Chasing secrets, p.8
Chasing Secrets, page 8
“She’s very interested in tackling the McGregor cold case, especially since she knows Bradley and Penny work here. So she agreed to officially bump it to the top of her stack. She’ll take a look at the DNA sample as soon as we get through the red tape of contracting her.” She offered a thumbs-up as she left the meeting room. “Good idea, Morrow.”
Ray didn’t feel like congratulations were earned yet. “Let’s hold the applause until we see if we get anywhere.”
“The idea brings hope and, right now, our team needs help with morale.” Gavin didn’t need to explain why. The murder of Bradley and Penny’s parents may have been twenty years ago, but that kind of wound remained fresh.
Ray had been reminded of that last night. His dad’s death from oxycodone was almost fifteen years ago. He never wanted to see someone overdose again, but he also wanted to stop it from ever happening. Knowing the same murderer, or a copycat, had killed someone else’s parents in the same way had to be gut-wrenching for Bradley. Particularly when Officer Nate Slater would be adopting the orphaned little girl, Lucy Emery. Nate’s fiancé, Willow, was Lucy’s aunt. Ray looked around for Nate but didn’t see him among the officers coming in.
Most of the team was there, so Gavin changed gears and rattled off news from the boroughs. Ten minutes into the briefing, Nate Slater stepped inside, carrying a tablet.
“Being engaged is no excuse for being late, Detective,” Gavin quipped, his voice light but his face serious.
Ray cracked a smile as many laughed, but Nate’s somber expression didn’t waver. “It’s relevant, sir,” he said. “I’ve been following a new lead.”
Gavin waved at the empty chair. “You have the floor.”
“It’s going to sound ridiculous. I offered to watch some cartoons with Lucy while Willow cooked dinner. Ten minutes into the show Lucy got scared and said, ‘He sounds like bad man.’” Nate took a deep breath, his face paler than usual. “I tried to shake it off as a comment on the character, but she looked at me. She asked me if he killed Mommy and Daddy.”
A chill went up Ray’s spine. What a horrible thing for a three-year-old to have to wonder.
“So I came in early and traced the actor. Lives in LA. The guy apparently has steady work and, as such, has an alibi for both twenty years ago and now. So another dead end.” Nate sighed and sank into a chair. “But...on the odd chance it might help, I’d like to play the audio clip that caused Lucy’s reaction.”
Gavin pursed his lips, considering. If Ray hadn’t been watching, he wouldn’t have seen the quick side glance his boss made in Bradley’s direction. Bradley had his arms across his chest, so still that he looked like a statue. Gavin finally nodded his approval, and Nate pressed Play.
A rich, comforting voice with firm, bass notes reverberated through the room. Such a laid-back baritone would be the go-to choice as an emcee for events.
Nate paused the recording and leaned back, surveying the team. “Look, I know a three-year-old isn’t the most reliable witness, but I think you’d agree this voice is very distinct.”
“We’ll keep it in mind,” Gavin said, effectively closing the matter.
Such a small clue and yet Ray found himself slightly envious. At least Nate had a lead on a case.
The meeting was excused, but Penny McGregor waved him over to the front desk before he left the building. “CSI just finished cleaning Karenna Pressley’s apartment. They found fentanyl in everything.”
Belle Montera stopped behind him and leaned forward. “What do you mean ‘everything’?”
Penny shoved a piece of paper across the counter. “Seriously, whoever did this went overboard. More than a dozen items in her pantry and refrigerator all contained the stuff in lethal amounts. All the staples had the stuff. Would’ve been unavoidable.” She smiled sympathetically. “On the bright side, the place is fully cleaned and sanitized now. She can go home without worrying.”
Ray’s head swam. More than a dozen items? To taint that many things with lethal amounts... There was no way she would go home without worrying because one thing had become evident. Marcus was never going to stop until Karenna was dead.
Unless Ray got to him first.
