The Straight Crimes (30 page)

TWENTY-SEVEN

“H
elp me!” Daisy pleaded, crying hysterically as she raced down the rickety steps of Brielle’s old wooden porch towards the police.

Blinded by her grief,
 she burst out of the house wearing only her thin gray sweater in the late hours of that bitterly-cold November night. Her teeth chattered as the frosty breath of an unforgiving wind chilled her entire body.

“Hurry!” Daisy begged as Tonya and Leland raced from their patrol cars.

Tonya fell over after Daisy plowed into her.

“Oh my God, she’s dead! Someone killed her! They shot her in the frickin’ head! I don’t know what to do—why would someone do this?” she wailed at the top of her lungs.

“I’ve got you, Miss Holloway,” Tonya assured her.

“Her body’s all…she’s—” Daisy was too distraught to speak. She pointed her shaking finger at the house.

“Where is she?” Leland asked, standing with the coroner and two other police officers.

Daisy wiped the mascara out of her eyes and muttered, “In her bedroom—top of the stairs.”

“Go on, Brown,” Tonya ordered. “I’ll be up shortly.”

Leland reluctantly led the crew inside the weathered house.

After the guys entered, Tonya turned her attention back to Daisy. “Take a deep breath, Miss Holloway. When did you find her?”

“I don’t know. It was just before I called you, whenever that was.”

“Were you alone when you went inside the house?”

“Stop asking me these frickin’ questions…I can’t even think right now! No one should ever have to see something like that.” Daisy buried her face in her hands.

“You don’t have to say anything else right now. It’s okay.”

“There’s just blood everywhere.”

“We’ll find whoever did this,” Tonya assured her.

“What kind of monster would slaughter someone?” Daisy collapsed to the ground, plagued by the horrific images seared in her mind. “No one deserves to die like that!”

Tonya struggled to hold onto Daisy’s distraught frame. Her mind wavered between the emotional responsibility to comfort the grieving girl and her professional obligation to investigate the gruesome devastation.

Curiosity toyed with Tonya’s overworked mind. The entire force had searched tirelessly to find Gage, to be one step ahead of his maniacal tirade. However, even without seeing Brielle’s body, the detective knew he’d struck again.

Tonya remembered back to Gage’s uneasiness while Brielle spoke with him in Bill Winston’s living room, just before her vivid premonition. She’d gotten deep under his skin, enough to make him panic and run. It was apparent that Brielle was a liability, and for that reason, he’d silenced her.

Leland looked away in disgust. He quickly stepped back from the door frame and made way for Tonya to enter.

Walking into the shadowy bedroom, Tonya was immediately disturbed. Although she was familiar with Gage’s handwork, it didn’t make finding Brielle’s lifeless body any easier. Everything from the way she was positioned to the gunshot wounds amplified the killer’s heartless malevolence.

However, the crime scene was different from the others. He didn’t wrap her head in a garbage bag, he didn’t hide her body, he didn’t sever off her hands, and she’d been shot more times than any other victim.

Despite his inconsistency, Gage was flaunting his drudgery as if he was unstoppable.

That’s what truly concerned Tonya. It drove her crazy that Gage slipped right under her radar, but not as much as being unable to stop him before he’d taken another innocent person’s life.

“Oh man.”

“Tell me ‘bout it. That’s some sick bullshit.”

Tonya agreed. “I just finished speaking with the coroner. He said she’s been dead a couple days.”

Leland forced himself to take a second look. “This is real messed up.”

As Tonya stared at Brielle’s remains, a sharp pain stabbed her stomach. She leaned against the wall to steady herself.

“Harris, are you all right?”

“Damn it!” she groaned, feeling wracked with guilt. “This is my fault.”

“Don’t blame yourself for what 
he 
did.”

“I gave her to him. Gage wouldn’t have come after Brielle if it weren’t for me. I shouldn’t have involved her.”

“But if you hadn’t called Brielle, we’d still be chasing Bill Winston and Mindi Jones instead of Gage. We needed her help.”

Tonya covered her mouth. “I should’ve protected her. I should’ve thought it through. We could’ve made Officer Thorne stay with her. God damn it, this psychopath’s got me off my game and running in circles. I’m just no good like this.”

