by C. M. Sutter
They watched as the detective and the woman embraced. She pointed at a car in the side lot, he nodded, then they both climbed into the Camaro. After dropping her off alongside a silver Lexus, McCord waited for her to back out then followed her out of the lot.
“Let’s see where they’re going,” Wes said. “She might come in handy as a bargaining chip for the Camaro.”
“Find out who she is and the hours of that place while I drive,” Rory said.
After ten minutes driving down residential streets, Rory saw the Lexus pull up to the curb in front of a classic bungalow on South Hyde Park Boulevard. The Camaro slid into a spot behind her. They watched as the woman went inside and the detective waited in his car.
“What did you find out?” Rory asked.
“The hospital is open until seven every night except weekends. It closes at four on Saturday and Sunday.”
“So who’s the woman?”
“She’s a vet named Hanna Bradley.” Wes glanced out the windshield. “Why isn’t he leaving?”
“Maybe they’re going somewhere together, which gives us the perfect opportunity we needed.”
Wes grinned. “I’m liking the sound of that.”
Chapter 46
Hanna thought going out for a drink was a great suggestion since we both needed time to wind down and relax from our busy schedules. We were still on for dinner Saturday night, but tonight, a last-minute idea of going out for a drink and some good conversation would be perfect.
We decided Lefty’s was a good choice. It was close to both of our houses, and during the week, it wasn’t overly busy, which kept the noise level down. That would make our back-and-forth conversation much easier.
Inside, we found two empty bar tables and a corner couch grouping. I pointed at each.
“Looks like we have several choices. Where would you like to sit?”
She laughed. “We better stick to a bar table. That couch looks way too inviting, and I might fall asleep.”
I knew what she meant. “Okay, the bar table it is.” I pulled out her chair, and she took a seat. “What would you like to drink?”
“A glass of Cab sounds good.”
“Coming right up.”
I always felt good around Hanna. She was a breath of fresh air—upbeat, positive, and generally in a good mood even if she was tired. The fact that she was drop-dead gorgeous and loved Bandit didn’t hurt either.
I carried two glasses of Cabernet to the table and set one in front of her then kissed her cheek before taking my seat.
“Catch those killers yet?” she asked.
“Nope. The girlfriend who we have in custody and the mother of one of the guys are both being tight-lipped. They won’t tell us where the guys are holed up.”
“That’s illegal, isn’t it? I mean to withhold information.”
“It’s a fine line. Unless we can prove without a shadow of a doubt that they lied to police and impeded our investigation, there isn’t much we can do.” I took a sip of wine. “It’s nice to relax somewhere other than on my couch with a beer in hand and a dog licking my toes.”
Hanna laughed. “Bandit is the best. He’s such a good companion for you.”
“Yeah, he’ll do.”
She swatted my hand, and I gave hers a squeeze. “So how many pet parents did you make happy today?”
“All of them,” she said proudly.
“That’s really nice, and I bet you’re their favorite vet. Still want to see that new crime thriller on Saturday?”
“Of course, even though I get to spend time with someone who lives it in real life. Being a detective has to be exciting, right?”
“Sure, but it’s a mix of excitement, frustration, anger, and a lot of sleepless nights. To be honest, though, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
“Same here. This was such a great idea, Jesse.” She tipped her wrist and checked the time. “I bet you have a busy day tomorrow. Shall we go?”
Time flew by whenever I was with Hanna. I didn’t want to end our evening, but she was right. Tomorrow was going to be an “all hands on deck” kind of day, unless I got a call in the middle of the night, which happened more often than I cared to admit.
It was only a five-minute drive back to Hanna’s house. I pulled into the empty spot I’d been in before and parked my Camaro.
“That was nice. Thanks. I’ll walk you to the door.”
I rounded the nose of my car, helped her out, and walked hand in hand with her to the front door.
She gave me one of her beautiful smiles. “So I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
“Count on it. I’ll call you tomorrow so we can decide which time we’ll go to the movie.”
I leaned in, gave her a kiss, and waited until she was safely inside before walking back to my car. It had been a good night even if it was for just an hour, and I looked forward to many more evenings with Hanna.
Chapter 47
He had broken the glass pane nearest the lock on the back door. With a twist, Rory snapped open the dead bolt. He laughed at the foolishness of most people. Back doors should never be made of glass—it offered no protection whatsoever, and neighbors couldn’t see what was going on especially if the yard was fenced. For burglars, that was the best-case scenario.
People felt safe in their middle to upper-class neighborhoods, which was a ridiculous attitude unless their homes were fortified with state-of-the-art alarms and camera systems. Rory could never figure out why someone would think a burglar would be a threat only in lower-class neighborhoods. The people living there wouldn’t have anything worth stealing.
Waiting to harm their next victim would be the most satisfying if she was startled awake from a deep sleep. She’d be at her most vulnerable, but Rory and Wes wanted the drugs from the animal hospital, and they needed her awake, alert, and ready to do exactly what they demanded.
They lay in wait in the living room and watched out the window. As soon as she and the detective returned, Rory and Wes would dive into the large coat closet only feet away. They’d already cleared a spot where they could stand and spring out as soon as she opened the door to hang her coat. She’d be caught off guard immediately upon entering the house and opening the closet. It was the best way to do it.
