Wicked Reunion Page 10

  “Yes.”

  “Well, if anyone wants to believe that, more power to them. I happen to agree that Ivy is magical. I don’t really care what others say. As for our picnic, there was no mounting. There was, however, a great deal of information shared ... including the fact that Archibald followed Ivy this afternoon.”

  Brian stiffened, his eyes going wide. “I’m going to need more information than that.”

  Jack filled his partner in, leaving nothing out. When he was finished, Brian was absolutely flabbergasted.

  “I don’t even know what to say.” The older detective pressed the heel of his hand to his forehead. “What is he thinking?”

  “I don’t know, but I don’t like it. I think I need to have a talk with him.”

  Brian immediately started shaking his head. “That’s a terrible idea.”

  “Ivy is going to be my wife.” Jack refused to back down. “That means it’s my job to protect her.”

  Brian’s eye roll was pronounced. “Oh, well, here we go.”

  Jack ignored the sarcasm. “I’m being serious. That man is a menace. More importantly, he’s a threat to her. I won’t simply sit back and let him hurt her.”

  “We don’t know that he intends to hurt her,” Brian cautioned. “All we know is that he’s being rather aggressive when it comes to chasing his leads.”

  “Rather aggressive?” Jack was beside himself. “He’s being a lot more than that. I mean ... a lot more. I don’t trust him. He actually told her that he believes I was having an affair with Bethany and that Ivy was in on the shooting. That means he believes I was the shooter and she placed herself as the witness.”

  Brian’s expression reflected shock. “I hadn’t actually put that together yet,” he admitted after a beat. “I don’t know what to say. I just ... do you really think he would go that far?”

  Jack hesitated before answering. Ultimately he decided it was the moment of truth and he had no choice but to answer honestly. “I’ve done some digging with a little help from John Winters. He’s that state trooper we met when dealing with the Amy situation.”

  “I remember him,” Brian said, his brow wrinkling. “Why did you call him?”

  “Because we both know that internal investigations up here are conducted by outside departments, and usually the state police rather than the county boys because they have more resources. Also, Archibald was with the state police for a few years before being transferred back to Bellaire.”

  “Oh, that was smart.” Brian wiggled his finger. “That was really smart. Did he have anything?”

  “Yeah. He gave me a few things, including the fact that Archibald has been formally reprimanded no less than ten times. If he’s been taken down that many times on paper, how many other instances do you think were allowed to slide?”

  “I get what you’re saying.” Brian chose his words carefully. He didn’t like Archibald any more than his partner did and was convinced things were going to get worse before they got better. That didn’t mean he was keen on jumping to conclusions. “We don’t know his intentions, though. From where he’s standing, it’s possible that he simply thinks Ivy is acting suspicious. I mean ... she is Ivy.”

  Jack’s temper flared. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Just that she does weird crap sometimes. It sounds like she was questioning the victim’s neighbors today. That might’ve come off as weird to someone who doesn’t know her.”

  “I don’t care.” Jack refused to back down. “I don’t like the way this guy is acting toward my girl. I’m not okay with any of it. I don’t trust him ... and I’m going to protect her.”

  “If you go after him now and warn him away, that’s only going to convince him further that you have something to hide.” Brian opted to be practical. “You know that as well as I do. You have to stay above board on this one. It’s the only way to convince this guy that he’s on the wrong track.”

  “I don’t think it matters what we try to convince this guy of,” Jack argued. “He’s going to believe Ivy is guilty no matter what because he’s already convinced himself that it’s true.”

  “Maybe, but ... .”

  “There’s no maybe.” Jack’s temper came out to play. “I know it. I feel it. I won’t let him hurt her.”

  “I’m not saying that you should sit back and do nothing,” Brian said hurriedly. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. You have to be smart, though. If you go after him, it’s only going to set him off. You have to be proactive about protecting Ivy while taking a step back and letting this guy think he doesn’t worry you. That’s the way to play this.”