“C’mon now, Harris, get your head back on. We need you. That smug ass punk’s a damn good liar. He had us all fooled. It wouldn’t have mattered if you stationed a patrol car on twenty-four hour surveillance. Gage wanted her dead badly enough that no one could’ve stopped him.”

Tonya’s dark skin grew pale. She ran her hands over her tired face and took several deep breaths to collect herself.

“I’ve got something that’ll make you feel a little better. He slipped up.”

“How?” she asked.

Leland placed gloves over his hands and pointed at the wall. “See the blood splatter? Look closer. He left a fingerprint.”

Tonya’s black eyes gleamed. “I hope this matches one of the
 
two
 sets of prints from the storm shelter where we found Bill Winston. His prints were all over the wall, matching DNA in Port Vista’s criminal database. Turns out he’s had a busy past.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Some vandalism, shop lifting and disorderly conduct, but nothing like this.”

“So what about the other set of prints?”

“No matches, but they validate Brielle’s vision. Gage isn’t acting alone.”

“Any leads on an accomplice?”

“Just this.” Tonya put her gloves on and reached into her pocket, producing a plastic evidence bag.

“What’s this?”

“A necklace. I found it beside Bill Winston’s body.”

Leland opened the bag and pulled out the sterling silver chain. He dangled it at the edge of his long finger, letting it sway back and forth under the dim lighting.

Tonya cradled the pendant in her palm. “Bill’s blood is on the back of the heart-shaped locket.”

“This must belong to Gage’s accomplice.”

“I sincerely hope not.”

“Why not?”

“Read the inscription inside.”

Leland carefully pulled it open and whispered, “To my sweet Harper—with love, Mama.” He flashed a stunned expression at Tonya. “Damn, you don’t think? You can’t be serious…”

“I don’t know what to think, but Harper’s got some serious explaining to do.”

TWENTY-EIGHT

T
here was an ominous feeling about the following day that made Nik uneasy, foretold in the overcast sky. Its short stay was devoured by the darkness of an early nightfall. As temperatures dropped, a slight drizzle turned into a steady snowfall. The roads in the tiny town were latent with accumulations, concealing a dangerous layer of ice.

He stared out the window, listening to the soft crackle of embers in the fireplace snapping into the sil
ence. He rubbed his hands over his chilled arms and pulled the sleeves down on his thermal gray top.

While the snow continued falling, his concern for Harper’s safety intensified. The only thing he wanted was to protect her, but knowing she was leaving under such unfavorable weather conditions made him apprehensive.

“It’s sure comin’ down out there ain’t it?” Harper called from the staircase.

“Yeah, and the roads are getting icy.”

“It’s a much different November than the ones back in Louisiana.”

“We don’t always get snow this early, especially not like this.”

Harper sauntered over to Nik’s side and squeezed him.

Nik held her, running his fingers through her silky, red hair while letting out a content breath. He looked down at Harper. “Where’d you get that shirt? I thought you left everything at Traci’s.”

She ran her fingers along the long-sleeves of the black V-neck sweater. “I thought so too, but I found it in your closet. I must’ve left this here the other week after we went to the lighthouse.”

“You look incredible.”

“Why thank you.”

“So are you excited for your girls’ night?”

“Yeah, I’m lookin’ forward to seein’ Kendall, and I can’t wait to get my things back so we can shut Traci outta our lives forever. What do you have planned while I’m gone?”

“I might do some writing in my journal and nap on the couch. After shoveling the driveway, I’m pretty worn out.”

Harper peered out the window. “You did all that?”

“Yep, and I have my dad’s truck warming up for you.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you.” Harper planted a soft kiss on his lips. She could never grow tired of feeling his warmth against her mouth. “I probably should get goin’ before I’m late.” She carefully placed a pair of old gloves she’d borrowed from Nik over her hands.

He helped Harper into one of his old winter coats. “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive you to Traci’s? I could come back and pick you up when you’re ready to leave?”

“No, it’s okay.”

“But I don’t mind, especially ‘cause those roads are pretty slick. I almost fell on my ass a couple of times on the driveway.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Nik frowned. “It can still be kinda treacherous. Have you ever driven in snow?”

“Oh yeah, Auntie taught me a long time ago. It ain’t that hard, you’ve just gotta pay attention and go slow.”

“I worry about you.”

“I know, but you don’t need to. Besides, I ain’t plannin’ on stayin’ real late.”

