Murder Under the Pool: A Kay Lytle Mystery - Softcover

Rodriguez, G. G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1449003141 ISBN 13: 9781449003142

Publisher: AuthorHouse, 2009

Synopsis

It is a murder mystery about a young woman who marries a money hungry creep who will stop at nothing to acquire her fortune. This man will kill anyone who gets in his way. Kay (the main character) is blind to his lies. How many women want to be loved and accepted so badly that they too, will close their eyes to lies, abuse, and even affairs with other just to find the happiness in life? Kay is no different, until her husband says he can predict the future. The book is easy reading with a very surprising ending.

About this title

About the Author

"This is my first attempt to write a book. I was born in Texas. I have blonde hair and green eyes. My mother was Mildred Marie Porter Morgan. My father was Godfred Richard (G.R.) Morgan. My mother was born in Port Author, Texas and my father was born in Suffer, Louisiana. My family, on my mother’s side is very large (about 500 members still alive). We went camping a lot when I was a child. My mother wanted to see every city in Texas while she was able to enjoy traveling. My parents raise me by the old standards –Yes Sir, No Sir, Thank you and You’re Welcome. None of the “What” “Hun” or “Yah” phases were used to answer anyone. Never. While working at Southern Pacific Railroads, I was given the Nick Name of “Bubbles” because I always arrived at the job happy and left my family problems at home. I never talked about my personal life until my Father die in June of 1991. The RR people were the nicest people I ever met. They collected a large amount of money (enough to pay for my dad’s head stone or anything my mother needed) which I gave to my mother. I will never forget these people. I even attend the Southern Pacific Reunions. My parents brought me up to be a sharing person, but because of that, a lot of people (so called friends) have taken advantage of me by borrowing from me and never returning my stuff (money, clothes, ladders, etc.) I have even lent my car to a friend so she could get her license. She drove my car the entire day and returned it with an empty gas tank. I was taught when you do a good deed, close you eyes and forget about it. I have finally learned to say “No” after 40 years, but have lost several “so called” friends because of that one little word. I love music. I try to sing in the choir. Fortunately, there are a lot of wonderful voices around me that cover my voice. Church is another thing I love. I thought the RR people were the most wonderful people I had ever met until I attended “Peace Lutheran Church” in Pasadena. These people are just like the RR people I call my family. This has to be the most loving Church I have attended. I thank God every day for this place of worship. My favorite song is “Texas” by Chris Rea. My favorite car color is red. My favorite color is green. My father once pointed out all the different colors of Green. Green is living. My favorite drink is grapefruit juice. My favorite dessert is – all desserts. I never met a dessert I didn’t like as long as it has real sugar in it and no “red 40” added to it."

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Murder Under the Pool

A Kay Lytle MysteryBy G.G. Rodriguez

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2009 G.G. Rodriguez
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4490-0314-2

Contents

DEDICATION..................................................viiACTKNOWLEGEMENT.............................................ixCHAPTER I-PREDICTIONS.......................................1CHAPTER II-THE TEAR.........................................23CHAPTER III-THE BOMB SHELTER................................39CHAPTER IV-THE HOSPITAL FOOD................................61CHAPTER V-THE HOMECOMING....................................73CHAPTER VI-LOVER BOY........................................89CHAPTER VII-CONFESSIONS.....................................101CHAPTER VIII-THE HEART-ATTACK...............................121CHAPTER IX-THE TRIP.........................................141CHAPTER X-THE STAIRWAY SCARE................................161CHAPTER XI-A PENTHOUSE VIEW.................................169CHAPTER XII-THE CRUISE......................................187CHAPTER XIII-THE ARREST.....................................211CHAPTER XIV-THE FLIGHT HOME.................................229CHAPTER XV-JAILED...........................................243CHAPTER XVI-THE SAFE HOUSE..................................257CHAPTER XVII-PEANUT BUTTER FOR EVERYONE.....................269CHAPTER XVIII-THE VISITOR...................................279CHAPTER XIX-THE LAST FLIGHT.................................295

Chapter One

PREDICTIONS

Having to wait and not knowing what is happening outside these four dark walls is always the worst on the nerves. Loneliness, alone with darkness, begins to close in rapidly from all sides of the bomb shelter. Kay had no idea how long she had been unconscious. There was dried blood on her white oxford shirt and faded blue jeans. She must have cut herself when she fell down the stairs into the bomb shelter. Everything seemed to be happening so fast. Her thoughts began to drift back to the beginning. The beginning when her life was full of love - then came the PREDICTIONS.

