Deep in Death: A Shelby Nichols Adventure (27 page)

“No,” I said quickly. Chris raised his brow and gave me that look that said he knew I was lying. I sighed. “Okay…maybe. But with both Ramos and Dimples after him, I should be fine.”

Now Chris sighed and was thinking he couldn’t rest until Sean was caught. In fact, if he could, he’d like to call Ramos and offer his help, so that when Ramos caught the SOB he could be there to shoot him in the kneecaps and then, while he was screaming, set him on fire. That might help him feel better, because right now he was angry enough that he could probably do it.

“Hey…do you think we could get take-out tonight?” I asked. “I’d love some Café Rio. And then tomorrow, you promised me a new swing, remember? I’m really looking forward to that. We could cook up some burgers on the new grill too. Sound good?”

Chris took a deep breath and let his frustration go. He knew what I was doing, and had to admit that it worked. He also had to remember that he had me. I was safe and I was alive, but even better, I was his. I grounded him and, as crazy as it sounded, I kept him sane. It wasn’t always easy being married to me, but he couldn’t imagine the pain and agony he’d feel if I wasn’t there. Having me in his life made everything else he went through worth it. He glanced at me, and understanding beyond words passed between us.

“Did I tell you I loved you today?” I asked, taking his hand in mine.

“Nope,” he said.

“I love you.”

“I love you too,” he answered.

***

The next morning my throat didn’t hurt as much. Even the croak was gone, and I took a deep breath to test my lungs. When I didn’t cough, I relaxed, pleased and happy to feel better. It was Saturday, and I could hardly believe how fast the week had passed.

Chris was already up and outside mowing the lawn. It was another beautiful October day, and I wanted to soak it all in and just enjoy being alive. In the kitchen, I found the newspaper on the table with a photo of a blazing house fire on the front page.

I recognized it immediately, and just seeing it tightened my stomach, sending a dark cloud to hover over me. It reminded me that I hadn’t told anyone about the voice I’d heard, or the smell of gardenias. I could almost convince myself that it hadn’t really happened. I mean…if it did…what did that mean about me?

Since I could read minds, was that the reason I’d heard Darcy’s voice? It was enough to give me the creeps. It was bad enough to hear people that were alive, but dead people? No way. Since it hadn’t happened before, maybe it wouldn’t happen again. I could always hope.

I glanced at the article and checked the byline, but Billie hadn’t written it. The article was short and precise, only saying that the authorities were investigating, and everything so far pointed to arson. It also indicated that two people were rescued from the basement. No mention of my name was given, but I knew it was enough for Sean to know I didn’t die, and a wave of dread washed over me.

As much as I’d tried to convince myself that I didn’t need to worry about him, I still did. With a sigh, I went straight to the ads, hoping for a good deal to take my mind off my troubles. To my delight, I found a full page ad with all the patio furniture and outdoor grills on sale. Even better, it featured the perfect patio swing and, I had to admit, it was nicer than the one that burned up.

With new purpose, I got the kids up for their Saturday chores so we could leave for the store and buy one before they were all gone. Chris borrowed a truck from our neighbor, and it wasn’t long before our whole family arrived at the store. We picked out the swing and grill we wanted and got the boxes out to the truck.

As the boxes were getting loaded, I caught a thought about me from someone in the parking lot. My heart raced, and my knees went a little weak. It was Sean, and he was thinking what a nice little family I had, and if he couldn’t get me alone, he might just have to kill all of us, but he’d save me for last. I glanced around the parking lot to find him, but his thoughts cut off, and I knew he’d retreated inside his car.

Trying not to panic, I pulled myself together, knowing I had to do something before it went any further. After getting over the initial shock, hot anger flooded over me. No way could I let Sean hurt my family. I had to do something about it today, before it was too late. Probably something that would involve drawing him away. But if I could get the right help, it could work out, and a plan started to form.

We got home, and Chris and Josh carried the boxes to the deck to put the swing and grill together. I waited until everyone was right in the middle of things before I made my announcement.

“Hey, I’m going to run to the store real quick. I need to pick up some hamburger buns and a few other things. I’ll be right back.”

“Wait,” Chris said. “Don’t you want someone to go with you?” He was thinking I shouldn’t be alone if Sean was still out there.

“Oh no…I’ll be fine. It’s the middle of the day with plenty of people around. Nothing’s going to happen. You guys just keep working and I’ll bring you all a treat.”