SEVEN
Karenna opened her eyes to find her father sitting upright in a chair, in the same suit he’d worn last night. “Did you even sleep?”
“You’re more important than sleep.” He shrugged. “Your mother spent many sleepless nights with you in your early years. It’s about time I took a turn.”
Talking about her mom rarely happened except for holidays and birthdays. They’d likely never get over her passing, not that she’d want to. Sometimes the grief kept her memory closer.
“At least I don’t need to give you a bottle now,” Dad joked.
“No, but I would appreciate some coffee.”
He clapped his hands and stood. “That I can do. Coming right up.”
Thankfully, the doctor had given the all clear to be done with the oxygen machine sometime after one in the morning. She was finally able to drift off to sleep a couple of hours later. The orderly had been right, though. Her entire body ached as if it’d been run over then forced to get up and attend a group fitness class.
A knock at the door drew her attention before the security guard poked his head in. “A Mrs. Mayfair is here. Now a good time?”
“Oh, yes, please.” Karenna pressed the bed controls until she was sitting upright. With her other hand she tried her best to brush her hair with her fingers.
Mrs. Mayfair, much like Sarah, wore fashions that made her look like the millions she had in the bank. The slight dark circles gave away the woman’s exhaustion but otherwise nothing about the crisp clothes and glossy hair hinted that Mrs. Mayfair had also spent the night in the hospital. She took a seat next to Karenna’s bed. “I wanted to stop by and say hi. I hear you get to leave soon.”
Guilt washed over Karenna in waves. She was able to leave the hospital, but Sarah couldn’t. “I was hoping I could go up to see Sarah first. Any change?”
Her lips tightened and she gave the slightest shake of the head. “I heard what happened to you.” Mrs. Mayfair looked down and fidgeted with her smartwatch. “You know you have these roles, parent and child. And you get good at your role’s expectations, but once your child is all grown up... Well, it’s hard to know how to interact.”
Mrs. Mayfair extended her fingers to inspect her painted nails, almost as if searching for excuses to avoid eye contact. “Sarah is a grown woman, so I know she doesn’t need a mom anymore.” She finally met Karenna’s gaze. “But I didn’t want to be relegated to girlfriend status, either. I wouldn’t be able to keep my mouth shut if I spotted a train wreck coming with some of her decisions. So I thought it’d be best to give her space.” Her eyes grew wet. “But then this happened... I didn’t know a thing about this boyfriend, Karenna. I’m sorry. If I had, maybe this...” She gestured at the hospital bed and blinked rapidly while forcing a smile. “Well, the point is I’m sorry you got hurt.”
Karenna opened her mouth to tell her she didn’t blame her and didn’t know anything about the boyfriend, either, but Mrs. Mayfair had already stood and the tough, no-nonsense woman Karenna had found intimidating throughout her childhood returned.
“Well, your father has managed the transition of your adulthood wonderfully. Maybe you two can give Sarah and me pointers when she wakes up.”
Karenna’s mouth dropped open, speechless for a second. Barely talking for the past five years wasn’t her idea of a wonderful transition. “You know I no longer work for my father’s company?”
“Yes, of course. Years ago. Your dad couldn’t stop bragging about how you’re changing the world.”
Karenna’s throat tightened. Was that true?
“Well, I should go back. Stay safe and be picky about your boyfriends, okay?” Mrs. Mayfair threw her hands up. “See? I can’t help myself even with other people’s grown daughters.” She offered a wry smile, shook her head and strolled out of the room just as her father filled the doorway with two cups of coffee.
He set her foam cup on the stand by her bed and took his seat again. “You look as if you’ve received shocking news. Any change with Sarah?”
She shook her head. “Do you really brag about me?”
His eyes widened. “Of course I do.” Frown lines deepened in his forehead as he stared at the floor. “I’m sorry you even need to wonder.” He glanced up. “I’ve known for quite some time you don’t need me anymore. In fact, I wouldn’t have given you that job or the company apartment if I thought you did.”
