Trey and Leo were deep in conversation in one corner of the room, while Bobby Stephens stared absently out the French doors. Geneva had said that Bobby found her for the case. Maybe this was her opportunity to find out exactly how theyd hit upon using her.
At her approach, he gave her a tentative smile. Just admiring Genevas garden. He nodded at the flower beds beyond the French doors.
Lovely, she agreed. I gather youre good friends with the Morgan family.
He gave an odd shrug that seemed to move only one shoulder. You could say that. I work for them, of course, but I like to think our relationship goes deeper than that. If it hadnt been for Trey, I doubt Id have survived high school.
Really? She suspected he wanted to tell her that story, or he wouldnt have brought it up.
He nodded. Back then I was small for my age and too smart for my own good. Born to be picked on, I guess.
Not by Trey?
He looked shocked. Of course not. Hes not that kind of person. He noticed, you see. No one else did, but Trey noticed. He put a stop to it. And weve been friends ever since.
It was the sort of thing Trey would do, she supposed. His urge to take care of people extended beyond his mother. Jessica might find it annoying, but Bobby obviously hadnt.
You work for Morgan Enterprises, I understand? She made it a question. Shed intended to find out a little more about the Morgan businesses but hadnt been able to fit that into her day.
Financial vice president, he said, a trace of pride in his voice. Trey is CEO, of course. Its a private corporation, solely owned by the family.
Trey mentioned that you do a good bit of business in real estate. Here was a chance to check up on that aspect of Treys story about the barn, at least.
Bobby nodded. That was a big interest of Treys father. He was concerned that farmland would be gobbled up by careless developers, so he started buying up tracts years ago as they came on the market. Some have been sold to farmers, others held for future development. He wasnt opposed to development, you see. Bobby sounded very earnest. He just wanted to be sure it was done in the right way.
Now its all up to Trey, I suppose.
Well, thats what he intended to do all his life. He probably didnt really need an MBA from Wharton to handle the company, but it was what he wanted. And what his father wanted for him, too.
Bobbys words gave her a few more pieces to the puzzle of who Trey Morgan was. But she didnt want to give the impression she was pumping him about Trey. I understand I have you to thank for hiring me for this case.
He didnt respond for a moment, and then he shook his head. Not exactly. I mean, Geneva was insistent that I hire a Philadelphia firm. I was familiar with Henderson, Dawes and Henderson from some estate work theyd handled, so I called. I suppose they felt you were the best person for the job.
I see. Everyone seemed to have a different version of this story. Still, Bobby was the one whod made the call, so he should know. Well, thank you anyway. I guess youre still indirectly responsible.
His smile was deprecating, as if to say he had done nothing. How is the case shaping up, or shouldnt I ask? I cant help but be interested.
He wasnt shouting angrily at her, but his avid expression when he asked about the case repelled her as much as those people at the county jail. Im afraid I really cant talk about it.
Well, no. I suppose not. I guess youll be looking for a plea bargain, under the circumstances.
She pasted a smile on her face. As I said, I cant discuss it. Now, if youll excuse me
She took a step back, turned and nearly walked into Trey.
JESSICA LOOKED, Trey decided, as if she needed to be rescued from Bobby, who tended to go on and on about the business until peoples eyes glazed over. He put out a hand to steady her when she wobbled a bit on those high heels she insisted on wearing. She didnt need it, probably, but
She pasted a smile on her face. As I said, I cant discuss it. Now, if youll excuse me
She took a step back, turned and nearly walked into Trey.
JESSICA LOOKED, Trey decided, as if she needed to be rescued from Bobby, who tended to go on and on about the business until peoples eyes glazed over. He put out a hand to steady her when she wobbled a bit on those high heels she insisted on wearing. She didnt need it, probably, but
But what was he thinking? The last thing he should do was admit attraction to this woman.
He managed a noncommittal smile. I hate to steal you away from Bobby, but Id like a private word.
Sure, sure. Bobby ran a hand over his hair, as if it needed taming. It didnt. Ill just He let the sentence die out and backed away.
Jessica treated him to a frowning look. That wasnt very polite.
Bobby doesnt mind. He opened the French door that led out onto the patio. Lets take a closer look at the garden.
She stared at him for a moment, and he thought shed argue. Then, with a short nod, she stepped out onto the flagstones. He closed the door, and the cool evening enveloped them.
My mothers roses are at their best right now. He ushered her a few more steps away from the door, intent on not being overheard.
