Blood Ties - A Magnolia Novel Read online

  Nick wasn’t sure if he should stop shaking or amp the speed up. As per his usual interactions with Caesar, things were always vague and full of innuendos which could be taken in a variety of ways. He stopped trying to second guess years ago what the old bastard meant and simply waited until his real instructions were given to him. They would come after the phone conversation, usually in a plain envelope delivered by Carmella, at the end of the day. He shuddered at the thought of coming face to face with the mother of the boy he shot last night. “Understood, sir. I await your instructions on our next project here at Green Pastures.”

  “Your loyalty hasn’t gone unnoticed, Nick. Of course, nothing goes unnoticed by me. I make sure of it. I’ll let you go so you can go take care of your personal business. Good day.”

  Before Nick could respond, the line went dead. The answer to his earlier internal question appeared as he shook like a leaf on a tree during a hurricane. He stared down at the messages from the U of A on his desk for a second, then jumped from his chair and ran to the bathroom. He made it to the toilet with only nanoseconds to spare before he tossed his breakfast, along with some bright red blood, into the commode. As he retched, he wished he would have just let Carmine pull the trigger.

  Oh, God, who’s next to have their ticket cashed early?

  6

  Welcome to the South

  “Are you really going to try to drive in tonight? I think we should stop and get a room. You’ve been behind the wheel for over ten hours Karina. That’s way too long.”

  Karina tried to force a weak smile but failed. Her mom was right, for Karina’s eyes felt like she’d been inside a sandstorm. It was beyond time to take her contacts out and give her eyes a rest, but she couldn’t seem to remove her foot from the pedal. They’d been on the road for hours, but Karina had felt revived and refreshed when they left Albuquerque earlier. After unleashing all her pent up emotions, she had a fitful and dreamless night’s sleep. It was a welcome change from the last three years. Plus, the boring landscape of the panhandle of Texas and central Oklahoma made her foot heavier on the gas pedal.

  According to the GPS, the leg of this part of the journey was about thirteen hours, so another three didn’t seem too difficult. “I’m fine. Now that we’ve crossed the state line, it seems silly to stop and stay somewhere. The sign back there said it was less than two hundred miles to Sheridan, so let’s just push through. Maybe, if you’re tired, how about we stop, stretch our legs and grab some food? I need to re-wet these plastic eyeballs.”

  LiAnn chuckled and fiddled with the empty Styrofoam cup in her hands. “How about we stop at the next rest area and switch places? Take your contacts out and let your eyes rest. Bet they are as red as the taillights. Besides, I want to get behind the wheel of this baby!”

  “Can’t hide anything from the mighty Sgt. Tuck, even in her retirement or the darkness inside my car! Okay, okay. You win. But, if you get a speeding ticket, don’t blame me. The horses under the hood like to run, so you have to hold the reins tight.”

  With a loud clap of her hands, LiAnn wiggled around in the seat like a little kid. “About time! I’ve been dying to see what this baby can do. And hey, if we get pulled over, no worries. I’m a retired, well-decorated detective from L.A. Common courtesy from one cop to another is to just give a warning.”

  Karina’s loud snort made Ranger jerk his head up from his perch on the back seat. “Yeah, okay Mom. When it’s noted you are from Los Angeles and not Lower Arkansas, we will be lucky if they don’t toss us both into the slammer.”

  “Oh, come on now! It’s not going to be like that. Just because we are…”

  “Crazy Californian’s who’ve ventured back in time to the old south? Please. I guarantee you if we get pulled over, every inch of my car will be searched after they call in for K-9 backup. You know they are going to suspect we are running drugs, once they set their eyes on this car. Can you imagine trying to control Ranger with another dog around? Geesh, he would rip my arm off!”

  “Well, that’s your fault for buying a car that looks like we are drug transporters! Seriously! It’s black, the windows are tinted so dark people can’t see inside, and the tires on this baby look like they should be on a dragster,” LiAnn teased.

  “Yep, and bought like that for a purpose. Undercover work, remember? I would have been made in a heartbeat had I driven one of those obvious vehicles you cops use. I mean, get real! Those undercover cars scream law enforcement. My car never gave me away. Ever. So don’t hate on her, especially if you want to drive her.” Karina laughed then took the exit.