Chris opened his mouth to protest, but I slid the door shut and hurried into the garage before he could stop me. I snagged Chris’ cell phone, since mine was smashed to bits, and jumped into the car. I took my time backing out, making sure that if Sean was watching, he’d see me leave.

Slowly driving up the street, I caught sight of a car pulling out from a few houses down. I didn’t know if it was Sean, but I couldn’t take any chances. I pushed the numbers for Ramos’ phone and waited for him to pick up.

“Babe, what are you doing?”

“I just left to go to the grocery store and I think Sean is following me.”

“Yeah,” he said. “I see him.”

“What? You’re following him?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Then what should I do?” I asked.

“Just go to the grocery store and do your shopping. I’ll take care of Sean.”

I let out a breath of relief. “Okay. If you need…”

“I won’t.” He disconnected before I could thank him. It kind of bothered me, but just knowing he was watching my back gave me the boost I needed to pull into the parking lot and get out of my car. The lot was full and I had to park far away which made me nervous but, with Ramos watching, I had to believe everything would be all right.

Halfway to the doors, I heard Sean’s thoughts, and my step faltered. He was thinking about stalking me in the store, just to scare me, but knew the risk was too great if I spotted him. He decided to wait in his car until I came back. While I was putting my groceries in the trunk, he’d sneak up and stab me through the heart a few times. He wanted to make sure the last thing I saw before I died was his face. He could do it quick and be out of there before anyone suspected….

His thoughts abruptly stopped. Did that mean he was back in his car, or did Ramos have him? I made it inside the store, feeling like I’d just run a marathon. My heart raced and my mouth was dry. I grabbed a cart and hurried over to the deli section. Pulling a cup from the dispenser, I filled it up with ice and diet soda, then took a big gulp before paying the clerk.

Feeling better, I settled down enough to think about what I was doing there. Oh yeah…hamburger buns…and treats. As I browsed through the aisles, my mind was only half on what I was doing. The other half was imagining what was going on with Sean. If Ramos had caught him, what would he do to him? Would he just kill him in the parking lot, or take him somewhere else?

I made it to the other end of the store with practically nothing in my cart. At least I had the buns, and a box of chocolate donuts, as well as some Cheetos and chips. I should probably make cookies for Dimples and Ramos, so I got those ingredients too. Finally calming down, I let out a deep sigh, and my head cleared a little. Ramos had promised he would take care of Sean, so I had nothing to worry about. I could check-out, go home, and everything would be all right.

Another swallow of soda wet my dry mouth and, with a deep breath, I headed to the check-out stand. For so many people, the line went fast and in no time, I was pushing my cart out the doors. Was it just yesterday Sean had followed me? I listened for all I was worth and slowly made my way back to the car. This was the moment of truth.

With my heart pounding, I made it to my car unscathed. Hearing nothing from Sean, I popped open the trunk and began to set the bags inside. I mostly turned to face the cart so he couldn’t sneak up on me. Anyone watching would probably think I was a nutcase, but right now, I didn’t care. Done, I closed the trunk and pushed the cart into the nearest stand. I glanced around, searching for any sign of him, but again heard and saw nothing.

Could it be true? Was he really gone? I unlocked my car and opened the door, then checked the back seat to make sure it was empty before getting in. Swallowing, I turned on the ignition and backed out of the space. I kept checking my rearview mirror for the car Sean was driving to see if he’d followed, but he wasn’t there. At last, turning into my driveway, the knot of fear loosened. I’d made it home and, with any luck, Sean would never bother me again.

I hurried inside and out onto the patio. Chris glanced up, relieved to see me. He couldn’t understand what had possessed me to leave like that, and he’d been sick with worry. Sorry I’d put him through that, I rushed over and gave him a hug, noticing the swing was all put together. “Wow, you did it. It looks wonderful.”

“Try it out,” he said.

I sat down beside Savannah and clapped my hands. “This is great you guys. It’s perfect, and for all your hard work, I bought some chocolate donuts.”

“Sweet,” Josh said. “I’ll bring them out.” He rushed inside.

“Don’t forget the milk,” Savannah called.

“You could go help,” I suggested. She frowned, but got up and left Chris and me alone. I grabbed his arm and pulled him down beside me, hugging him tightly. “I don’t think we have to worry about Sean anymore.”

Chris caught his breath and pulled away, catching my gaze. “Why is that?”