Beautiful. She cupped a yellow bloom in her hand, bending to smell it. Whats this one called?
I havent the faintest idea.
Well, then, suppose we stop pretending you brought me out here to admire the rose garden. She straightened, her eyes challenging him. What do you want?
All right, no small talk. Did you see the local newspaper today?
Not today. She looked slightly confused, as if that wasnt what shed expected.
He handed her the paper he had clutched in one fist, shaking it out. Take a look. He didnt want to see it again himself. Hed rather forget it, but he couldnt.
Jessica held the paper up to catch the light that filtered out from the living room. You and your mother with Thomass parents, arriving at the courthouse. Id have expected them to use one of Thomas.
Irritation filled him at Jessicas cool reaction. This is exactly what I was afraid of-something that ties my mother publicly to this business.
Jessica tossed the paper onto the garden bench. How, exactly, am I supposed to control what the newspaper prints?
Common sense said she was right. It didnt help his disposition. You cant. I just-
You just wanted to blame somebody, and I was handy.
He gritted his teeth. If you hadnt taken the case, my mother wouldnt be involved.
Do you really think that? Judging by the persistence Ive seen in her, I doubt shed let something like that stop her. Her lips curved. I couldnt even turn her down for supper tonight.
Did you want to? His annoyance was slipping away. Stupid to hang on to it, when he knew it made no rational sense.
I was beat, to tell the truth. She sat down on the bench, as if to illustrate the point. But tonights dinner was far better than anything Id have gotten in the coffee shop at the Willow Brook Motel.
I told you so. He sat down next to her. But I know what you mean about my mother. When shes set her heart on something, shes relentless. Like water on stone.
Thats not a bad quality. She gestured toward the newspaper. I dont know much about small country places, but I cant imagine anyone being angry with your mother for supporting those poor parents.
I couldnt imagine anyone slashing your tires, either, but it happened.
Yes. She glanced over her shoulder at the lengthening shadows on the lawn and shivered a little. It seems out of place here, but I guess that kind of irrational violence can happen anywhere.
A couple of years ago, Id have said this place was a last refuge of peace. He stopped, wishing he hadnt said it. Jessica didnt need to see that far into him-into the terrible riddle of his fathers suicide. She just needed to finish her work as quietly as possible and get out of here.
If youre that upset at the photo in the paper, why did you take Thomass parents to the courthouse? For that matter, why did you jump into helping when you heard about the arraignment? You didnt have to.
Yes, I did. He said the words first and then thought about them, but they were true. Hed had to. Everything about his upbringing had prepared him for that. I mean, I knew my mother would want to take Thomass parents, and I certainly wasnt going to let her go alone.
Is that all there was to it? She linked her hands around her knee, seeming ready to stay there indefinitely.
I suppose not, he admitted. Do your friends enjoy being cross-examined about their motives?
My friends She stopped. My private life has nothing to do with this.
Sorry, he said. My mother did teach me not to ask personal questions. I just forgot for a moment.
She shrugged, glancing over her shoulder again. Forget it. If thats all
Not quite. He said the words reluctantly. He didnt want to say them at all, but hed promised. Aaron and Molly Esch sent over a message that theyre ready to talk with you anytime. I said Id take you over there tomorrow. Shed think he was arranging things without asking again. Is that okay with you? he added, hoping to avert an explosion.
I suppose so, she said slowly. For once, she didnt seem to take offense. I probably should have gone to see them today. They must have been confused about the arraignment.
Yes. I tried to reassure them, but itll come better from you.
At the risk of saying something personal, you seem to be involving yourself even more. For my clients sake, I appreciate it, but if youre hoping to influence Thomass parents in some way affecting the case-
Of course not. He snapped the answer, but in his heart he knew he wasnt really annoyed with her but with the situation. Look, I dont expect you to understand this, but the Morgan family has always looked out for people around here.
Her eyebrows lifted again, making him aware of just how laserlike those blue eyes could be, even in the dusk. Like a feudal lord?
His jaw tightened. Like a friend. To the Amish especially. My father used to say that the Amish may not always realize it, but they need English friends. Thomass family is totally unprepared to cope with his trial, so its my responsibility to help them.
He waited. If she had a smart remark for that
She didnt say anything for a long moment. Then she put her hand on his arm. He seemed to feel that touch running along his skin, carrying warmth, setting his mind spinning. Her eyes widened. Darkened. For an instant she leaned toward him, and the air sizzled.