  Karina didn’t relish the idea of stopping at a rest area on this particular stretch of freeway. If they were going to get out and do the Chinese fire drill, they needed to be in a well-lit area. The gas station up ahead beckoned with bright, neon lights, and was packed with vehicles. “I’m going to stop here, yank my contacts out and then you can take over. Okay?”

  Karina pulled around to the back entrance and joined a line of parked semi-trucks. She fumbled around with Ranger’s collar and leash. Her massive, four-legged companion knew when the car stopped moving, it was time to get out. Karina cast a sideways glance at her mom, who was busy tying the laces on her tennis shoes. Her blonde curls tumbled over her head while she hummed some tune Karina couldn’t quite place. It sort of sounded like a terrible rendition of “I Can’t Drive Fifty-Five.”

  LiAnn bounced out of the passenger’s seat. “Hurry up and walk that beast so I can get us to Sheridan in record time! Look out, Dracula, here I come!”

  In the middle of the parking lot, with her huge black dog in tow, Karina’s laugh made the people pumping gas stop what they were doing and look in her direction. “Mom, the vehicle’s name is Dragula, not Dracula. You know, the song by Rob Zombie? Based off of the Munsters? Come on now, metal-head, you should know that! After all, you are the one who hooked me on the television show to begin with, and blasted his music in the house for years!”

  LiAnn feigned shock. “Oh, excuse me, little missy, for not firing on all cylinders. It’s your fault for letting me fall asleep. Again. It takes a while for the cobwebs to disappear. You will get to experience that once you are old as dirt, like me. Now, hurry up with Ranger so I can get behind the wheel of Dragula.”

  Karina just shook her head and let Ranger lead her to the green grass by the side of the building. As she walked, she swore her mother’s humming grew louder. Please, let her keep humming. If she breaks out into song, I’ll jump out of the car.

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you why Crigger called me the other day.”

  Karina shifted in the seat, glad for the distraction from the whizzing road. It wasn’t like she was afraid of speed. The problem was she wasn’t used to being in the passenger seat. She was a control freak. “You mean it was more than just to say goodbye, or try to convince you to change your mind about retirement?”

  “Those things were discussed, and might have been the underlying reason he called, but he did actually bring something else up. Something pertaining to us both.”

  Karina snapped off the blaring radio. “Us both? What could it…oh, no, please tell me it doesn’t have anything to do with the Jubilee case?”

  The car accelerated just a fraction and was Karina’s answer before her mom ever opened her mouth.

  “Melissa called and told Crigger Jubilee filed an appeal. Not too much of surprise. We knew it was a distinct possibility.”

  Karina groaned and took a healthy swig of water. It didn’t help to wash the bitter taste in her mouth. “Yeah, I just really hoped they wouldn’t. So, did Melissa call to warn us we might have to come back for court? Jesus, I hope not. If I have to relive all that again…”

  LiAnn shifted in the seat. “As of right now, she just wanted to let us know. Not sure why she didn’t contact one of us directly, but that doesn’t really matter. Crigger said he thinks she will want to verbally go over our testimony, rather than read through the pile of court transcripts. Can�
�t say I blame her, if that is the reason. I mean the paperwork would be ten-feet high!”

  Out of all the cases Karina worked on over the years, Jubilee was the only one that still haunted her. She bit her lip to create some pain to focus on, and it made the lump in her throat subside. “Can we shelve this conversation for a later date? Like, when I’m half-drunk off moonshine and tired from working in Grampa’s garden all day? You know, so I won’t have the mental or physical ability to strap my gun on and go take care of those assholes in the way they truly deserve?”

  LiAnn laughed, a deep, hearty rumble she only let out when really amused. “Don’t think, for one second, you’re the only one who feels that way, sweetheart. I didn’t tell you when you were driving, since I figured it would raise your blood pressure, and the speed at which we were traveling.”

  Karina shot a glance over at the speedometer, which read eighty-five. “Hmmm. Seems to me the trait is hereditary. I believe the sign we just passed a bit ago stated the speed limit on I-40 is seventy. You better slow down…” Before she could finish, the interior of the car turned vibrant blue. The blinking strobes were followed by the loud screech of the siren. “Uh-oh. Too late.”