  Jack opened his mouth to argue but some of what Brian said made sense to him. “I don’t know that I can let it go forever, but you’re right. If he follows her again, though, I’m saying something. She doesn’t deserve to be terrorized in that manner.”

  “I think that’s only fair.”

  “Good. Since we don’t have anything else going, I figured we might be able to dig in a little bit and see what we can find ... just under the radar. We obviously don’t want Archibald to know that we’re digging.”

  “Obviously not,” Brian agreed. “I think our focus should be the files from Winters. As for the rest ... there’s no way we can investigate the attempted murder of someone in a different town without drawing attention to ourselves. I honestly think we’re going to have to leave that for the Bellaire Police Department.”

  “Even though certain prominent members are trying to frame my fiancée?”

  Brian bobbed his head. “Yes. We can’t push ourselves into this investigation until they cross a line.”

  “He followed her today.”

  “And we both know he’ll argue that she’s a material witness and he had every right to follow her. We’re going to need more than that.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like whatever we can uncover in the files Winters is supplying us with. We need to start there. I think that’s our best bet.”

  Jack happened to agree, although he was petulant about it. “Fine ... but if he follows her again, I’m ripping his head off.”

  “That sounds more than fair.”

  IVY WENT BACK TO THE NURSERY because it seemed like the thing to do. Michael was more than capable of running the business — and Ivy paid her father well to step in and help — but it was ultimately her responsibility and she didn’t want to shirk her duties.

  “How is Dorian?” Michael asked when he realized she was back. “Did things go okay with him and Felicity?”

  The question made Ivy smile. Everybody in the family loved Felicity and worried about her welfare, Michael included. “She was fine,” Ivy reassured him. “In fact, they seemed better than fine. She essentially kicked me out of the store in less than five minutes.”

  Michael chuckled, genuinely amused. “That’s good. I always liked Dorian.”

  “Yeah. He seems nice.” Ivy was distracted but forced herself to focus on something other than her predicament with Archibald. “Do you think she’s been pining for him this entire time?”

  Michael wasn’t opposed to gossip but he hesitated. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “I certainly hope not. It makes me sad to think about her longing for love that way. The truth is, though, I never considered it. I just assumed she was okay. Recent developments have me thinking otherwise.”

  He wasn’t the only one drowning in guilt, Ivy internally acknowledged. “The atmosphere kind of sparked around them,” she offered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they started dating one another again.”

  “If I remember correctly, the atmosphere sparked between you and Jack from the start as well. I take that as a good sign.”

  “Oh, yeah? How come?”

  “Because Phyllis Zimmerman was just here and she said you and Jack were rolling around in the town square with your lips glued together. She was horrified, by the way. She says the town square is not a brothel.”

  Ivy’s mouth dropped open,
mortification washing over her. “We were not rolling around. We were having a picnic.”

  “Were your lips glued together?”

  “No.”

  Michael folded his arms over his chest and waited.

  “Maybe a little,” she acknowledged after a beat. “It wasn’t a big deal, though. We were kind of making up.”

  “Do I even want to know what you two are fighting over these days?” he complained. “I mean ... seriously, Ivy, it’s like you two get off on arguing with one another.” When she didn’t immediately respond, he narrowed his eyes. “I’m your father. You’re supposed to deny that’s what you’re doing.”

  Ivy snickered, genuinely amused. “If you don’t want an honest answer then you shouldn’t ask the question. As for the arguing ... .” She broke off, her eyes moving to a blonde heading in their direction. She didn’t look like a normal customer. In fact, she looked like the exact opposite. “Do you recognize her?”

  Michael shook his head. “No. Should I?”

  “I don’t know.” For some reason, Ivy felt uneasy. She took a moment to study the other vehicles in the parking lot, but nothing stood out. Because she considered herself a conscientious business owner, she plastered a smile on her face for the woman’s benefit as she approached. “Welcome. Is there anything specific you’re looking for?”

  The woman looked between Michael and Ivy for a beat before focusing on the pink-haired witch. “Are you Ivy Morgan?”

  It was a direct question, but Ivy found she was reticent to answer. “Um ... .”

  “I’m Michael Morgan,” her father interjected, drawing the woman’s attention to him. “Can I help you with something?”

  “No. I need Ivy Morgan. She was present when my sister was shot yesterday and I want to talk to her.”

  The admission was enough to loosen Ivy’s tongue. “I’m Ivy Morgan,” she said hurriedly, taking a step forward. “What can I do for you?”

  The woman gave Ivy a long once-over and then extended her hand. “I’m Madison Parker. Bethany is my sister. I got your name from the detective investigating her shooting.”

  Instantly, Ivy’s stomach sank. “Oh, um ... .”

  “How is your sister doing?” Michael queried, smoothly taking over the conversation. He could sense his daughter’s distress ... and he didn’t like it. Ivy was usually good with customers. She was never one to back away from a potentially difficult conversation. Today, however, she seemed unsure of herself.

  “She’s in the hospital,” Madison replied, flashing a wan smile for Michael’s benefit. “They think she’s going to be okay. Thank you for asking.” Her eyes flicked back to Ivy. “I know this probably seems weird to you — and if I were in your position, I would be uncomfortable, too — but I just wanted to thank you.”

  Ivy was taken aback. “Thank me? For what?”

  “You saved my sister’s life. That’s the report I got from the paramedics at least. They said you applied pressure to her wound and took care of her until they could get to her. I wanted to thank you for that.”

  “I really didn’t do anything,” Ivy argued sheepishly. “I just sat with her until the paramedics arrived. I was in too much shock to do anything else.”

  “Still, I want to thank you.” Madison reached out and grabbed Ivy’s hand without invitation, giving it a hard squeeze. “My sister is important to me. She’s not perfect or anything, but I can’t imagine losing her. I really want to thank you for being with her. When she wakes up, I hope you’ll stop by so she can thank you herself.”

  “That’s not really necessary.”

  “But it is.”

  Ivy forced a smile because it seemed like the response Madison was looking for. “I’ll do my best ... although, I was under the impression she wasn’t doing well.” Ivy blurted out the words before she thought better of it. “My understanding was that she was in grave condition.”

  “Actually she’s doing a lot better than she was,” Madison countered. “She’s not out of the woods yet by any stretch of the imagination, but things aren’t as dire as they were when I first got notification.” Madison dragged a hand through her hair and Ivy couldn’t help focusing on the circles under her eyes. “You’ll have to excuse how I look. I spent the night at the hospital and I’m a little dazed and confused myself. I wanted to stop and see you today, though, so I figured that was more important than showering.”

  “I appreciate you taking the time to visit with me,” Ivy offered. “I stopped by the hospital earlier because I was looking for an update, but the detective wasn’t very forthcoming with information.”

  Madison seemed surprised. “Detective Halsey?”

  “No, Detective Archibald.”

  “Oh, him.” She didn’t bother to hide her eye roll as she offered up a dismissive wave. “Just ignore him. He’s got attitude about life. That’s what Detective Halsey told me anyway. He’s gung-ho and stuff, but he’s a real pain. He actually asked me if I thought that my sister was sleeping with your fiancé. Apparently he’s got some theory because Bethany has made some poor romantic choices over the years. Can you believe that?”

  Ivy managed to keep her composure ... but just barely. “No. That’s really weird. How does he think my fiancé met your sister?”

  “I asked him that, but he didn’t have a response. Detective Halsey told me to ignore him. If he’s bothering you, do the same. Apparently he’s the excitable sort and jumps around to every possible theory he can think of until he finds one that actually makes sense.”

  “Well, at least he’s enthusiastic,” Ivy offered lamely. “That’s something, right?”

  “It doesn’t feel like nearly enough,” Madison countered. “It doesn’t matter, though. I’m hoping when Bethany wakes up she’ll be able to tell us who shot her.”

  “He was wearing a mask,” Ivy volunteered. “She didn’t look over her shoulder. She honestly might not know. Although ... .” Ivy trailed off as she thought back on the incident. “She acted like she was in trouble when she came into the store. She was upset and asked for help. You’re probably right. She does know who did this to her.”

  “Oh, I didn’t hear she asked for help.” Madison’s voice cracked. “Did she say anything else?”

  Ivy shook her head. “No. I’m sorry. She asked for help and then suddenly he was there. It was like a scene out of a horror movie. I just stood there like an idiot because I didn’t know what to do.”

  “I don’t blame you. I’m betting anyone else would’ve reacted the same way.”

  Ivy didn’t know if she believed that, but it hardly mattered given the current circumstances. “Well, I’m glad your sister is doing better. I’ll definitely stop in to see her just as soon as she’s awake. Thank you for stopping by and giving me an update. I greatly appreciate it.”

  11

  Eleven

  Ivy was torn.

  On one hand, she and Jack had just discussed her removing herself from the investigation and playing it safe. On the other, she was bothered by two very different medical reports. Why would Archibald lie to her? The sister had no reason to lie. That meant Archibald was the one telling falsehoods. He had to have a reason.

  She thought about calling Jack and having him act as her wingman for a second assault on the hospital. It was an unfair request, though, and she recognized that. Instead, she went to the one person she knew wouldn’t turn her down ... even if he bitterly complained the entire time.

  “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Max groused as he stared at the hospital from the driver’s seat of his truck. “I mean ... seriously. Why are we here?”

  “I already told you why.” Ivy was calm to the point of being grim. “The detective investigating lied to me. He said that Bethany was circling the drain. Those were his words.”

  “He sounds like a real jerk.”

  “Oh, he is.” Ivy rolled her neck and wrinkled her nose. “I need to try and see her.”

  “And you think I’m somehow goi
ng to help you?” Max was incredulous. He’d spent the better part of his life as Ivy’s partner in crime and best friend. He was used to her whims and moods. This, however, baffled him to his very core. “I don’t think this is a good idea, Ivy.”

  “And I don’t think I asked for your opinion.” Ivy was matter-of-fact. “I just need you to find out her room number from the receptionist. She’s young. She’ll think you’re hot. It will be easy for you.”

  Max rolled his eyes. “First off, all women think I’m hot. It doesn’t matter if they’re young or old. I’m everybody’s type and proud of it.”

  Now it was Ivy’s turn to roll her eyes. “Whatever.”

  “Secondly, I don’t foresee having a problem getting the information,” he continued as if she hadn’t spoken out loud. “I’m not sure it’s a good idea for your sake, though. The fact that you enlisted me for this adventure says that you’re up to something ... and whatever that something is you’re hiding it from Jack.”

  Ivy hated being called on the carpet by her brother. “That’s absurd. Jack is working. He can’t go on an adventure with me.”

  “Really? Sid Dorsey said he saw you guys practically humping each other in the town square this afternoon. He wasn’t too busy with work to avoid that.”

  “Oh, geez.” Ivy pinched the bridge of her nose and pressed her eyes shut. “You cannot be serious. What is it with people freaking out about Jack and me having a picnic in the park? That’s a normal thing.”

  “Not if you were humping.”

  Ivy pinned him with a dark glare. “We weren’t humping! And who even says that word any longer?”

  “Sid is in his seventies. He probably says the words ‘rad’ and ‘cowabunga,’ too.” Max was bland. “I want you to be honest with me. Why am I here instead of Jack?” He was earnest enough that Ivy knew she couldn’t lie to him ... even though she really, really wanted to.

  “Okay, here’s the thing.” Ivy laid it all out for him, leaving nothing out. He’d heard part of the story before at dinner the previous evening. This time Ivy expanded on what happened and even went into great detail about Archibald’s shenanigans. “I don’t trust him, Max. He’s trying to pin this on me and lying to me at the same time. I just want to see if I can get in to see Bethany. She might be able to clear a few things up for me.”