All the Shiny Things: A Kate Reid Novel (Kate Reid Series Book 1) (30 page)

She followed his lead, calming herself with each breath. “I’m sorry, Marshall. She’s my best friend.”

“Don’t speak; just deep breaths.” They breathed together, slowly and calmly, her eyes never leaving his. “I need to stay here and talk to Dr. Patel. I’ll walk you to the lounge first so you can get a coffee, maybe something to eat and to sit down. Agent Scarborough is waiting outside and we need to discuss things with the doctor that I don’t think you’ll want to hear. Okay?”

But she’d heard enough already. The matter-of-fact tone with which the examiner spoke reverberated in her mind. Having no desire to suffer any more today, Katie agreed. The thought of listening to them analyze and study Sam’s body the way they did with Angela Richards made the bile want to rise in her.

The lounge offered little in the way of comfort. Burgundy chairs with chrome arms, placed side-by-side, an outdated TV mounted to the wall by a swivel stand and the gurgling of the water cooler that was nearing empty. But Marshall brought her a coffee and a bag of chips from the vending machine. “Sorry, this was all they had.”

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

He handed her the coffee and placed the chips on the table beside her. “I’ll be back in a few minutes, okay?” Marshall said.

He laid his hands gently against her cheeks and kissed her forehead, promising to return soon.

Katie was alone. The daylight was turning to dusk. She had no sense of time, save for the dimming light shining through the plastic vertical blinds on the windows. It must have been nearly five o’clock. A calendar hung on the nurses’ station wall. It was Wednesday evening in this small town hospital in Arcata; a hospital that usually took care of kids’ broken bones or ear infections, maybe an injury in a fender bender or two. Murder wasn’t something to which they were accustomed.

Katie stared at the ground until a pair of feet came into view. She raised her head, scanning the long, thin legs clothed in blue jeans and the hands shoved into the jean pockets up to their knuckles. It was Jarrod.

“Can I sit down?” he asked.

A sympathetic smile appeared just for a moment as she obliged, moving her purse from the seat next to her.

He took Katie’s hand and pressed it firmly between both of his. “I was way out of line back there and I’m so sorry. I’ve never raised a hand to any woman; you have to believe me.”

“My God, Jarrod. The last thing you should be is sorry. You were right. None of us would be here right now if I hadn’t dug all this up.”

“Sam told me about what happened when you were a kid; how all those crazy dreams or visions or whatever came back to you. How could you have known any of this would happen?”

“I called her a few days ago, you know, but I got her voicemail. She always calls me back; I should have known something wasn’t right.”

“She left for work on Tuesday morning, just as she always did,” Jarrod began. “We said goodbye and I went back inside the house to work. There was nothing out of the ordinary. Believe me, I’ve run through every word she said to me over and over in my mind. It was just like any other day, Katie.”

He was trying hard to keep it together; she could feel it in his tight grip, like he was holding onto her for dear life. “Sam loves you—loved you very much, Jarrod. She was happy with you.”

“Do they know it was him—the man who took you—who did this?”

“I don’t think they know anything for sure, but they’re assuming it was. With the threats and the media attention…”

“What threats?”

“Threats to me, Jarrod. Not to anyone but me.” She couldn’t bring herself to tell him of the only real threat that mattered; the threat that he would find a replacement for her and it seemed he had. Everyone who saw that email, who knew of the phone call, was well aware of the threat. They might not have enough to be sure it was him, but Katie knew it was.

“Everything okay here?” Marshall headed toward the two of them.

“We’re fine.” Katie looked at Jarrod; her compassionate smile seemed to put him further at ease.

“Listen, Jarrod, I hate to even ask this, but was Sam wearing her wedding ring when she left for work on Tuesday?” Marshall asked.

“I guess she was; she wore it every day. Why?”

“It’s not on her ring finger. We just wanted to be sure it wasn’t sent somewhere to be cleaned or sized or anything.”

“No. No, she never took it off. Ever. Are you implying my wife took it off for another reason?”

