Free The Charity by Connie Johnson Hambley Page A

life before I got sucked up into the business, that’s all. What’s all this about?”
    “Tell me about the ‘business.’”
    “What’s to know? Gus is, was the best trainer and breeder around. He knew which bloodlines to mix and when. He knew the precise amount of potential he could pull out of every horse he trained. And there was no one like Gus for picking a winner. He understood handicaps for thoroughbreds better than anyone—even better than my father. He taught me all he could about breeding, training, and winning. He tried to teach me a sense about the horses. But I never could pick them like he could.” Words poured out of her to feed Coogan’s seeming hunger. Nothing made sense.
    “What about the money? Did he ever tell you where it came from or where it went?”
    “What about the money? Aunt Bridget and Gus took over the farm. He did a great job for me and my family. Gus was like a father to me.”
    “Don’t be loyal to a dead man. Worldwind Farm had some of its most successful strings of winners after your father died. Didn’t you ever wonder where the prize money went for all of Gus’ success? Who took notice of the stud fees? How can you be so sure that Gus brought you every check like a faithful dog? The farm’s accountant said it’s barely working in the black despite the consistent wins. I can’t believe you’re as naive as you seem.”
    “What are you talking about? Raising thoroughbreds is an expensive undertaking. The animals themselves cost tens of thousands of dollars and stud fees for animals from other bloodlines can be staggering. And think of the upkeep of the property itself. Even something as simple as maintaining a fence line can be expensive.” Jessica was breathing harder now and color had risen into her cheeks. It seemed the more anxious she became, the more Coogan enjoyed himself.
    Coogan gave an odd little smile. “Yet, as one of the country’s most renowned farms, Worldwind flirted with operating at a loss with only enough money to keep the creditors at bay. As long as Wyeth’s Worldwind Farm operated at a profit, it could never be sold.”
    “Who told you the terms of my trust?”
    “It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that your faithful Gus just kept skimming the cream off the surface to his own pockets and hoped you would never catch on. But you did. And when he blocked you from coming into the business you snapped.”
    “I what ?” Jessica slammed her hand down on the table with enough force to slosh the coffee out of its mug. “Gus Adams was my best friend. He would never do what you’re saying.”
    Coogan sat back in his chair, folded his arms and broadened his smile. “That’s quite a temper you have there, Miss. I’ll bet you would do anything to protect your little farm with your precious horses. Face it, Miss. You are the last person to have been seen with Gus that night. You were drinking and had an argument. The groom saw you leaving the barn this morning. I saw you with my own eyes this morning with blood on you. You killed Gus Adams.”
    “No! You’re insane! I did not kill Gus! I saw two men argue with him about something and one of them killed Gus! I saw them!”
    “ If you saw them, then tell me about the men! Tell me what you saw!”
    Coogan’s eyes honed down to slits. They had Jessica in a vise and would not let go. Why was he so agitated that she witnessed something? Didn’t Officer Shea report their conversation? She looked across at Coogan. He seemed bigger, inflated. His inexplicable manner unnerved her. It seemed that he knew the effect he had on her and pushed her that much harder.
    Enjoying himself, he sat back. “Go ahead, tell me everything.”
    “I can’t! I’m trying to but I can’t! I’m telling you they were there. Two men. One was older than the other. They were there! They did it! Each had on a jacket and one wore a hat!” Jessica’s words were slurring in her panic. She was trying to grasp at the images