“What?” Karenna’s question was so unexpectedly loud she clamped a hand over her mouth before removing it.
“I wouldn’t have left you on the street, either. I’m not going to lie, Karenna. I liked the idea of leaving the company to you, of having a legacy. I was hurt when you left.”
She pressed her head back into the pillow, suddenly dizzy with how badly she’d interpreted his behavior. She’d built walls around herself. “I wanted to know I could stand on my own two feet.” Although maybe she’d wanted to prove she didn’t need anyone. The thought surprised her. Was that what she was actually doing?
“Well, I should’ve encouraged you instead of being distant.” He sighed. “It might’ve taken me five years, but I realized I’m leaving a great legacy in you no matter what you do. And if you happen to ever want to come back to the company...”
“Dad...” She laughed. “I’ll keep it in mind. No more telling others you might disown me, though, okay?”
He chuckled and patted her hand. “I think I can agree to that, as long as you understand that even though you’re an independent adult who can take care of yourself, you will always be my daughter. I take your safety very seriously.” His phone buzzed and he groaned. “With that said, are you sure you’re okay on your own?”
“I’m fine, Dad. They’re going to release me this morning. Singapore calling?” She remembered that some of the company’s biggest business deals and clients were international.
He nodded. “It’s the car service ready to pick me up. Short business trip. You call me if you need anything, though.”
“Go. I’m in good hands.”
As if on cue, Ray filled the doorway, deep in conversation with the security guard.
Her father looked back and forth between them. “I hope you’re right about this decision, too, honey.” He kissed her forehead and left.
Thankfully, he didn’t wait for her to answer because she didn’t know how to. She refused to believe that Ray had broken up with her because of her dad’s idle threat. Ray would’ve talked to her first if that was the reason. Right? Despite wanting to leave the past in the past, she could feel the walls start to crumble. She needed to know. Even if that meant facing rejection and heartbreak all over again.
If Sarah were awake, Karenna would probably ask her opinion. She smiled, easily able to imagine what her sage advice would be. It depends. If he breaks your heart again, does The Chocolate Room have a rewards card yet?
Her phone buzzed for the first time that morning. An unknown number flashed across the screen with a text message.
I found your number in the trash. Haley.
Karenna put a hand over her heart. Poor Haley. The memories of yesterday played on a loop and she couldn’t help but wonder what she could’ve done differently. She was glad Haley had found the business card with the number on the back.
I’m so sorry about Zoe.
Haley’s response was instantaneous.
Can you still contact that police guy?
Karenna stared at the screen. Haley knew something and probably had no idea Karenna was in the hospital at the moment.
Instead of explaining, she simply answered, Yes.
A grainy profile image appeared on the screen. Karenna flinched. Was it him? She zoomed the photo in and out, closed her eyes for a second, opened and repeated the same zooming. The phone buzzed again.
Please don’t tell police where you got this. Just get him before he hurts someone else.
Karenna hesitated. Haley obviously could tell her more about Marcus, but she might be in just as much danger as Zoe was yesterday. That would explain the request not to tell the police the origins of the photo.
Ray said goodbye to the guard and stepped into the room. Ray’s top priority was taking down drug dealers one by one. Was her father right that maybe he would choose that over her safety? What about Haley’s safety? Would she end up just like Zoe?
Before she could second-guess her decision, Karenna texted the photo to Ray.
He strolled up to the foot of the bed. “How’s the patient? Ready to get out?”
“Check your phone, please. I just texted you.”
He tilted his head in confusion but pulled out his phone. His eyes widened. “Is this Marcus?”
“I think so.” The photo taunted her. “I’m certain if I saw him straight on, I’d recognize him in a heartbeat, but this side view...”
“I agree it’s a bad photo, but at least it’s something to go on.” He looked up. “Where’d you find it?”
She cringed. “Please don’t ask me. At least not until we’re sure he’s the guy and you can get him.”