“Absolutely not. I mean to infer no such thing. We were just wondering where it was.”

“If she wasn’t wearing it, then I don’t know,” Jarrod replied.

“All right. I’m sure it will turn up in her things somewhere. If you find it, please let us know.” Marshall turned to Kate. “I think we should get you back home now.”

She stood up, her hand still bonded with Jarrod’s. “Are you going to be okay tonight? Are you staying with your family?”

“Sam was my family.” He stopped short. “No, I’m staying with Sam’s parents at their house tonight. My mom and dad are flying in tomorrow from back east. They’ll help with the arrangements. I’ll keep in touch.”

She leaned in to kiss his cheek. “Goodnight, Jarrod.”

» » »

Marshall hadn’t said
much since they left the hospital. It was likely that he just didn’t know what to say any more. Katie was grateful, though, for having the time with Jarrod, even if it did little to unburden her mind. She would always blame herself for what had happened to Sam. Just the thought of it made her want to erupt into tears again.

She wanted to talk to Sam, to see her again, beautiful and happy, just as she was on her wedding day. Katie’s mind was relentless in its constant retelling of every detail of their friendship. Apparitions of Sam churned through her head; years of laughter, tears, giggling about boys.

A few of those sample pills Dr. Reyes had given her once would be a godsend right now. Valium; that would quiet the memories. Katie understood now, at least to an extent, why her father turned to alcohol in the years after her abduction. She would do just about anything to make the pain go away.

It wasn’t until Katie heard the car treading over the gravel driveway at her parents’ house that she jolted back from the depths of her mind’s eye.

Marshall drove slowly until he reached the top of the circular drive and finally stopped. It was pitch black outside except for the single light that burned under the porch, the moths swarming around it. The stars were veiled by the black, thunderous clouds that were about to spill over and drench the Earth at any moment. The smell of the imminent rain was calming. She hadn’t seen any rain in months.

“Come on; let’s get you inside before the rain pummels us,” Marshall said, draping Katie’s sweater around her shoulders.

Her mother was standing on the porch, holding the screen door open for them. “Looks like it’s going to be a big storm tonight,” she said.

“Can I get you two anything?” Deborah asked.

“No thank you, Mrs. Reid,” Marshall replied.

One minor thought had escaped Katie today, insignificant by comparison, but nonetheless, just now dawning on her. This was the first time Marshall had met her parents in person. They’d spoken on the phone before, but had never actually met.

“I’m fine, Mom, thanks.”

“Your father’s gone to bed, honey. It’s been a long day and he just couldn’t hold out.”

“I understand. I know it’s late.” Before she even sat down, Katie turned on the television, flicking around for any news about Sam, almost dismissing her mother. If the news wasn’t out yet, it would be soon, especially once they found out she was Katie’s best friend. It wouldn’t take long to make the connection.

“Detective Avery, will you be staying with us tonight?” Deborah asked, following him into the family room.

He looked to Katie for an answer.

“Of course he is, Mom. The weather’s getting bad and I don’t want him to drive back to the hotel.”

Scarborough and his team had set up shop at the Victorian. There weren’t many places in Rio Dell, so they went to Fortuna, the next town over. This part of Northern California had lots of small towns and communities. It was nice to visit, but not much fun when you’re a teenager looking to get into trouble as she and Sam often did.

“Okay then. I’ll get some blankets and a pillow. I’m afraid you’ll have to sleep on the couch. The guest room is piled high with boxes of Katie’s things.”

“That’ll be fine, Mrs. Reid. Thank you.”

“Please, call me Deborah.” She went upstairs, only to reappear minutes later, arms full with bedding.

“Just set it down here, Mom. I’ll make it up for him when he’s ready.”

“Okay, honey.” Deborah gave Katie a kiss, the kind mothers give when their kids have scraped knees or bruised elbows.

“Good night, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. Try and get some rest.”

Rest?
She had hardly slept in days and the words were soon lost as Katie caught sight of headlights passing by the window. “Patrol?” she asked, looking at Marshall.