“Um…well…I don’t know for sure, but I think Ramos might have something to do with it.” Chris raised his brows. “Anyways…could we get me a new phone today? Mine’s busted and unless you want to give me yours, I could certainly use a new one.”

“Are you going to tell me what Ramos did?” he asked.

“Nope,” I answered. “But only because I don’t know, and if you want to know the truth…I don’t think I want to know.”

“All right,” he said. “So he’s really out of the picture?”

“Uh-huh,” I said.

A wall of relief rolled over Chris, and he let out a breath, thinking this was one of those times he was grateful and relieved I knew Ramos.

“Wow…I never thought I’d hear you thinking that.”

“Shelby…”

“Well, you have to admit it’s pretty crazy that you’re thinking you’re actually grateful that I know a hit-man…whoa! What are you doing?” In a quick move, Chris grabbed me around the waist and started tickling me. “Okay…okay,” I laughed. “That’s enough.” He wouldn’t stop, so I grabbed a pillow and began hitting him in the face. We wrestled and laughed, but quickly pulled apart when the kids came out with the milk and donuts.

“Yay…treats!” I said, hoping to shift the focus to the donuts instead of what Chris and I were doing.

Of course the kids noticed, but they took it in stride. Chris chuckled, and quickly stood to get the chairs situated around the table. We took our places and dove in. With my first bite of chocolaty goodness, the stress of the last few days melted away.

I glanced around the table and my heart swelled. I was alive and here with the people I loved most in the world. Even better, my mouth was filled with the flavor of pure decadence. Chris’ gaze let me know he adored me, even if I was sometimes a pain in the butt, and I sighed with happiness just to be alive to enjoy it.

Chapter 14

The next morning I got a phone call from Dimples. “Hi Shelby, I’ve got some good news.”

“Great. What?”

“We found Sean.”

I gasped. “Really? Where?”

“Well, that’s the interesting part. A janitor found him this morning in his office at Marketing Solutions. He’s dead and it looks like suicide, but aside from that, he left a signed confession. He wrote down five names and admitted to killing them all. Four of them are the cases you were looking at. The other one is from a long time ago. We looked her up and it turns out she went to high school with him, and she’s been missing from clear back then.”

“Was she his girlfriend or something?” I asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m hoping his brother might be able to help us sort it out. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

“Sure,” he said. I heard him take a breath and let it out. “There’s just one thing that’s been bothering me. I’m a little puzzled that he left a note naming his victims before he committed suicide. Usually suicide is the last thing a serial killer will do. They normally think they’re too smart to get caught.”

“Oh…really? Well, maybe his conscience got the best of him.”

“Hmm…maybe, but usually people like that don’t have much of a conscience, so I’m thinking it might be something else.”

“Like what?” I asked, my stomach tensing with sudden nervousness.

“Well…I guess we’ll never know, since he’s dead.” Was he thinking Ramos had something to do with this? “Anyway,” he continued, “I can’t complain…with his confession it certainly wraps up this case, and I can’t be sorry the guy’s dead either.”

“You’re right about that,” I agreed to reassure him. “But if it makes you feel any better…I think Sean knew he was going to get caught, so he probably killed himself because he’s a control freak and wanted things to happen on his own terms, rather than yours. I also think that confessing to his crimes and giving you their names was because of his pride. I mean…just think about it…when he talked to me, he called the women in the attic his ‘trophies,’ so claiming them makes sense in a sick sort of way.”

“Hmm…I guess when you put it that way it makes sense,” Dimples agreed.

“Have you told the families yet?”

“No, but we’ll probably contact them today.”

“I want to tell Tiffany Shaw,” I said. “She’s the reason I got involved with this whole thing in the first place.”

“Sure,” he agreed. “Without you we never would have solved it.”

“Thanks. I’ll see if I can meet with her today.”

“Good idea. The media’s been hounding us all day for news about the fire. Once they get wind of this, we’ll have to release a statement.”

“By media, do you mean Billie?” I asked.

He chuckled. “That’s right. In fact, she’s waiting just outside to talk to me.”

“If it will help, tell her once I’ve had a chance to talk to my client, I’d be glad to give her an exclusive interview.”

“Of course that would help,” Dimples snorted. “But are you sure you want to do that? She can be a real pain in…”

“You mean she’s tenacious?” I interrupted.