  “Oh, stop worrying. I wasn’t going that much over the limit. It’ll just be warning, you watch and see.”

  Karina turned around in the seat and grabbed Ranger’s leash, securing it to his collar in one click. She doubled the thick leather around her hand and cooed to him, hoping her voice would keep him calm. When she turned back around, her mother had maneuvered the car over to the shoulder and shut the engine off.

  “Hand me my purse, will you? I need my license and your insurance card.”

  Karina yanked her mom’s bag from the floor, handed it to her, then fumbled around in the console for her registration and insurance papers. Ranger began to growl from the back seat. This should be interesting.

  When LiAnn rolled the window down, a rush of hot, humid air burst inside, along with a hungry horde of mosquitoes. She swiped at them and said, “Good evening, sir.”

  “Ma’am. In quite the hurry tonight, aren’t ya? Did you miss the sign back there that noted the speed limit here in Arkansas?”

  “No sir, I saw it. Just didn’t realize I’d gone over the limit, that’s all. This is the first time I’ve ever driven my daughter’s car, so I guess I’m not used to the power under the hood.”

  Karina had to stifle a laugh at the sugary-sweet tone in her mom’s voice. Yikes, she is laying it on thick. Just as the cop was about to respond, Ranger barked, and all three of them jumped. The cop shined his flashlight in the interior at the same time he took a step back from the driver’s window. “Ya got that dog on a leash?”

  “Yes sir. Don’t worry, he doesn’t bite. He is just doing his job.” Karina responded, trying not to laugh.

  “Quiet him down, now. Ma’am, I need to see your driver’s license, registration and insurance.”

  Karina gripped the leash tighter and stroked Ranger’s head with her free hand. He stopped barking but never took his eyes off the man outside the window.

  “Sure thing, officer. Here you go.” LiAnn passed the requested items through the window. “Listen, sir, we…”

  The officer cut her off. “Remain in your vehicle while I run this,” he replied with a terse inflection. In a flash, he turned and strode back to his cruiser.

  “Of course. I know the drill. I’m a retired cop from…”

  “Mom, it doesn’t do you any good to talk to someone who isn’t listening. Oh, you are so getting a ticket. You watch.”

  LiAnn swatted a mosquito from her cheek. “Want to place a wager on that?”

  Karina chuckled, “You’re on. Twenty bucks says you get a speeding ticket.”

  “Done. I say, he comes back here with a smile on his face and a warning to slow down. I’m telling you, professional courtesy. It’s in the bag.”

  When seconds turned into minutes, Karina knew she was twenty dollars richer. If the trooper was going to let her mom off with a warning, he would have already returned. Trooper Bad Attitude was taking too long, which meant only one thing: he was writing up a citation.

  Karina saw her mom drumming fingers on the steering wheel, jaw clenched tight. She knew the look. It was irritation and impatience rolled into one. Maybe a smidgen of embarrassment, too.

  They heard the car door slam and the heavy steps of the cop’s boots on the blacktop. Karina couldn’t keep a straight face, so she focused her attention on Ranger.

  “I’m citin’ you for speedin’. Please sign this and note your court date on the back.”

  Karina winced, waiting for the explosion. To her surprise, it never came.

  “One word of advice, Ms. Tuck. This ain’t California. We stick to the rules here in Arkansas. The speed limit is seventy. Go over it, and you get a ticket. Plain and simple. Mind our rules, and the rest of your visit here in the Natural State will be a pleasant one.”

  In seconds, the blue lights were gone and the cruiser back on the freeway. Karina watched her mother wait until the cop was gone before starting the engine. The rear tires spit gravel up in the air as she pulled onto the highway.

  Karina couldn’t stop herself from poking the hornet’s nest. “Well, at least he didn’t yank us out of the car and tear it apart looking for drugs. Maybe that was his way of saying welcome to the South.”

  LiAnn scowled. “Not another word, Karina Ruby. Not another word.”

