typical suit and tie, which meant he’d be scorching hot and slow moving on his walk to the village. The bulge in his pocket confirmed it: a bottle of water.

“Jackson!” Lester spotted him and his delight had his leathery face crinkling. “Spitwads and fudgesicles.” He hurried toward the stairs. “It’s good to see you, son.”

Jackson grinned and hustled down to the foot of the stairs. He hugged Lester hard. “How are you doing, Lester?”

“I’m good.” He pulled back and clapped Jackson’s shoulder. “Better now that I can see you with my own eyes.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“Is all well in Dallas?”

“No complaints.” Jackson inquired about Lester, his health, and how long he’d be staying at the Park, then he worked around to asking about Mr. Jenkins. “He’s being awfully secretive this morning.”

“He’s got a meeting.” Lester dropped his voice low. “Not that it’ll do any good, but if you see fireworks coming from Caroline’s cottage, you’ll know things didn’t work out like the woman hoped.” Lester shook his head. “She ought to have the good sense to leave other people’s business to ‘em but apparently even with what’s happened to her, she ain’t.”

“Miss Emily says she’s reclaiming her personal power.” That had stunned Jackson. He hadn’t picked up on any signs she felt she’d lost it. “What exactly is she doing in this meeting with Mr. Jenkins?”

“I ain’t sure exactly. But whatever it is, it’s bound to blow up in her face.”

“I’m supposed to meet her at noon.” Jackson grimaced. “Guess I’d better get there a little early.”

“I’d say soonest might be smartest, son.” Lester shrugged. “I’d come as backup, but I’m kind of eager to watch the fireworks.”

The fireworks weren’t scheduled until dusk—for Little Independence Day.

“Not those fireworks,” Lester dropped his voice. “The fireworks at Caroline’s.”

That worried Jackson. “Everybody knows she’s got this memory thing going on. Surely Mr. Jenkins won’t risk pushing her. That could cause—“

Lester snorted. “Since when does Jenkins not push everyone on everything?”

Jackson’s gaze collided with Lester’s, and he nodded. “I’d better get over there.”

“Like I said, son.

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