“Yeah…that’s a good word for her…it’s better than what I was thinking.”

“I can imagine,” I said with a laugh. We said our goodbyes and disconnected.

I took a minute to collect my thoughts. I knew Ramos had something to do with Sean’s death, and it boggled my mind to think he had gotten a signed confession out of him. I also had to believe Dimples knew what he was talking about, especially the part about serial killers not having much of a conscience. So how did Ramos manage it? Was it really suicide? Probably not, but did I even want to know? Nope. Not ever. Still, it made me realize that as well as I knew Ramos, there was a lot about him I didn’t know.

I found Tiffany’s number and gave her a call. I told her I had news about her mother and wanted to meet with her.

“So you know where she is?” she asked.

“In a way…yes, but I’m afraid it’s not good news. I’d like to tell you what happened to her, and I’d like to meet with you today. Will that work?”

“Oh…okay.” There was silence on her end while that sank in. Then she took a breath and spoke. “How about we meet at the same place we met the first time…near the library. I can be there in half an hour.”

“Sounds good.”

***

I got to our spot on campus only a few minutes late, but Tiffany was already there. With her blond hair so much like mine blowing in the wind, I felt a bond with her that hadn’t been there before. I hated to give her bad news, but it had to be better than thinking her mother had deserted her. She caught sight of me and smiled, waving me over with surprising resilience.

I picked up that while she was disappointed after talking to me, she wasn’t afraid to know the truth. It was the reason she’d hired me, and she wanted to know what had happened. I smiled and sat beside her, grateful to know she could handle what I had to say.

“My mother’s dead isn’t she?” she asked.

“Yes. She never would have left you otherwise.” I began my story, deciding to tell her everything, including how I’d felt Darcy’s presence in the dead files room, and in the plaza where she’d worked, pointing me toward Marketing Solutions. “It was there that I found her killer, and since I had blond hair and blue eyes like her, he turned his focus on me.” 

Tiffany’s eyes rounded with shock. “You mean he came after you?”

“Yes.” I explained his link to my daughter’s school as a substitute teacher and how I thought that may have been how he found his victims. “I don’t know for sure, but it seems right.”

She was mortified to think he had been one of her substitute teachers and that’s how he’d lured her mother away, but shook it off and asked me to continue. I told her about Geoff Parker and his investigation when Darcy first disappeared, then sped forward to his part in helping me track Sean down to the house he’d used to kill them.

“We decided to look for evidence, but it kind of backfired, since Sean recognized Geoff and came back. But I did find the bodies of your mother and the other victims in the attic first. I think she led me there.”

I didn’t tell her I’d heard Darcy’s voice, but I did tell her about the smell of gardenias. “Every time I got close to something important, I’d get a whiff of them. It kind of freaked me out a little. Anyway, Sean caught us and left us chained up in the basement while he proceeded to burn the house down, so I’m afraid her body’s gone with the house.”

“What? You were chained up in the basement? How did you get out?”

“I was able to call a friend and the police. They got Geoff and me out in time, but Sean got away.”

“He’s still out there?” she gasped.

“No…they found him this morning. He committed suicide, but left a confession with all of the names of his victims. It will be in the news tomorrow. That’s why I wanted to tell you what happened first.”

“Wow.” She glanced at me with admiration. “You were nearly killed over this. I don’t know how to thank you. I have more money…”

“Please…that’s not what I want. I feel like your mother did most of the work anyway.”

She let out a startled laugh. “It’s so funny that you should tell me that because…all these years, I have to tell you…I’ve felt like she was with me at times. Every once in a while I’ve gotten a whiff of gardenias too. In fact, just before you came here today, I smelled them again, but I thought it was just my imagination since there aren’t any flowers here.”

“You don’t know how relieved that makes me feel,” I said. “I thought I was going crazy, smelling those flowers all the time. I’m so glad you told me.”

“Thank you Shelby,” she said. “I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.” She finally felt closure, but couldn’t let go of the grief yet.

“You bet. Would you like me to tell your dad? I can do that for you.”

“No. I want to tell him myself. I’ll go over there when we’re done. But thanks.” She chewed her bottom lip, suddenly nervous, before glancing at me with a shy smile. “You might think this is strange but, ever since I met you, I’ve felt a connection between us. I didn’t tell you this before, but when I first saw you walking toward me, for just a tiny second, I thought you were my mom. I mean…a lot younger version, but still her.”