  7

  Family Reunion

  It was close to nine p.m. when the GPS announced You have arrived at your destination. LiAnn shut the engine off and grabbed her purse. Her previous irritation at the not-so-friendly encounter with a southern law enforcement officer was long gone. She watched Karina scramble out of the car and let Ranger out, then made a beeline for the front door. It opened and LiAnn felt tears form behind her eyes when she saw her aging parents appear on the stoop.

  “Lawd a mercy! If you two ain’t the salve needed for these old tired eyes!”

  In a heartbeat, LiAnn ran up behind her daughter. Ranger jumped around their feet like a puppy as they all embraced in a family hug.

  “Y’all sure made good time! Wasn’t expectin’ ya until tomorra’! What, y’all break the speed limit or somethin’?” Junior Tuck teased.

  “Oh…touchy subject, Grampa. Mom gets to pay a visit to Pulaski County’s court system in three weeks and drop some cash. What’s the fine around here for speeding?” Karina answered.

  LiAnn shot Karina a look, but refrained from commenting on the subject. “Pop! Mom! Oh, it’s so good to see you both. We just couldn’t wait another day. We drove straight through from New Mexico this morning.”

  “Well, the feelin’ is mutual, daughter. Come on in and get yourselves situated. Your ma just made a fresh batch of tea. Let’s go sit a spell and get caught up. I want to hear all about your trip, especially the part about the ticket. I’m curious how come you couldn’t sweet talk your way out of it.”

  Within minutes, their luggage situated in their respective rooms and an ice filled glass of tea in their hands, the four of them sat on the back porch and reconnected. To LiAnn, it was Heaven. Her mom insisted they eat and brought two heaping plates of southern delicacies outside. LiAnn and Karina lapped up the food like they were starving. Ranger inspected every inch of the back yard, marking as he went. Once finished, he ate and drank his fill, before curling up in a ball at Karina’s feet. Before long, it was close to midnight.

  Karina stood up and stretched her weary muscles. “I’m going to take Ranger for a walk then hit the sack. I’m exhausted. And after that lovely meal, I’m sure once my head hits the pillow, I’ll be out in seconds. Love you both. See you in the morning.”

  LiAnn turned her attention back to her parents, and a pang of worry hit her. Though it had only been less than two years since she’d seen them, LiAnn was astonished at how much they’d aged. They were both underweight and sported thinning, stark white hair. LiAnn glanced at
her mom’s hands and noticed the age spots looked darker, and bigger. The frail skin was pulled tight, the bluish-green hue of her veins more pronounced.

  What bothered LiAnn the most was the tremors in her father’s gnarled hands. She watched him pick up his glass of tea to bring to his lips, wincing when she saw how much the glass shook. “Pop, maybe we should all call it a night? I don’t want you getting overtired. We have plenty of time to catch up tomorrow.”

  “Not even here a day and already started to crow about my health? You sound just like your ma. I’m fine, just not as robust as I used to be. It’s called gettin’ long in the tooth, baby girl. Ain’t none of us on this earth ever been made to live forever.”

  Ruth interjected. “Don’t you worry ’bout him, darlin’. He’s just extra cranky at night. It’s ’cause he works himself into exhaustion around here each day. If he’d just hire some help…”

  “Ruth, don’t start in on that again. This is my land, and I ain’t gonna have some strangers trompin’ all around it. Period.”

  LiAnn sensed the tension in the air. The last thing she wanted to do was upset either of them. “Well, you don’t need to worry about that now, Pop. Karina and I are here to help. You’ll just need to teach us what we need to do. We’re fast learners. You point and we’ll jump.”

  “That’s right. I’ll turn you city girls into country chicks in no time. It’s hard work, but rewardin’. First time you taste a meal ya grew with yer own hands, ya ain’t never gonna want to eat anythin’ else. I guarantee it,” Junior replied.

  LiAnn smiled and reached over and patted her father’s thin shoulder. “I promise, we won’t disappoint either of you. Now, it’s late and I’m exhausted from the car ride. Let’s hit the sack. What time do we need to be up tomorrow?”

  “We get up when the rooster does. Don’t need no alarm clock ’round here. Rocky crows the same time each mornin’,” Ruth said as they all walked inside.