“Will you call me when you get there so I know you made it safely?”

Harper patted his shoulder in reassurance. “Of course, and I’ll call when I’m headed back. Does that make you feel better?”

“A little bit. Part of me feels like you’re only going to take advantage of the fact that Traci isn’t there. I know you’d prefer it that way, but I don’t want you risking your life just to avoid her. We could go another time.”

“You’re gettin’ worried over nothin’.”

“I just have a bad feeling about you going.”

“Nik, I can handle a lil’ bad weather.”

“It’s more than that. I really don’t like you going to Traci’s house alone. I don’t trust her.”

“We’ve been through this. Traci’s in Chicago.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yeah, I called Kendall a lil’ while ago to double-check.” Harper stood back and tried to read his thoughtful expression. “C’mon babe, lighten up a lil’.”

“Sorry, I’m sure it’ll be all right. Maybe I’m a little paranoid, considering everything that woman’s done.”

Harper flirtatiously stared into Nik’s green eyes. “I like havin’ someone to worry about me, especially someone as tall and sexy as you.”

He groaned.

“Look, I ain’t gonna be gone that long. A lil’ dinner, a lil’ catchin’ up, then I’ll be on my way. I promise.”

Nik pulled her into his arms and flashed an expression that made all her muscles weak. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

“You better be.”

Nik gently pressed his lips against hers in a sweet kiss—lasting for what seemed like forever. It grew from a simple peck to a long, passionate exchange. He couldn’t pull away from her.

There was an urgency pulsating through Nik’s hands as he held onto Harper in that perfect moment. It scared him to death to watch her leave that night, but he knew he had to let her go.

“I’ll be back in a lil’ bit, babe.”

“I love you,” he said.

“I love you, too.”

“Oh my goodness, Kendall, you’ve truly outdone yourself,” Traci called from the dining room. She stopped in front of a grand mirror and admired the blowout she had done just hours earlier. Then she ran her hands down her gray pencil skirt and unfastened an extra button on her blouse to reveal her busty cleavage.

“What’d you say?” Kendall asked.

After she finished admiring her reflection, Traci continued into the kitchen. “Impeccable work. That table is perfect, just as I’d imagined it. I just need a lighter to get those candles going.” She leaned over the stovetop and lingered a moment. “The filets smell superb.”

“Of course.”

“Just make sure they aren’t too done.”

“You like them medium-well, I remember.”

Then Traci took a tasting spoon and sampled the bubbling Alfredo sauce. “Wait a minute. This isn’t right.” She took a second sample and placed it in Kendall’s face. “Try this.”

She obliged. “It’s fine.”

“No it’s not.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Are you kidding? It’s horribly bland. Add some garlic.”

Kendall sulked and obeyed.

“Wait, what’s going on over here? The asparagus is too soft and the tips are dry. It’s practically ruined!”

“Enough already, I don’t need you standing here telling me how to do my job, Traci.”

“But you’re doing it wrong.”

“You’ve never set foot in a kitchen before. Will you just get out of here so I can finish?”

Traci scowled. “Don’t ever
 
take that tone with me again. I demand respect from my staff. You work for 
me,
 and you’ll do things 
my 
way.”

Kendall huffed. “Fine Traci, I won’t have an opinion about anything. It’s always ‘yes, ma’am, right away, ma’am, and I’m wrong, ma’am.’ I’ll just keep saying whatever makes you happy and pretend that you’re right—even when you’re wrong. Is that how you want it?”

“It’s certainly better than listening to your meek squabbling.”

“All right, since you don’t wanna hear me, I won’t tell you what a stupid idea this all is or how it’s all gonna blow up in your face when Harper finds out you lied.”

“But I didn’t lie, sweetheart, you did.”

“Only because you made me. What are you gonna do when she freaks out and leaves again?”

“Your job was to get her here and prepare our dinner. The rest of the details do not concern you.”

“You’re delusional if you think you can make her love you. Even if she weren’t straight, she wouldn’t want someone like you.”

Traci viciously slapped Kendall across the face. The raw smack echoed off the kitchen walls, leaving a red mark on her cheek.

Kendall quivered and looked down.