She clasped her hands together and glanced at her fingers. “I know it’s asking a lot, but would you consider coming to my wedding? I know it sounds crazy, but I just feel like you have a connection to my mom and it would mean the world to me to have you there. What do you think?”

“Oh Tiffany! I would be honored to come.” I smiled and put my hand over hers. Her breath hitched and she gave me a tight hug.

“It’s this Friday, I hope that won’t be a problem.”

“Um…I don’t think so,” I said.

“Great. And you can bring your husband with you.”

“Oh…well then, that settles it. We’ll be there for sure,” I agreed.

“There’s one more thing,” she said. This time her face went pink with embarrassment. “I know it sounds crazy, but I was out shopping Friday and I found this gorgeous dress. It was something that I just knew my mom would love…so I got it. I don’t know why exactly, but I couldn’t leave the store without buying it. It’s the perfect dress for my wedding, so maybe I thought that if you found her, she could wear it. Now that I know she’s gone, do you think you could wear it? Unless it will freak you out…then you don’t have to.”

“Tiffany…as long as it fits, I’d be happy to wear it. What size did you get?”

“Well, it’s kind of funny because after I met you I figured we were about the same size and so that’s the size I got. Kind of weird, huh? Anyway…it’s a size eight. Will it fit you?”

“Yes,” I said, raising my brows. “That’s my size.”

“Awesome!” She clapped her hands together, then gave me another hug. “I left it in my car. Let’s go get it. Oh…and I have invitations so I can give you one of those too.”

As we walked to her car, we talked about her wedding and how excited she was to get married. She popped open the trunk and pulled out a large box. She touched the box with reverence and I couldn’t wait to see the dress inside. Removing the lid, she pushed aside the tissue and pulled it out to show me.

“Oh my, it’s beautiful!” I exclaimed. The gauzy folds of all-over tiered ruffles hung in perfect symmetry over a V-neckline and cap sleeves. The pin-tucked empire waist with a cascade-detail skirt in a light violet color gave it an ethereal feel. I couldn’t wait to try it on.

Tiffany held it up to me and smiled. “The color’s perfect on you.” With a happy sigh, she folded it gently into the box and replaced the lid, then handed it to me. “It’s yours. I want you to keep it.”

I felt a little guilty taking the dress until I heard her thinking that it hardly made up for the horrible experience I’d been through, but she hoped it helped. I smiled, knowing she had a point, and took the box. “Thanks Tiffany.”

“Let me grab an invitation. The wedding’s at four o’clock with a dinner and reception to follow.” She opened the car door and took out an envelope. “Here you go.”

I took it, surprised to find my name already written on the outside. I glanced at her, but she just shrugged, thinking that with my premonitions, she hoped I wasn’t too surprised. “And please don’t bring a gift,” she said. “Just having you there will be enough.” Now she was thinking she probably owed me a couple hundred dollars or more, and maybe I wouldn’t ask for it if I didn’t have to bring a gift.

“Okay,” I said with a chuckle. “That should make us even.”

Her face flamed with embarrassment, but she laughed to cover it up. “Thanks Shelby, I hope you know how much this means to me.”

“You’re welcome,” I said. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

I drove home, happy and pleased that I’d helped Tiffany find the closure she needed. I was also a little bit nervous about popping in at her wedding like I was taking her mother’s place, but it was her day and I wanted her to be happy. I just hoped everyone else could accept my presence there with a good attitude.

***

That afternoon, I got the call from Billie I’d been expecting. She begged me to let her come over and do an interview, so I gave in, deciding we could go out on the deck and sit on my new swing to talk. That way, reliving the horror of those moments might not turn me into a blubbering idiot since just thinking about it still gave me the shivers.

She arrived with a two liter bottle of diet soda which, I had to admit, was a nice surprise. I got some glasses with crushed ice and she raised hers in a toast.

“To Shelby, the best PI I know.”

I laughed and we touched our glasses together. “Thanks Billie, but it was close. I almost died.” I told her the whole story, except the parts where I heard Darcy’s voice and smelled the flowers. I even told her that Ramos rescued Geoff and me, but told her not to put that in the paper. “He’d have to kill you if you did.” I was only half-joking. “You can say it was one of the firefighters. That would almost be the truth.”

Billie shook her head. “Fine,” she agreed. “But someday you’re going to have to tell me the story of how you met Manetto and Ramos.”