“Yeah. Looks like the second shift is just getting started.”

How did I get here?
She wanted to go outside and scream at the top of her lungs as the heavy drops began to fall from the sky. But her body ached, her head ached and, worst of all, her heart ached.  

“I can’t do this any more, Marshall.” Her voice was jagged, fracturing her words. This was not the first time she’d said as much, but this time, the words came with a certainty she hadn’t expressed before.

“Are you telling me you’re ready to go with the FBI?” He laid a blanket across her legs, which were covered with only a lightweight cotton skirt.

“Protective custody? Like witness protection?”

“Yes, something like that.”

“But doesn’t that mean I have to change my name? Start my life over? I don’t want to do that, Marshall.”

“Well, I think this is a little different, but it wouldn’t be forever; just until we find him. Once he’s caught, he’ll be put away for life, maybe even get the death penalty, all things being what they are here in this state. Then you can get on with your life.”

“But that would mean I wouldn’t see you, or my parents, or anyone I know.”

“No, you wouldn’t, not in the short term.”

That wasn’t the solution she was looking for, but what choice was there?

“They could assign you a protection detail, but that’s pretty much what I am. Although if it were the FBI, you’d probably have more people assigned than just me.”

“I’m so scared, Marshall. I don’t know what to do.”

“You and your family are safe here; that much I know. Let’s talk to Scarborough tomorrow and see what your options are.” He situated himself next to her on the couch, resting his arm on the back cushion. He lowered it behind her neck and gently pulled her closer. A moment later, he leaned in, parting his lips just enough to let her know what was about to happen.

He was going to kiss her. For the first time, it wouldn’t be the other way around. Katie inched forward to meet his lips. They were warm and soft, no hesitation behind them.

His movements were slow and measured, his embrace growing firmer with each breath he drew. She felt the heat rise between them, surrounding her with enough warmth that she no longer needed the blanket.

He gently laid her down on the couch. The weight of his body pressed against hers. She melded into him.

“We should stop,” he whispered.

“I don’t want to stop.”

Their lips almost touched again; he stopped and slowly took to his feet.

Katie’s eyes flickered with the imminent fear of rejection. But instead, he extended his hand, wanting her to take hold of it. He lifted her off the couch with ease and grace, as if she’d floated up.

“We should go upstairs to your room.”

The house was old with stairs that creaked at each step. The rain and occasional thunder seemed to drown them out, but Katie didn’t worry about waking her parents; she didn’t worry what they might think. Her only thoughts were of him. Being with him was the only thing she wanted, the only thing she had wanted for a long time, but never truly realized just how much until now.

She was certain he was trying to convince himself that this wasn’t the right time, as he had expressed before. But after today, everything had changed and it would never be the same again. Neither one of them would ever be the same.

» » »

The storm passed and a few rays of light broke through the remaining clouds and into Katie’s old bedroom. Her eyes struggled to open, but she rubbed the sleep from them and clearer vision came to her. She glanced around the room. At first, she’d forgotten where she was. Was it Marshall’s place, her apartment? No, she was back home, in the same bed she’d slept in for most of her teenage years. It was the same bed she now recalled having shared with Marshall the night before, but he was no longer there.

She caressed the pillow that remained formed to the shape of his head. Had he even been there the entire night? There must be a reason why he was absent from her now. Maybe he didn’t want her parents to know he’d slept with her. In the light of day, that probably was the best thing.

She stepped out of bed and reached for her robe. The clock showed seven thirty. It felt much later. And it didn’t take long for her thoughts to drift back to Sam. No sooner had the memory been put to rest for the night, than it rushed back in a deluge. This nightmare was far from over.

Katie descended the stairs to the sound of several voices drifting up to meet her. She slowed her pace in order to listen before anyone caught sight of her. Peering around the banister, she saw Marshall, Agent Scarborough, Chief Wilson, and her parents.

I can’t go down there now,
she thought, and trotted back up before anyone noticed her.

