Coming Home (Norris Lake Series) (29 page)

The sound got louder again and the same boat pulled past them crossing back over to the far side of the lake.  Gritting her teeth Caitlyn reached over to her beach bag and pulled out a big t-shirt.  Pulling it on over her head made her feel a bit more secure.  She’d dealt with drunk redneck fishermen before and it had never been pleasant.  The boat changed course and came racing across the lake directly towards them.  Sarah yelled to Caitlyn, Looks like they are coming our way, pointing to the boat sure that her friend had seen them too.  Startled, Sarah wondered what they were up to. 

“Get on board and let’s get back to the dock.” Sarah called. “You grab the rest of the stuff and I’ll get the lines.  Quick, move it, Cat!”

The boat came closer to the shore.  As it raced towards them, Caitlyn pitched the lawnchairs on to the dock and Sarah pulled the lines free which held the boat tethered to the shore.  Slowing, the fishing boat pulled up against the house boat. 

"Hey girls, where are you going in such a hurry?"  a young lean fisherman in a faded orange UT hat asked as he grabbed on to the railing of the house boat. 

"We’re heading in.  I have to be home by six o’clock. My husband will be getting worried," Sarah lied hoping that they would believe her and leave.

"I think I will just come on over there and take a look at what we’ve found, Jimbo," the second man said, as he crawled from the fishing boat on to the house boat.  He stumbled slightly sloshing beer out on to the deck.  Turning the beer up, he guzzled the rest, crumpled the can and threw it out into the lake.  His red plaid shirt was half tucked in to his pants and hung open exposing an eagle chest tattoo covered by thick brown hair. 

“Get off this boat,” Caitlyn, scolded in a stern voice to the two men.  “Sarah let’s get going.”

Ignoring her request the second man tied his fishing boat to the house boat and started climbing over the rail.  "Jimbo, come on, let’s show these little ladies how two real men have fun." 

"Yes sir!" Randy said as he threw a second line around the railing of the house boat tethering the two boats tightly together. 

"You two just leave us alone or we’ll scream," Sarah threatened in a low tone her heart pounding so hard that her chest hurt. 

"You just go ahead and scream, darlin’.  No one will hear you out here.  And even if they do, won’t no one help you anyhow." Jimbo, snarled in a menacing voice as he motioned Randy to move toward her. 

"You sick drunks.  Ya’ll stay away from us," Sarah screamed as she dodged Randy’s outstretched arms and ran towards the side of the house boat that still lay tethered to the beach. 

“Caitlyn run.”  Sarah squealed.  Caitlyn was on the far side of the houseboat, while Sarah had already climbed aboard, ready to start the engine. Caitlyn took off at a run moments before Sarah jumped over the railing of the boat, hit the sand and sprinted away from the two men. 

"Get the red head, Randy.  She’s the one we need,” Jimbo said as he took out after the fleeing Sarah.  Randy and Jimbo scrambled off the boat and sprinted after their prey.  Stumbling Randy fell to his knees in the water along the edge of the lake yards from Caitlyn. He skinned both his knees in the effort.

"You bitch.  I’ll get you.  You can’t away." he shouted.  Jimbo was just slightly faster than Sarah.  He caught the back of her shirt jerking her to the ground and tackled her landing heavily.  Pinning her down by sitting astride Sarah’s back, he didn’t notice the bloody spots he left on her T-shirt from his bleeding knees.

She screamed.  “Get off me.  Run Caitlyn.”  The large man straddled her back and put his hands on the back of her head pressing her face into the sand muffling her screams. He was breathing heavily.  He then pulled her hands back locking them behind the small of her back. 

“Get the other one, Jimbo,” yelled at Randy. 

Stopping to catch his breath his hands on his thighs, Randy, said "Aw man, let them go.  I ain’t gonna put this much effort into a piece of pussy.  Not when I can get if for free at home and with a lot less trouble.”

Caitlyn kept running along the edge of the water.  The rocks were hard to navigate and she fell hearing the two men yelling behind her but unable to make out their words.  She turned briefly and saw one man sitting on top of Sarah and the other man start to stand up.

“You watch this one.”  Jimbo stood up and sprinted after Caitlyn.  “Don’t let her get away.  I’ll take care of the other.  She’s the one we came here to get,”  he yelled over his shoulder.

Caitlyn pushed herself back up to her feet and kept going, her ankle and elbow throbbing in pain. Ahead of her along the shore was a hole in the rocks.  She could hide in there. 

Ducking between the rocks she found that the space really was the opening of a cave.  It had a small entrance opening into a larger space beyond.  Standing against the wall in the dark she breathed heavily waiting for the man, Jimbo, to find her.  Caitlyn’s heart beat so hard she thought it would burst, so she held her breath in an effort to be quiet.  Tears rolled down her cheeks.  She could wait here until they left.  She would be safe. 

“I can’t leave Sarah,” she thought to herself. She could hear the heavy breathing of the man as he entered the cave. 

“Come out here now, Caitlyn and nothing will happen to Sarah.  If you don’t come out here, she’d dead and I’ll make sure that she suffers.  Come out of there now and I will let her go.  You’re the one I want.”

For a moment, she hesitated, trying to remain silent.  “Liar,” she yelled. With only her bare feet and hands for guidance, Caitlyn pushed further into the depths of the cave, deeper and deeper. 

“You’re right.  You’re dead and so is your friend.  I can wait out here as long as I need to, you bitch,” he hollered in to the cave.

She kept going blindly, first one turn and then another until she could no longer hear any sounds behind her.

Jimbo walked back to the houseboat.  "Let’s go, man,” Jimbo said in a defeated voice.  He couldn’t believe that the red headed cunt had given them the slip.  "We’ll take advantage of this one and then find the other one later," he told his buddy. 

"Yeah, all right." Randy agreed grateful they’d given up the chase. He would have voiced his opinion but was not willing to aggravate the bigger and older Jimbo. 

Randy grabbed Sarah’s limp body by one arm and dragged her towards the houseboat. “Come one baby, let’s go have some fun.” 

Chapter 30

They pulled into the driveway off Augusta National Way in West Knoxville near the Fox Den Country Club, cruising past an imposing metal gate with brick sentries at each corner.  The driveway was lined with Bradford pear trees and a white three board fence.  At the end of the drive was three story red brick 7,000 square foot house with brick wrought iron fence across the back yard enclosing both a large heated pool and a cabaña house.  The yard was professionally sculpted with roof high pink crape myrtle, holly and a myriad of flowers.  About 200 foot behind the home was a large pond encircled with a concrete walkway, fountain with colored lights and covered swing.

In front of the home was a well-manicured unattached red brick garage converted to include four run-in stalls. The garage matched the main house in color and accoutrements exactly.  The property was 13+ acres with 10 in front, the house and then three in back with a pond.  The front 10 acres were enclosed by white three-board horse fence.  At the back of the property behind the pond was an additional forty acres with wire fencing and a pole barn.  Three horses grazed quietly in the front pasture heads down and tails swishing. 

Sheriff O’Donnell stopped in front of the two car garage surveying the scenery.  He noticed the black convertible viper, brown dually and small gray and white multi-colored Sonoma parked in the driveway, as he walked around to open Jesse’s door.

“Looks like some real money invested in this display, Jess.”

“I would have to agree with you.  This man has some serious material desires.”

“Yeah, but do those desires lead to murder?”

They walked along a long sidewalk to the front door and knocked.  After a moment, Dominic answered.

“Yes.”

“I am Jesse James,” she said offering Dominic a hand. “I am a friend of Caitlyn’s from Norris.  I am also an author doing research on the area and have been helping Sheriff Kane with some of his cases.”

Dominic smiled. “Your serious?  Jesse James like the bank robber?”

“No relation.” Jesse asserted.

“I believe we’ve met.  He reached out to shake hands with Dominic, who looked at the hand as if Ben had leprosy, shrugged and then reached out his own and shook briefly.

“I can’t say that I am glad to see you sheriff, in fact, you have some nerve showing up at my door after fucking my wife.  But, since I can be a civilized man, barely, that aside, what do you want?” Dominic sneered. 

Ben let the comment pass and stood stoically.  “I am investigating some incidents that have occurred recently which involve Caitlyn and the Tarlington family.” 

Dominic stood still unmoving.

“We want to talk to you about Caitlyn.  Can we, please come in?” asked Jesse.

There was a pause as if he were thinking about it before making a decision. “Yes, well, come in if you must, but this will be a short visit.”  He opened the door which led through a foyer with an arched staircase leading to the second story with a 80 foot high ceiling. To the left was a formal dining room with swinging doors opening into a kitchen.  The floors were highly polished redwood as far as the eye could see.