The time was May 31st, 1989. Kay Lytle married Leonard Morgan, who was a seemingly successful engineer from Atlanta, Georgia. Her father, Edgar Lee Lytle, objected to the marriage totally. As any wealthy, protected parent, he was worried that some money hungry, fortune hunter would influence Kay into marriage by using some fake promises of love and happiness. "It happens all the time," Edgar would argue with Kay. Edgar knew Kay was going to be a very wealthy lady one day. Not only had Kay's Grandmother left her a small fortune which Kay was to receive on her 25th birthday on November 27, 1995 according to her grandmother's will; but Mr. Lytle had made several profitable investments in oil and plastics which rocketed in market value. Even before he started playing the stock market, Mr. Lytle was the respected president of Consolidated Steel Corporation in Cortland for 18 years. He was planning on retiring in two more years - giving him a total of 42 years with that company. If any thing should happen to him, Kay and her mother would be very well provided for. Kay had no idea about the fortune her Grandmother had left her. She was going to college with plans of being an engineer when she met Leonard. The courtship was shot. Leonard said it was love at first sight. He was fast on his feet with promises of love, contentment, and happiness that swept Kay off her feet. Leonard was 12 years older than Kay. He was very handsome, with dark brown eyes, and wavy brown hair. Kay loved Leonard. Leonard talked Kay into sneaking off to be married by the Justice of the Peace in Cortberry County. Kay didn't like the idea of going behind her father's back. She was 20 years old, responsible, and had two and half years of college behind her so she went and got married.

Edgar was furious. Even though Leonard Morgan seemed to be a nice man, Edgar had his doubts about him. Edgar wanted Kay to date Leonard more than a month before she made any type of permanent decisions with Leonard. Edgar just did not trust Leonard. He was much too old for Kay and Edgar felt Leonard's intention were mostly financial.

However, there was nothing Edgar, or Kay's mother, Marie, could do to stop them. It was done.

Two months after Kay and Leonard were married; Leonard suddenly discovered he had extrasensory perception. Strangely enough he did not want Kay to tell anyone about his psychic abilities. Kay promised she would not even bring the subject to attention. She thought it was a joke.

Leonard's predictions, at first were increasingly precise and humorous. There were those predictions that were comical, such as the times he would say the phone was going to ring and it would. He would go as far as to name the person making the call. 9 out of 10 times, he was accurate. What started out as a joke soon became a nightmare. Leonard predicted the day Kay's father would die. Kay laughed at him momentary, then remembering the past predictions; she became scared for her father's life. Later, when Kay thought Leonard had left for the office, she telephoned her father with concerns. She asked Edgar if he had been to the doctor lately or had a recent physical examination.

Edgar replied, "About a month ago I went in for my yearly physical. Mr. Blackstone went with me. The doctor said I couldn't be in better shape for a man of my age. Kiddoo, don't tell me you are worried about me?"

Kay, knowing she could not tell him about Leonard's predictions, decided to lie.

"I had a dream you died, Daddy." Kay said. "The dream was so real, I had to call and find out for myself that you were alright."

"It was only a dream, sweetheart. Nothing to worry about," Edgar said. "By the way, how is your husband? What is the name of that company he works for?"

Kay answered, "He has been working for Bentley Engineering for more than a year. The owner, Mr. Tom Bentley, trained him the first week he worked there. They really seem to like him. Of course, I don't blame them, he spend most of his time working. Daddy, getting back to my dream, would you please stay in today with mother. I know it was just a dream, but some dream can be so real."

Edgar snapped, "Kay, forget the dream for a minute. I would like to know more about the kind of work Leonard does. I want my only child to be happy. Is he a good provider? I like to know that the allowance I give you is just extra money."

Kay signed, "I know that, Daddy. I'm just fine. You should have stopped giving me an allowance when I got married. I do appreciate your help, but it is not necessary. We are fine. "

Soon the telephone conversation was finished. Kay thought she convinced her father of their financial state. Edgar thought he had convinced Kay he would stay in all night. Kay went down stairs to the library to study where she found Leonard reading a magazine on bomb shelters.

"I thought you went to the office! What's that you are reading?" She asked Leonard.

"I went to the drug store to get some magazines. I am reading about bomb shelters," he answered.

"Why in the world would you be reading something like that? I know something more relaxing you could be doing." She said.

"Kay," Leonard said. "Have you read the paper lately or listened to the news? Just last week, a small country was invaded and hundreds of people were killed because they were not prepared. It could happen here. This country could go to war tomorrow or a week from now. If we had a bomb shelter, we might have a chance to live"

Kay asked sarcastic, "Is this another one of your predictions, dear? I just got finish talking with my father and he assured me he is in the best of health. I am afraid you are going to be wrong this time."

