Bluegrass State of Mind(57)

"You have a lot of nerve coming here tonight when I have my friend over. What can I do for you, Will?" Mo had stood up and was now placing Kenna behind him. Will noticed the move and a shadow of doubt clouded his eyes before they snapped back to Mo.

"I can't believe you, you arrogant bastard. Did you think being here tonight with Kenna would provide you a solid alibi? I know it was you. Don't even piss me off further by denying it."

"I'm sorry, Will, but I don't know what you are talking about. I assume something else has happened at the farm?"

Through gritted teeth, Will answered, "You know it has. What I don't understand is why you had to kill her."

"Kill her? Who was killed?" Mo dropped the combativeness from his voice and Will took note.

"One of my old mares. She was a nanny for one of the horses who hated to be alone. I found her shot to death just a while ago. It was in the field nearest your place. When I went over there, your man denied involvement but said he was looking into it. I found out where you were and decided to come to the source." Will shoved Mo back, and Mo moved back in front of Kenna, making sure to protect her if Will decided to do more than push.

"I would never kill an innocent animal!" Mo stood toe to toe with Will. "I think it's about time we settled this. I understand that you think I am behind all of this, but I am not. In fact, I am trying to discover who is. So far my people have found some evidence of professionals being used, both in the instruments they use and from their movements. It's also clear that they want me to take the fall for it."

"Will, listen to me. Mo didn't do it. He was with me all last night, and so was Ahmed. Then he's been here for just over an hour before you came. I've come to know him really well. He loves horses and would never kill one." Instead of helping, Kenna was worried she only made things worse when she saw Will's jaw tighten.

"And what exactly were you doing with Mo last night? What is he to you, Kenna?"

"You have no right to ask me that anymore," Kenna hissed out. She couldn't believe his jealousy when Whitney was rearranging their house as they spoke.

"I was under the impression you gave me that right the other night, right here on the porch when we were climbing all over each other."

Kenna's face turned bright red, and she saw Mo move forward again.

"Will, I will not tolerate you hurting Kenna any further. Haven't you done enough to her without embarrassing her? I will be happy to discuss the problems at the farm tomorrow over lunch. I will bring the evidence my security team has collected. However, for now, I insist you leave before you cause any more pain to Kenna."

Will stepped forward and with his finger pointed at Mo asked, "Just who are you to her?"

"Her friend."

Will's head went back and he took a deep breath. "Why do you think I want to hurt her?"

Kenna stepped around Mo. "Because, yesterday your blushing bride came to tell me all about your engagement. Then I find out from everyone, and I mean everyone, that Whitney has been moving in with you, in preparation of the big day. Christ, it was so well known that I was heartbroken that the attorneys and courthouse staff had a bet going this morning to see if I'd be too upset to make it in today. A bet I won, by the way."

"Shit, shit, shit. Seriously, everyone knows about that stunt Whitney pulled? Wait, did you say Whitney came and told you we were engaged?" Will had both hands on the back of his neck and was squeezing them as if to relieve tension.

"Yes and yes. Nice taste in rings you have, too."

"Let me explain."

"Oh, this will be good." Kenna rolled her eyes and sat back down on the swing.

"Whitney and I are NOT engaged! How come this continues to come up?"

"Maybe because she told me and because everyone saw the moving trucks at your house." Kenna crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.

"Okay, I don't know what she told you, but I can tell you the why. I can also explain the trucks. Yes, she brought all her stuff and moved lots of it in while I was out in the fields working. My parents were down at the practice track watching Naked Boot Leg workout. By the time I was alerted to the situation, the first truck was already unloaded. I've spent the last day trying to get everything shipped back to her townhouse and trying to get her to stay away from me. The only reason she's around now is because Naked Boot Leg is a contender to win the Derby. I told you this before. She's greedy. She wants the spotlight. What better way to get in the magazines than to be on my arm at the Derby, and in the private box which will be shown all the time on TV. I'm suddenly becoming famous again, and she wants that spotlight. I just didn't realize how badly she wants it." Will ran his hand over his head and through his short hair.