They walked through a hallway which opened up to a large living room.  The back wall of the living room was covered floor to ceiling with windows and dark green wall to wall carpet on the floor.  A recessed big screen TV was the focus of the room next to a large brick fireplace.  The dark carpet coordinated to accent a large circular green sectional sofa, light pine end tables, coffee table and a matching dark green rocker.  Along the same wall as the TV and the fireplace were floor to ceiling shelves filled with books of every description.  The back windows were enclosed with wooden slat shutters overlooking an expansive patio with an in ground pool, Jacuzzi and cabana house. 

Beyond the patio was a large grassy yard enclosed by four foot tall redwood lattice fence.  In the middle of the yard was a 40 foot tall Bradford pear tree with a circular brick patio a quarter of the size of a tennis court surrounding it.  The bricks were layered in a big star pattern radiating out from the center.  Looking out from the fence towards the back yard was a pond with a concrete bench, and accent lights.  Situated in the middle of the pond was a fountain exploding up into the sky as a forefront to the tall trees lining the back of the pond. 

“This way,” Dominic said gesturing for the two to follow him.  They walked down the hall past a large living room and into an even larger kitchen with a breakfast nook and sitting area.  The floors of the kitchen were highly polished maple matching the cabinets and the front of a subzero refrigerator.  The counters in the kitchen were mirrored brown and black speckled granite.  In the middle of the kitchen was an island with a grill top and deep sink.  There were double doors on the north end of the kitchen going through to the dining room with a large pantry to the left.  A double stacked stove was situated next to another deep sink. Over the sink, there was a large window looking out over the front yard.  The breakfast nook overlooked the patio and featured a bay window full of ivy.  A back door led out onto the back patio.  To the back left of the kitchen was a sitting area with a custom upholstered couch and two wingback chairs with large footstools.  The furniture faced a gas fireplace flanked on each side by cabinets and bookcases.  Directly to the left of the sitting room was a second set of stairs to the second floor, a large laundry room with red tiled floor and a half bath. 

Dominic took a seat at the maple kitchen table indicating that they sit.  “Have a seat.  I would ask you if you want anything to drink but you won’t be here long enough to enjoy it.” 

“You have a stunning home. Mr. Lawson,” Jesse said taking a seat opposite Dominic.

“Yes, this must have certainly cost a bundle,” Ben said walking to the back door and looking out the back door as if canvassing the premises.  He turned and then also took a seat at the table.

“I know you didn’t come here to admire the view.  My only comment is - if you are good at what you do, the money will follow.  I am very good at what I do.  Enough small talk.  What do you have to do with Caitlyn and more specifically what do you want from me?” Dominic declared.

“Are you aware of the incidents involving Caitlyn recently?” asked Ben.

“I have my sources.  I am aware of some of what has occurred but why don’t you start at the beginning and walk me through it.”  Dominic tapped a cigarette out of the box and lit it pulling a clear glass ashtray within his reach.

Jesse and Ben exchanged a brief glance as if agreeing that Ben would begin.

“First there was a fire started at the condo project managed by Tarlington’s construction company.  Caitlyn wasn’t directly involved but her father was attacked and severely injured.  The other day, someone tried to force Caitlyn off the road.  She’s fine but I suspect it wasn’t an accident.  In addition, she’s being terrorized in the evenings with phone calls and drive bys.  She’s also receiving threatening email messages.”  Ben paused judging Dominic’s response to the information.  Dominic’s facade was unreadable and without emotion.

“So what has that got to do with me?”

“I thought maybe you could shed some light on the subject.”

“How could I do that?”  He paused. “Are you insinuating that I am involved?”

“Where were you the night of August 15th?” 

“What’s so special about that date?”

“It’s the night of the fire.”

“I was at work.  You can check with about 20 salesmen and a receptionist who can vouch that I was there until closing, which would be well past ten p.m.”

“How about the night of August 31st?” 

“I know…the night she was forced off the road.  I was also at work.  Same group of witnesses.  Check it out if you don’t believe me.”

“Rest assured, I will.”

“If you think I had anything to do with this mess, you are mistaken.  I may be angry with Caitlyn, but not enough to see her dead.   I may say it and think it at times but that’s all.  Hell, I’d be prime suspect number one; the husband always is. Even I know that and I don’t appreciate you coming into my house to accuse me.  Now I would appreciate it if you leave. If you need to speak with me again, you can do it through my attorney.”

Jesse and Ben stood while Dominic sat at the table finishing his cigarette. 