“I’m not taking any more of your shit. I’ve already warned you about your insolence.” Traci stiffened her back and pushed out her chest. “You’re just the help, Kendall. No one is interested in what you think or say. You’re nothing. Do we understand each other?”

Fearing for her safety, Kendall nodded and rubbed her throbbing face.

Suddenly a loud crash sounded from one of the guestrooms, startling the women.

“What was that?” Kendall asked.

Traci exhaled in annoyance. “Nothing, just finish dinner and I’ll go check. Hurry, Harper will be here soon.”

She watched Traci sprint away. For a moment, she turned her attention back to the meal, but her concentration was shaken.

While the meat simmered, Kendall decided to light the candles in the dining room.

As she began sparking the tall wicks, she overheard Traci’s voice trailing from down the hallway. For a moment, she dismissed it as phone conversation. Then she heard a second voice, a deep, manly voice. Traci was not alone.

Kendall quietly moved across the foyer, standing breathlessly against the cracked door with a wistful ear…

“You’re a God damn idiot—almost giving yourself away like that,” Traci snipped.

“But I didn’t.”

“Perhaps not to Kendall, but the police have a target on your stupid ass.”

Gage wiped his mouth in frustration. “That had nothing to do with me. I’ve done everything to escape them. It was that frickin’ psychic who ruined everything.”

Traci pointed her finger in his face. “I wouldn’t credit all of that to her talent. You need to accept some of the blame for your recklessness.”

“Who cares? I wasted that dumb bitch.”

“Killing her was as good as a confession.”

“So? They haven’t found me yet, have they?”

“She was never supposed to be part of this. You strayed from the plan, and that’s why we’re in this frickin’ situation. I need you to remember that I’m the one calling the shots. Don’t do anything else unless I’ve explicitly instructed you to do so. Am I clear?”

“But it had to be done—”

“All of our planning, every careful consideration has been put at risk by your stupidity. Even tonight, I told you where you needed to be and you didn’t listen. What’s going on with you, Gage?”

“Nothing.”

“I’m in charge here. Has everyone forgotten that? From now on, you’ll listen to me!” she yelled. “If Harper refuses me, I need you to be there to take care of Nik—yet, you’re still here. What didn’t you understand about my directions?”

“Relax. I have plenty of time to make it there. No one will see me.”

The chilling exchange terrified Kendall. As she took a slow step backwards, she lost her footing and fell.

The creak of the floorboard instantly drew Traci and Gage’s attention.

“Shit,” Kendall gasped as her pulse skyrocketed. She closed her eyes and swiftly walked away from the door.

Gage lifted his blond eyebrows. “Someone’s listening.”

“Follow me.” She stormed through the door and saw Kendall racing away.

“She heard us,” Traci hissed. “Get back here!”

Kendall fearfully turned around. Her fast walk turned into a desperate sprint, making a beeline through the foyer and tearing through the patio door.

“Go after her, Gage! She’s headed for the terrace. Don’t let her escape!”

The madman followed in direct pursuit with unmatched stealth. He’d become quite a hunter.

Kendall looked down at her feet, moving with precision over the icy steps of the patio and slipping only at the very bottom. However, she recovered quickly and dashed away. There wasn’t time to think. She was running for her life.

Tears washed down her face while she raced through the snowy sand. The wetness felt bitter against her trembling flesh.

Gage pumped his arms and lifted his muscular legs over the drifts. Rage flashed in his blue eyes, squinting to keep a watchful eye on his moving target.

“Get her!” Traci shouted, waiting at the bottom of the veranda.

Kendall hollered at the top of her lungs, peering over her shoulder and realizing he was closing in.

Everything about her miserable life flashed before her eyes. For a moment, she wondered what she was even fighting for. She’d never truly lived, never accomplished anything. It only made her more distraught.

“Get back here, bitch!” Gage howled over his coughing. He couldn’t fail Traci a second time.

“She’s getting away. Stop her!” Traci ordered.

Getting desperate, Gage retrieved his hand pistol. With his arms pointed straight out, he held the gun away from his body, locked contact, and fired.

Kendall squealed, hearing the gunshot clip the frozen ground just behind her feet. She sobbed hysterically, focusing on racing towards the lighthouse and its bright beam. Her soft cries caught in her throat as she choked on her tears.

“Shit!” he shouted, realizing she dodged his bullet. It pissed him off, fueling his thirst for blood.