“What if the detective comes in with her?” Wes asked.
“It’s doubtful on a work night. He needs a clear head tomorrow if he intends to track down those notorious pharmacy bandits.” Rory chuckled. “Plus, he has an animal at home, remember? Whatever that medicine was in the white bag, he likely has to give it to his pet.”
Wes perked up. “I see headlights coming this way.”
Rory stepped closer to the window and separated the blinds. “Be ready to get in the closet, and we can’t make a sound. Got that hammer?”
Wes lifted it proudly. “Yep, and I’m ready to use it.”
“Yeah, don’t forget, we aren’t going to kill her. The hammer is only for intimidation, and a couple of whacks might be necessary but nothing too strong. We’ll figure out the rest after we have the drugs.”
Wes locked eyes on the approaching car. “It’s them, and he’s slowing down at the curb.”
“Okay, be ready. Let’s see what he does after he stops.”
They kept their eyes glued on the Camaro. The detective climbed out, opened the passenger door, and helped the woman exit.
“Damn it, he’s coming in.” Wes sounded panicked.
“Nah, it’s all good. I didn’t see a parking sticker on his windshield, so he’d get a ticket for leaving the car overnight on the street. Just cool your jets and get in that closet. If we have to lay low in there for a bit, then so be it. It’ll all work out fine in the end.”
From inside the closet, the men heard voices on the porch. The detective said how much he enjoyed their hour together and that he’d call her tomorrow. At that point, Rory and Wes knew they had the vet all to themselves.
They heard the key slide into the doorknob. The
woman entered the house, then a glow appeared under the closet door. She had just turned on the living room light. Rory recognized sounds only feet away—she’d kicked off her shoes, and she’d dropped her keys into the bowl on the entry table. Any second, the closet door would swing open, and they would pounce. They were ready, waiting, and watching as the knob began to turn.
She reached in for a hanger, and Wes slammed her to the floor. She landed on her back with a thud. Holding the hammer high above his head, Wes sneered at her.
“One sound and I’ll bash in your skull.”
Her eyes darted to Rory, who had just exited the closet.
“Yep, there’s two of us.” He knelt at her side. “I bet this is the most frightened you’ve ever been, right?”
Hanna nodded and made a few gasping sounds.
Wes put his index finger to his lips. “I said no noise. Now get up.”
She rolled over, got to her knees, and stood, then bolted through the living room toward the kitchen.
“You stupid bitch.” Wes dropped the hammer, leapt forward, and grabbed her by the ankles. She went down—face-first—onto the hardwood floor. She screamed, rolled to her back, and began kicking wildly.
After picking up the hammer, Rory pushed Wes aside and slammed the tool into Hanna’s left shoulder. She let out an agonizing groan.
“Now shut up and stop kicking. The next blow will crack open your skull like an eggshell. Best to keep that image fresh in your mind.” Rory jerked his head toward the kitchen. “Bring a dish towel out here for her face. She’s getting blood everywhere.”
Wes obediently went to the kitchen and returned with the towel. He tossed it at Hanna and took a seat on the sofa.
Rory tipped his chin at her. “Go ahead. You can talk, but you’ve been warned.”
Through barely audible sobs, she asked what they wanted. She had cash, credit cards, jewelry—she’d give them anything as long as they didn’t harm her.
“We’re going to take that stuff, anyway, idiot,” Wes said, “but we want more.”
Hanna rubbed her aching shoulder. “I’ll give you what I can.”
“Good answer, because we want all the drugs from the animal hospital—and your boyfriend’s car too.”
She shook her head. “There’s a night staff at the clinic, tending to the sick animals.”
Rory waved away her comment. “Do you think we’re stupid? We know there’s a separate entrance to the hospital wing where the pets are cared for. That isn’t where the drugs are stored, is it?”
She stared at the bloody towel. “No, that room is under lock and key.”
“And you have a key, am I right?”
She nodded again.
Rory slapped his hands together. “Then we’re golden.”
“Except for the car. My friend is a police detective, and it’s doubtful you’ll get it from him.”
“You’re talking pretty tough from that position there on the floor,” Rory said. “Maybe a kick to the ribs will settle you down.”
“Hold up.” Wes took over the conversation. “You see, that’s where you come in again, bitch.” He laughed. “She must feel really important since everything depends on her.”
Rory grabbed Hanna’s keys from the bowl and her purse from the chair. “Get up. We’re going to the animal hospital right now.”
“Can I get an ice pack for my nose?”
Rory stood within an inch of her. “Here’s the deal. We’re in charge, not you. You’ll do as we say without any backtalk. You’ll only speak when we tell you to, got it? I want an answer.”
“Yes, I got it.”
“Good. Now get outside and climb into the back seat of that tan Corolla parked along the curb. I won’t hesitate to kill you if you try anything funny. Remember that image of the eggshell?”
Hanna cried quietly. “Can I please put on my coat?”
Wes lifted the coat from the floor and threw it at her. “Put it on and hurry up.” He looked at Rory. “She needs her hands tied behind her back. With our luck, she’ll try to jump out of the car.”
“Good idea. Where’s your duct tape and garbage bags?”
“Under the kitchen sink,” Hanna said.
“Keep her still.” