Chapter Sixteen
Jack drove to the motel and pulled into the parking lot. He parked his cruiser and stepped into the lobby, where the same woman he had spoken with before about Phillips now stood behind the counter. Her warm smile lit up her face as she greeted him.
“Good afternoon, Deputy Lawrence,” she said in a tone that was both friendly and businesslike.
Jack raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. “You have a good memory,” he remarked, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
“I never forget a handsome face,” she replied with a broad grin.
He smirked in return. “Well, thank you. Could you tell me if Phillips checked out?”
With practiced efficiency, she began tapping at the keyboard. “Let me check for you.” After a moment, she met his gaze again. “So, are you married?”
Caught a bit off guard by the unexpected personal query, Jack replied, “No, ma’am.”
“I’m divorced. Maybe we could have dinner one evening,” she offered, her tone laced with a hint of flirtation.
Jack chuckled lightly as he responded, “I’m sorry, I’m not married, but I am involved with someone.” His smile deepened.
“Well, she’s a very lucky woman,” she said.
“I’m the lucky one,” he quipped.
Returning to business, she scanned the computer screen and said, “It looks like he checked out yesterday.”
“Do you have a home address for him?” Jack asked, leaning in slightly as his curiosity peaked.
“Uh, yes,” she replied, relaying the address that made Jack shake his head in disbelief. “That’s a fake address,” he sighed, a note of exasperation coloring his tone. “Alright. I’ll see what I can find at the office. I appreciate your time.” With a respectful nod, he touched his hat in thanks.
“You’re very welcome, and oh, if your relationship doesn’t work out, you know where to find me,” she said, her voice carrying both a suggestion and a promise.
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m hoping she’ll marry me. Have a nice day.” With that, he stepped back out to his cruiser, opened the door, climbed in, and started the engine. As he drove out of the parking lot, he headed back to the office.
After parking, Jack entered the building and took the elevator up to his floor. He strode through the corridor and into the offices, heading straight for his desk. He removed his hat, hung it on the rack, sat down, and powered up his computer. The sterile hum of the office was punctuated by his focused determination as he searched for the attorney’s name supplied by Randi’s grandparents.
“Jack? How’s Randi?”
Jack glanced up to see Logan standing beside his desk.
“She’s doing well. I appreciate you asking, Logan.”
“Sure. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Logan nodded, then walked back to his desk.
Only armed with a name and a location, Jack typed the details into the search bar. Almost immediately, the law firm’s name appeared on the screen, along with the contact information he needed. He reached for the receiver on his desk phone and placed a call.
After a few rings, a pleasant feminine voice answered, “Banks, Merriman, Dayne, and Walston Law Firm, how may I direct your call?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m Deputy Jack Lawrence with the Clifton County Sheriff’s Department in Montana, and I need to speak with Mr. Banks,” Jack explained in a clear, professional tone.
“Please hold,” she said, and put him on hold.
A few minutes later, a voice came on the line. “Deputy Lawrence, this is Lloyd Banks. How can I help you?”
“I need Colin Phillips’ address, please,” Jack said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.
“May I ask why?” Banks inquired, his voice tingeing with both curiosity and concern.
Jack briefly explained the situation and the urgency of his investigation. “I see. That young man is nothing but trouble. I can give you the address since he isn’t my client, but just a warning, Deputy, that man is very unstable,” Banks cautioned.
“Can you tell me why he and his stepmother didn’t get along?” Jack pressed, seeking to piece together the puzzle.
“He never liked her, and—” Banks began, his voice heavy with a pained resignation, before he drew in a deep sigh. “He used to beat her without a second thought. He never respected her at all. I remember when his father caught him forcefully punching Mrs. Phillips during a heated moment, sparking a fierce, erupting argument. That very incident, as tumultuous as it was, eventually drove Fritz to suffer a heart attack.”
“Damn it. So, Mrs. Phillips left him only a partial inheritance?” Jack guessed, his tone interwoven with a blend of understanding and incredulity.
“Exactly,” Banks confirmed with a grim nod. “For causing Fritz’s heart attack and for the abuse she endured.”
“I can’t say I blame her,” Jack murmured thoughtfully.
“Even though she left him an inheritance, it wasn’t even close to what he would have gotten. And when he discovered that Ms. Guthrie inherited almost everything, it only fueled his anger further.”
Jack continued, his voice low and reflective, “So, he had a copy of the will?”
“Yes,” Banks replied. “Most copies are mailed out to everyone mentioned. Unfortunately, I wasn’t provided with the correct addresses. It wasn’t until recently that I finally opened the letter Mrs. Phillips had entrusted to me. There were also two other letters. One for her parents and her daughter. The instructions were explicit, to open the one for me, three months after her passing, and make sure her parents and daughter get the other letters. I believe she had an inkling of what Colin was capable of and took careful precautions to protect her daughter and parents from him.”
“Well, that plan didn’t work too well. He told her he wanted the money that was rightfully his.”
“I firmly believe that if Mrs. Phillips had died first, Colin still wouldn’t have gotten the money. His father had reached the end of his rope with him. He’d been in a boarding school and caused so much trouble that they kicked him out,” Banks replied softly, his tone laden with regret and empathy. “I truly hope Ms. Guthrie will be alright.”
“Yes, she’ll make a full recovery,” Jack reassured, though his voice carried the persistent weight of the case. “But now, we’re at a loss trying to track down Phillips. We have no clue where he might be. He checked out of the motel, which I figured he would.”
After a pause that seemed to stretch on with tense anticipation, Banks provided Jack with an address. “I highly doubt he’s at that location. He must know you’re on his trail. Hold on one second,” Banks said, placing Jack on hold. Jack listened as a gentle cascade of soft music filled the silence, each note heightening his sense of foreboding and expectation.
Finally, Mr. Banks returned through the line. “He has a cabin in Aspen,” he revealed, his words delivering the final, critical piece of this intricate puzzle.
“Could you give me the address?” Jack asked, his tone both urgent and determined.
“Certainly,” Banks replied. “He’s far too dangerous to be loose out there, and if he ever learns that he didn’t kill Ms. Guthrie, he might resurface again.” Jack quickly jotted down the address, the weight of the discovery settling heavily upon him.
“Exactly what we were thinking,” Jack said earnestly. “Mr. Banks, I can’t thank you enough for this information.”
“You’re more than welcome, Deputy,” Banks responded warmly. “Good luck out there and be careful.”
“I will. Thank you,” Jack said before finally hanging up the phone, the gravity of the moment echoing in the silent hum of his thoughts.
Later that evening, Jack quietly entered Randi’s room, finding her propped up with a tray resting across her lap as she picked at her dinner. The soft glow of the light above the bed cast a warm light over the room.
“Hi,” he greeted, his voice gentle as he leaned casually against the doorframe.
At the sight of him, a radiant smile spread across Randi’s face, lighting up her eyes. “Hi. I missed you today.”
Jack pushed away from the doorframe and strode toward her bed. He bent down to plant a tender kiss on her lips before settling into the chair beside her.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier. I’ve been trying to track down Phillips. Where are your grandparents?” he asked, genuinely curious.
Randi’s grin widened. “I told them to try out the diner.”
Jack chuckled, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “They’ll be there for quite a while then.”
“Yes, I suggested they get burgers,” she replied, amusement in her eyes.
“I should have made a pit stop there and smuggled one in for you,” Jack said.
“Oh, I would love that. This stuff is far from gourmet,” Randi replied, glancing disdainfully at the green beans she was absentmindedly pushing around with her fork.
“Hospital food doesn’t exactly have the best reputation,” Jack teased.
“I want to go home,” Randi said softly, her voice tinged with longing.
“Have you talked with the doctor about that?” Jack asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
“She said, maybe tomorrow,” she replied, with a hint of hope in her eyes.
“You’re staying with me. No argument,” Jack declared firmly, his tone leaving no room for discussion.
“Okay,” Randi agreed with a small nod. “Are my grandparents doing alright there? They’re not bothering you, are they?”
“Not at all,” Jack assured her with a warm smile. “They’re great. Your grandmother insists on cooking. I’m not complaining; that woman can cook.”
“Yes, she can,” Randi chuckled softly, a fond smile playing on her lips.
“I like your grandfather,” Jack continued, his voice thoughtful. “We’ve talked a lot. He loves you very much. Just like I do,” he added, his gaze locking onto hers with a depth of emotion.
Randi blinked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I love you too, Jack. I’m so glad you came into my shop that day.”
“You and me both, sweetheart,” Jack murmured, his voice tender as he gently picked up her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her palm. “So, how are you feeling today?” he inquired.
“I’m very sore. You know, it only hurts when I breathe, kind of thing,” she replied with a small, pained smile.
“I’m just glad you’re breathing.” Jack leaned forward and kissed the back of her hand, his lips lingering for a moment.
“Jack, how are my grandparents doing, really?” Randi asked, her voice tinged with worry.
He sighed deeply, his expression turning somber. “I can tell they’re hurting. I overheard your grandmother saying it was her fault about your mother leaving.”
“I don’t believe that,” Randi said firmly, shaking her head.
“I don’t either. Even at sixteen, your mother was old enough to know what she was doing,” Jack reassured her, his voice steady.
“I know they would have welcomed her back with open arms, but she never went home, never wrote, and never called. Not even to check up on me,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness and a touch of bitterness.
“We can’t know what she was going through. She was so young,” Jack said, trying to offer some understanding.
“Yes, but Jack, there are women who had babies in their teens and didn’t give them up,” Randi countered, her voice filled with a mixture of frustration and longing.
“I know, darlin’, but there are some who did. It depends on the circumstances,” Jack replied.
Randi nodded in silent acknowledgment but didn’t say more as she pushed the tray away from her. Jack stood up and rolled it to the end of the bed with a quiet clatter.
“Do you need anything?” he asked, as he looked at her.
“Not right now.” She attempted to sit up, but a sharp gasp of pain escaped her lips. “Damn, that hurts.”
“Do you want the bed raised?” Jack offered, ready to assist.
“I can do it,” she insisted, pressing the button on the remote control. The mechanical whirring filled the room as the head of the bed slowly rose, allowing her to sit more comfortably. She winced slightly with the movement, a fleeting grimace crossing her face. “Is there any news on Phillips?”
“We believe he’s in Aspen, Colorado,” Jack replied, his voice steady and reassuring. “He has a cabin there. We’ve been coordinating with the sheriff’s department, and they’re going to check it out. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wasn’t there, though.” Jack continued, detailing the situation with Phillips.
“He beat her?” Randi’s voice was filled with shock and disbelief.
“Yes,” Jack confirmed, his expression somber. “That’s how his father had a heart attack. He witnessed his son hit her, and the ensuing argument and stress led to the heart attack. According to the lawyer, Mr. Phillips probably wouldn’t have left his son anything if he had lived longer than your mother.” Jack reached out, taking her hand gently. “The letter she wrote to you is at my house.”
Randi shook her head, her thoughts conflicted. “I’m not sure I want to read it.”
“I understand,” Jack said softly. “But maybe you should. She probably apologized for leaving you.”
“Too little too late,” Randi murmured, her voice tinged with bitterness.
“Your grandparents read the one she wrote them, and it seemed to bring them some peace,” Jack offered.
“We’ll see,” Randi replied noncommittally.
“Take your time with it,” Jack advised. “There’s also a copy of the will for you.”
“Did you look at it?” she asked.
“No, it’s none of my business,” Jack replied.
“I don’t care if you do,” Randi said, her eyes meeting his.
“You want me to look at it?”
“Yes,” she confirmed.
“Okay, but you have to first,” Jack insisted.
“That was a trick question, Jack Lawrence,” Randi said with a wry smile.
Jack chuckled. “Yep.”
Their attention was drawn to the door, where Maggie stood, hesitating in the doorway.
“Maggie, come in,” Randi welcomed her friend.
“Hi, Jack. Randi, I am so glad that you’re alright,” Maggie said, relief evident in her eyes.
Jack stood, gesturing to the chair beside the bed. “Here, Maggie, have a seat. Randi, I have to get going. I just wanted to stop in on my lunch break. I’ll be back after my shift.”
“Oh, okay,” Randi replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Jack leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a gentle kiss. “I’ll see you later.”
“Alright. Be careful,” Randi said, her voice soft with concern.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jack replied with a wink, turning to face Maggie. “Maggie, have a nice day.”
“You too, Jack,” Maggie responded warmly.
He nodded, then walked out the door, heading toward the elevator. He intended to follow up with the sheriff’s department in Aspen, ensuring every lead was pursued.
****
“I truly appreciate you stopping by Maggie. I get so bored here,” Randi confessed, her voice carrying a hint of fatigue.
Maggie chuckled. “You’ve only been here for two days, Randi. I’m sure it takes some time for everything to heal properly.”
“The doctor mentioned that if the wound continues to look good, I might be able to go home tomorrow,” Randi replied, her eyes brightening with hope.
“That’s great news. Will you need any help around the house once you’re back?” Maggie asked; her concern evident.
“My grandparents are here. Jack had a friend of his fly to Alabama to pick them up and graciously offered them a place to stay at his house,” Randi explained, a grateful smile on her lips.
“That was very kind of him,” Maggie acknowledged.
“He’s a wonderful man,” Randi said, her smile widening with genuine affection.
“Yeah, don’t take this the wrong way, but that man has a fantastic ass,” Maggie remarked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, causing Randi to burst out laughing before she winced and clutched her stomach.
“Don’t make me laugh,” Randi pleaded, her voice a mix of amusement and pain.
“Sorry. It wasn’t the Colemans who flew them in, was it? Vanna’s fiancée works for them, and they have a private jet.”
“No, it was someone named Grant.”
“Oh, nice. So, your grandparents were whisked here by none other than Grant Hunter.”
“Grant Hunter? The country singer? That Grant Hunter?”
“Yes, that’s him. He lives in Clifton, born and raised here. After he finally retired from the spotlight, he moved back home to take over his father’s ranch so he could retire. He also owns The Hartland restaurant”
“Grant Hunter.” Randi shook her head slowly, the movement carrying a mix of disbelief and regret. “Why didn’t Jack mention that?”
“He probably didn’t think about it in the moment. His mind was wrapped up in worrying about you.”
“I’m so glad he showed up when he did, or I’d be dead by now. I could feel life slipping away with every breath,” Randi murmured, her voice trembling as a solitary tear glided down her cheek.
“I’ve been there. I know how petrified you must have been.”
“How?”
“I promise, I’ll tell you one day. But I know how scared you had to be.”
“I was terrified. When he suddenly pulled that knife from his pocket, I knew instantly that my only chance was to run. I tried, but he was faster, catching me, throwing me hard onto the floor. He knocked the wind right out of me, yet I fought and was able to get back up, but he caught me again. We fought until that knife found its mark.” Randi shook her head as if the memory itself still hurt her. “I even begged him to call an ambulance, but he said he hadn’t planned on doing that yet, then he simply walked out, leaving me to die alone.” Maggie, with compassion in her eyes, reached over and handed Randi a tissue. Randi dabbed at her eyes, fighting back the flood of memories. “Before I passed out, I tried to dial Jack’s number, but I didn’t get the chance.”
“How did he know to come to you?”
“He and Nevada had brought my SUV to his place because I had mentioned I was going back to work. I was just too bored to stay put. Luckily, he came just in time. I know deep down that I would have died if he hadn’t.”
“I’m so sorry. What did Phillips want?”
“Money—”
“Money? And why would he expect money from you?”
Randi exhaled slowly, her sigh heavy with unsaid sorrow, then launched into a detailed account about her mother and everything that had happened since those dark moments.
“He thought he was entitled to every penny.”
“It doesn’t sound like he deserved anything at all. Your poor mother...”
“Yeah,” Randi said with a resigned sigh, her voice breaking under the weight of past hurts.
“Are you planning to read the letter?”
“I’m not sure yet. Jack seems to think that I should.”
“I think so too. It might change the way you feel about her once you really go through it.”
“Jack mentioned my grandparents had read the letter they received from her, and afterward, they seemed at least a little better. I’m still unsure.”
“I think you should read it, but perhaps better to wait a while so it doesn’t overwhelm you.”
“I might do that. So, are you working today?”
“Yes, I am. Vanna called and asked me to open the shop. She and Grady are scheduled to return the day after tomorrow.”
“Do you have help at the shop?”
“Yes. Vanna recently hired another woman. She just moved here and is quickly settling in. I think she’ll do fine.”
“That’s good. I still need to hire someone.”
Maggie chuckled warmly. “When you get out of here, we’ll grab a cup of coffee at The Everyday Grind coffee shop.”
“I haven’t made it there yet.”
“You’ll love Celine, the owner. She just married Killian Doyle last December.”
“I don’t know him, but there’s something about his name that I love.”
“He works as a livestock agent, and I tell you, he is absolutely gorgeous and head over heels in love with her.”
“I look forward to meeting her one day. I’ve only met a few women, but I’ve liked all that I’ve met.”
“Including me, I hope.” Maggie smiled.
“Definitely.” Randi yawned.
“I’ll get going. You need to rest.”
“I’m fine, but I am having some pain.”
“Get a nurse to take care of that for you. I’ll check in with you tomorrow. I need to get back to the shop.”
“Okay. Thank you for coming by, Maggie.”
“Of course. Bye for now.”
Randi smiled as Maggie walked out the door, then she buzzed for a nurse asking for something to help with the pain.
A few minutes later, a nurse entered the room, gave her a shot, then left. Randi lowered the bed a little, then fell asleep.