Before Kay could continue with her sarcastic crusade, Leonard jumped to his feet, grabbed Kay about the shoulders, and shook her vigorously while shouting, "Did you tell Edgar what I said? I told you to keep your mouth shut."

"Stop it, stop it," cried Kay. "No, I didn't tell Edgar what you said. I mean Daddy!"

Leonard got control of himself, released Kay, and returned to his recliner.

"Just what did you say, Kay?" He asked her.

"What has gotten in to you?" Kay cried while rubbing her shoulder.

Leonard demanded, "What did you say?"

Kay seated herself in the chair parallel to Leonard. She looked over at Leonard with a puzzled expression on her face.

She said, "I told Daddy that I had a dream he was going to die and that I wanted to know how he was. What in the world is wrong with you?"

Leonard hesitated before saying, "I just do not want your father to think I am a crack pot. Being the president of Consolidated Steel, he has enough problems to worry about without listening to some silly prediction I make. He doesn't like me anyway. This would give him a fine opportunity to get rid of me. Did Edgar seem up-set when you talked to him?"

"No," snapped Kay. "I am up-set. You acted like a mad man. You hurt my arm."

Leonard stretched out his hand toward Kay. He said, "Come here, sweetheart. I'm sorry. It is just that I worried about your father. Can you forgive me?"

"No," said Kay. "I'll never forgive you."

Leonard sadly lower his head down at the thickly carpeted floor. He acted like a small child that was being scolded.

"Silly, of course, I will forgive you. Kay said as she left her seat and sat on Leonard's lap. "I will always forgive you, but don't let it happen again."

They both began to laugh. Leonard wrapped his arms around Kay and kissed her affectionately.

"Now," Leonard said, "About that bomb shelter."

"Not now," replied Kay, "Tomorrow, maybe."

Kay got off Leonard's lap, tugged at his arm and pointed toward the bedroom. Leonard jump up, threw Kay over his shoulder, and carried her into their bedroom.

That night approximately at 9:45 pm, the very day Leonard had predicted, Kay received a telephone call that changed her life and her beliefs on Leonard's predictions. It seems, her Father received a call to go out to the plant. As he was returning home, coming down the hill on Ocean Drive, his brakes failed. The car picked up speed as it traveled down that hill. The car finally came to a stop when it crashed into Fillman's Hardware store. Mr. Fillman used Doberman pinscher guard dog for security instead of an alarm system at his store, due to several false alarm set-off. In the police report, it stated that they were not certain if the crash or the dogs had killed Mr. Lytle. The guard dogs had disfigured Mr. Lytle so badly that the coroner had a problem trying to accurately determine the cause of his death. When Kay received the call that her Father had been in an accident, she dropped the telephone to the floor. She grabbed for her robe.

She kept saying, "It isn't true."

Leonard got up, picked up the telephone, and asked what was going on. When the officer had explain that Edgar Lytle had been in a fatal accident, Leonard ran after Kay. By the time he got to her, Kay was crying uncontrollably. As he grabbed her, Kay looked at him then collapsed. Kay couldn't believe her father was dead.

"There has to be a mistake. Daddy said he wouldn't go out tonight." Kay cried.

Leonard caressed Kay as she babbled madly and he continued to hold her all night.

Kay had decided to have a grave side funeral as soon as possible. However, her Mother wanted a short service in the Church. Only a few close relatives were able at attend. There just was not enough time to notify the other members of the family or friends which lived out of town. Mr. Blackstone and some neighbors which read the new paper or heard about the accident, were able to pay their last respects by attending the funeral. There were lots of flowers. Mr. Lytle loved flowers, mostly roses. Consolidated Steel closed the plant that day to honor Mr. Lytle. Most of the employees attended the funeral. Within forty years, Mr. Lytle had made many friends with Consolidated alone with hundred of it's customers. Even though a lot of the family and out-of-town friends could not make it, the funeral was very large with over two hundred people present. There was standing room only in the back of the Church. There were flowers all around the coffin. Kay and her mother, Marie Lytle sat quietly together as well wisher came by to offer their support.

At the grave side, Marie's salt and pepper colored shoulder length hair dance as a gust of wind blew through. Marie and Kay were dressed in black from the top of their heads, wearing black veiled hats: to the tip of the toes, wearing black stockings and shoes. The preacher was asked to give a very short sermon, the funeral lasted twenty minutes. Marie Lytle, being a strong woman, showed no affection until the end of the funeral. As the coffin bearers started lowering Edgar into his cold, dark grave; Marie lost her quiet composure. She threw herself on the coffin and cried, "No, Edgar - not you. My Darling. No. No, Not you."