The house was still buzzing with activity when Katie attempted to make an appearance again. This time, at least she was dressed.

“Katie, you’re up,” Deborah said. “How are you feeling? We didn’t want to wake you.”

“I’m okay, Mom. What’s everyone doing here?” She stood at the bottom of the steps, the last one to the party.

It was Marshall who finally took his eyes off of whatever it was he was studying with Agent Scarborough to see Katie. Scarborough hardly took any notice.

“Good morning, Kate. We thought it best not to disturb you. Did you sleep well?” Marshall asked. The manner in which he viewed her was markedly different from the day before.

Last night did happen
. “Yes, thank you. What’s going on?”

Marshall looked at Deborah as if asking permission to speak. She acknowledged his unspoken request; all the while, Katie witnessed the odd exchange. “Kate, news is out about Sam. We’re doing damage control now. Chief Wilson is preparing a statement and we’ll be holding a press conference at 10:30 this morning.”

“Oh God—I can’t.” She recoiled, clutching her stomach.

“It’s okay. No one expects you to talk to the media. There’s no need for it. The chief just needs to convey that we are handling it and we’re pursuing any and all leads to find the suspect,” Marshall continued.

“So, you’re not telling them that we already know who murdered Sam?” They all knew damn well who did it.

“We don’t know anything for sure yet, but we aren’t going to let the media draw their own conclusions either. There is no way we’re going to tell them that he’s been in contact with you. We can’t; it’ll jeopardize everything we’ve been working toward. And we don’t have forensics back yet, so there is absolutely nothing tying Sam’s murder to your case.”

“Right. It’s just that she was my best friend and this was his sick way of getting to me.” She pulled back, regretting how that sounded. They were doing this to protect her and the investigation; not to try to diminish what happened.

“I’m sorry, Marshall. I know you’re doing what’s best here. I guess the last thing we need is the media feeding into this guy’s plan; to get them thinking that no one in this town is safe if they come in contact with me in any way.”

“Right now, all we know is that Sam was the victim of a random act of violence and until we know more, that’s all we’ll be sharing at this conference. That’s why Chief Wilson is gonna run the show. No one needs to know of the FBI’s involvement. She was found within the town limits, so it’s expected that he would be heading up the investigation.”

“Yeah. I get it. When are we going to know more? What’s forensics got right now?” Katie asked. By this time, she was already hovering over Marshall and Scarborough, trying to figure out what they were reading.

“Agent Scarborough has set up shop at the vacant warehouse where her car was found.”

“They found her car? When?” Katie asked.

“Jarrod said she was headed to meet a client in Fortuna. Somewhere between Rohnerville and Fortuna is where she went missing. We found several calls on her cell from the client when she didn’t show up. She’d left her phone in the car. That was around 10 a.m. Her office called her cell around 1:00 and then several calls from Jarrod showed up between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. That’s when he called Chief Wilson.” Marshall motioned to the chief.

“But you didn’t get the call until the following afternoon,” Katie replied.

“I wasn’t aware of the connection between you and Samantha, at least, not at first. I knew of her, but didn’t know her new last name, so when Jarrod put the missing persons call in, I treated it like any other case. When I sent out my officer along the route she would have taken and he found her car at that warehouse off the highway, he called it in. He also found her cell phone and searched her recent calls. Your name came up on the list.” Wilson said.

“I called her a few days ago, maybe a week; I don’t know.”

“As soon as he realized, Chief called me.” Marshall replied.

“But they don’t have anything yet,” Katie said.

“No, nothing yet. Once this conference is over, I’m gonna run out there with Scarborough and take a look. I want you to stay here. There’ll be an officer stationed out front and a patrol running every hour. You’ll be safe here.”

A part of her wanted to object; insist that she be involved. But how could she be? It would be too much for her to see Sam’s car. Had there been a struggle? Was there blood everywhere, or did he wait until he took her someplace else to murder her best friend? She couldn’t handle it and knew better than to try.