He raised an eyebrow and stared. If it was a technique to get people to talk, she could see how it would be effective. “What about the pharmaceutical connection?” she asked instead.
“So far we’ve come up with nothing, but I’ve only scratched the surface.”
She glanced back down at the image and shivered slightly. “I don’t like looking at him.”
“Understandable. Listen, CSI cleaned your apartment fully. I picked up some groceries to hold you over. They’re in my SUV.”
“Oh.” She looked around for her purse. “I’ll pay you back.”
His expression looked pained. “No, I wanted to do it.” He set down a plastic bag at the foot of the bed. “A female officer picked out some clothes and shoes for you since the clothes you were wearing were bagged for evidence. I’ll step outside while you get dressed and then I’ll take you home.”
She moved through the motions. It wouldn’t have been the outfit she would’ve chosen, but she was thankful for the fresh jeans, the soft blue T-shirt, pink cardigan and canvas shoes. Home, though, seemed like a foreign term. The idea of the apartment didn’t sound like home anymore. Where else might Marcus have hidden his poisonous drug?
The crackle of Ray’s radio sounded in the hallway followed by harsh rapping against the door. “Karenna? Are you dressed? We need to get you out of here now.”
She grabbed the doorknob and pulled. “I’m ready. What’s happened?”
His face paled. “There’s been an incident. A supposed doctor tried to inject Sarah’s IV with poison. Don’t worry,” he added hastily. “Her mother showed up and stopped him.”
“What about the security guard?”
Ray glanced at the guard on duty at her room. “He thought it was a legitimate doctor, so he left the room.”
The security guard shuffled his feet. “They chased him, but I’m afraid he got away.”
“The place is filled with cameras, though, right? You caught him on a security camera?”
The guard looked as if he was going to be sick. “There was a volunteer who claimed he had a bad cough, so he rode the elevator to the floor in question with a germ mask on. He stepped into the bathroom but only a doctor in scrubs came out. He avoided the cameras in the hallway. When he ran out, he was wearing a surgical mask. We have no idea who he is.”
Ray’s eyes met hers just as Karenna felt like her knees might buckle. Now was the time for clear thinking. She couldn’t let her emotions lead the way, but one thing was becoming crystal clear. “He’s not going to stop until Sarah and I are dead.”
* * *
“I’m not going to let that happen,” Ray said. She flashed him a look but said nothing. His insides twisted. He’d also never wanted to let her get hurt, but she had been poisoned to near death. “We have his picture now. We’re going to get him, Karenna.”
Color returned to her cheeks and her shoulders fell in visible relief. “Even though it’s a horrible photo?”
“I’m asking the best people I know to help on this. Your safety is the most important thing to me.”
She tilted her head and studied him before she nodded.
Ray knew his words sounded like he was just trying to prove her father wrong, but he meant them. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
He reached for her hand out of habit. Except how could it be habit when five years had gone by?
Her fingers, soft and gentle, wrapped around his grip. She glanced down but didn’t pull away. “You treat all your witnesses like this?”
The teasing lilt in her voice didn’t mask the concern in her eyes. He didn’t want anyone to ever hurt her, including him. Not again. “Just you.” His eyes held hers for a second and her returning smile almost took his breath away.
“I notice I’m on your left side. Missing Abby?”
“I am, but that’s not why. My right hand is closest to my gun.”
She sobered. “Okay. Lead the way.”
The security guard flanked her other side as they took the elevator to the first floor. Half a dozen cops were inside the main entrance. The automatic doors slid open and Nate and his K-9, a yellow Lab named Murphy, walked inside. Ray reluctantly let go of her hand and approached him. “They have any scent for you to go on?”
“Not that I know of,” Nate said. “Gavin wanted me here in hopes they find something quick, though.”
Ray texted him the photo of Marcus. “I’ve already sent this in to the station to see what turns up. Can you make sure everyone here has his photo to help with the search? He might be hiding in plain sight somewhere on the grounds.”