Kay hurried to comfort her broken hearted Mother. Finally, after a few last words of love to Edgar, Marie was able to walk away with Kay. From that day after the funeral, Marie would not say another word.

Soon the attendance were gone, except Mr. Blackstone and Mr. Evan Hughes which stared in bewilderment at the lonely grave covered with hundreds of flower arrangements and loose flowers blowing in the wind. The head stone read, "Devoted Husband, Beloved Father - Edgar Lee Lytle - born February 6, 1920 - died November 10, 1989 May God Bless your rest".

As weeks went by, Leonard did not mention the bomb shelter to Kay. Instead, he continued to buy magazines, books, and other written materials based on bomb shelters. The table next to his recliner in the library was over flowing with bomb shelter information.

Two months had passed when Kay received a letter requesting her presents for the Will reading. The letter had been sent by Evan Hughes, who had been a personal friend of the Lytle family for over fifty years. Edgar Lytle decided to make him the executor over the family estate. Evan was a tall man with a receding gray hair line. He always wore a suit and carried his briefcase.

Once everyone, pertaining to the will reading, had gathered in Mr. Hughes's plush executive office which was located on the first floor of the BML Building, Evan began reading the will.

He read, "That I, Edgar Lee Lytle, of the County of Fort Bend, being of sound mind and disposing memory, recognizing the extent of my property and the natural objects of my bounty, do hereby revoke any and all wills, codicils, and/or Testamentary instruments here to fore made by me and do hereby make, publish, and declare the following to be my last Will and Testament.

Mr. Hughes stopped and looked at the people seated in his spacious office. His eyes finally focused on Marie Lytle. He thought back how they had first met while attending University of Houston. He would see her, occasionally on the campus practicing her cheers with the Cheerleading squad. It was not until William Lytle, Edgar's brother, introduced Edgar and Evan to Marie at a campus party. Evan was Edgar's best friend at the time. Evan always hoped Marie would fall in love with him. Instead, Edgar was the lucky one.

When Marie and Edgar were married, Evan was the best man at their wedding.

"Marie was still as beautiful as when they first met," he thought.

When Mr. Hughes realized he was staring at Marie, he brought his thoughts back to the present and continued reading the will and said, "Are there any questions about the will before I continue?"

No one in the office made a sound. It was almost too quiet. Kay was not listening to the reading of the will. Instead, she was thinking of the last months' events. Her father was gone. He was someone she loved very dearly. He had always been there for her. Now there was Leonard. While Kay stared out the windows, looking at the other buildings, the will reading continued, "I direct that all debts and obligations due by me, inclusive of those incident to my last illness, death and burial, and all such payment of taxes and expenses incident to probate and administration to be paid as soon as practicable after my death."

Kay glanced at Mr. Hughes. She looked at her Mother. Kay had gotten her Mother a nurse to help her around the house. If anything, this nurse might be a companion for her Mother, keeping her from being lonely when Kay couldn't be around. Kay heard Mr. Hughes read that William Lytle was to receive five hundred, thousand dollars every year for the rest of his life. William (Uncle Billy) Lytle was Edgar, brother, Kay's favorite Uncle.

Mr. Hughes read, "I give, devise and bequeath to my wife, Marie Kay Lytle and my daughter, Kay Lytle Morgan, to divide the remaining of my estate and property of whatsoever nature and wheresoever situated. My remaining estate and property equaling a total amount of nine point five million dollars. In testimony whereof, I have here unto signed my name this fifteenth day of October, A.D., 1989, in the presence of Lynn Johnson, Molly Rodriguez, Leonard C. Morgan, and Sue Peterson, the undersigned witnesses, whom I have to the same as subscribing witnesses there to, publishing and declaring to them that the foregoing is my last Will and Testament.

The reading had ended. Mr. Hughes placed the will on his desk. He asked again, "Are there any questions?"

As before, the same dead silence rang throughout the office.

Kay thought, "Was that it? What did the other people get? Is Mother going to be taken care of? I should have listened better."

Kay looked around the office. People were shaking Mr. Hughes's hands while they exited the office.

Kay stood up and said, "Thank-you for reading the will. Can we talk about your fee later? Mother looks rather tired."

Mr. Hughes said, "That has been taken care of Kay."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Murder Under the Poolby G.G. Rodriguez Copyright © 2009 by G.G. Rodriguez. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Edition details

• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1449003141
• ISBN 13: 9781449003142
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 326