“We are just trying to get to the bottom of this trouble Mr. Lawson.  I am worried about Caitlyn.  She’s too much of fighter to give up on the condo project. I don’t think whoever’s behind this is going to stop until she gives up or is dead.”

Jesse turned and said.  “She’s not been my friend long, but she is my friend.  I don’t condone those who put my friends in danger.”

Dominic stood and walked after them.  “Don’t get me wrong.  I love Caitlyn.  It’s none of your business if we are having some problems right now.  But if you are right and there is someone trying to hurt her, I suggest you find them before I do.  You may respect the law.  I don’t.”

“I believe that’s all the questions I have,” Ben stated standing. 

Dominic walked them back to the front door. 

“One more question,” Ben stopped, “what is that building to the right of your driveway?”

“It’s another garage with an upstairs apartment.  Sometimes my grown son comes to visit.  It’s fully functional and has a separate drive down the far side of the property,” Dominic answered.  “Why do you ask?”

“Just doing my job.” Ben shrugged. “Let’s go Jesse.”

Dominic shut the door behind them watching through the dining room window as they crossed the walk to the car.  He turned and returned to the kitchen for his cell phone.  Thinking for a moment, he dialed a number.

“Jake, I need your help to find someone for me.  There’s a threat on my family.  I need the culprits found.  Do it now.”

He listened for a moment. “Enlist any type of help you need. I need this done quickly.  Money’s no object.” 

“He’s a dangerous man,” Jesse said as they climbed into the squad car. “He’s a man who’s angry at the core, with money, connections and a total disregard for the law.  Not a good combination.”

“I don’t like him and I certainly don’t trust him.  He’d better stay within the law if he knows what’s good for him.  I’ll take him down just like I would anyone else.  Now let’s go see what Stephen has to say.” 

They drove across town from west Knoxville to Sequoyah Hills, a neighborhood on the national historic register.  They turned off Cumberland Avenue down Cherokee Boulevard, the principal street of Sequoyah Hills. Cherokee Boulevard parallels the Tennessee River, called Fort Loudoun Lake which is part of the TVA dam system.  They passed the homes of several University of Tennessee faculty and administration including the red brick home of the UT Chancellor called Nash Hall. Cherokee Boulevard turned into Talahi Mall. Down Talahi Mall was a rare lion-head fountain.  Behind the fountain was a fenced area, Papoose Park, with tall iron gates decorated with thunderbirds, a Cherokee symbol for protection.

“His house should be located right down here,” Jesse said pointing to an grand old English Tudor was built in 1925 with classic brick, stucco and tile roof home that filled most of the half acre lot overlooking Cherokee Boulevard, the park and water.  They pulled into a brick driveway.  The front yard was edged with a four-foot high clipped hedge.  Accent lanterns lined the driveway and the front walk. 

They parked behind a low silver jaguar and walked to the front door.  Jesse smiled outwardly hoping for a more welcoming reception from Stephen than they’d had from Dominic, but not expecting it to be so.  Ben pressed the door bell, waited and moment then rapped smartly on the door. 

“Yes,” Stephen said pulling open the door.  “What can I do for you?”

“You remember me, Sheriff O’Donnell from Norris.  This is Jesse James.  We’d like to talk to you about some recent incidents in Norris.”

“Jesse, nice to see you again,” he said reaching out to take her hand and pulled her into his home ignoring the sheriff. He looped her hand through his arm and escorted her inside. “You can come in too Ben,”  he called over his shoulder.

“You have the most beautiful setting, Mr. Kane.” Jesse said.

“Thank you and call me Stephen.  I have a this home and maintain an apartment downtown next door to my work, though I like this better.  It’s my retreat.” Stephen smiled.

They walked through a grand foyer with arched entry.  Further along there was a regal dining room with arched doors, crown molding and wainscoting.  There was a magnificent curved stairway gliding from one floor to the next. They continued through the house to a comfortable kitchen with a charming breakfast nook. The gourmet kitchen featured cherry cabinets, Jen-Air cooktop and oven, Subzero refrigerator and black granite countertops. To the left of the kitchen was a sunken spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace and vaulted entries.  A wall of windows looked out onto a covered patio area and deck.  It was expansive acreage with mature trees and landscaping surround well-manicured grounds with fabulous views of the river.  The patio held a large eight person cedar hot tub, two upholstered brown chaise lounges with white pillows and an elevated fire pit with a pottery oven.  A ceiling fan paced lazily, while an old golden retriever slept on a cedar-stuffed fleece pillow.