A Counsel of Death by Alexa Padgett

Author:Alexa Padgett [Cagney, J.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sidecar Press, LLC via Indie Author Project

21

Sam

Those who trust us educate us.

― George Eliot

* * *

Sam blasted the air conditioner, which seemed anemic against the heat-soaked car upholstery, roads, and buildings.

“I don’t know how people stand this heat,” he muttered.

“It’s not as if Santa Fe’s without hundred-degree weather,” Jeannette said.

“Still the exception rather than the rule, and I hope it stays that way. It’s September—and this weather feels like June.” He curled his lip.

“Why do I suspect it’s not the weather that’s bothering you?” she asked, but he didn’t respond. “You want Frank to be innocent,” she said after a moment. “I get it. For Cici’s sake, I hope Frank isn’t a criminal.”

“But?”

“But…he’s slick. A lawyer. Which means that he knows what to say and how to evade questions.”

“Maybe KaraLynn will be more forthcoming.”

“You’ve met her before, right? Before this week, I mean.”

Sam nodded. He turned onto the highway and headed toward the large parcels of jewel-bright lawns and large pools with equally large homes.

“She and Frank came out for the holidays one year and for Anna Carmen’s engagement party.”

Jeannette’s brows drew together. “And the funeral?”

“No. She said it was a family affair.”

Jeannette grumbled a curse as she crossed her arms over her chest.

They pulled into the entrance to one of the largest homes, topiary and statuary lining the cobbles. The house’s large and ornate exterior loomed over them as Sam drove up the circular driveway and turned off the vehicle. This was the type of house Sam’s father would appreciate. To Sam, the opulence reminded him of a mausoleum, no matter the warm, earthy tones and charming red tile roof. He shook his head at the gem-green patch of lawn next to the Spanish-style mansion.

“Such a waste of water,” he muttered.

Jeannette chuckled. “I have to admit, Santa Fe’s lack of lawn grew on me, especially after I learned grass is the largest irrigated crop in the country.” She lifted her hand and waved it toward the yard. “That shouldn’t be here. In a hundred years or whatever, someone’s going to be all Mad Maxing it, wishing they had some water and cursing the rich assholes who wasted it on St. Augustine.”

Sam chuckled. “You’re feisty.”

She shrugged. “I don’t like assholes.”

This Sam knew, which was one of the reasons he was glad Jeannette was on his side—at least currently. He had no doubt she’d pledge her allegiance back to Bresdeen if it would save her from losing her badge and serving time; she’d basically told him that earlier.

He exited the car and waited for her to join him. Jeannette stepped out, and her blazer seemed to wilt against her frame. Sam was sure his did the same, but he shifted his shoulders and buttoned it.

“Ready to meet the other half of Scottsdale’s former power couple?”

“I don’t really have a choice,” she said in a grumpy voice.

They climbed up the imposing steps to the thick wooden door studded with wrought iron and inlaid with tiny pieces of glass.

“A freaking fortress for a door,” Jeannette said.

She wasn’t wrong.

KaraLynn opened the door, her shocked expression morphing into annoyance.

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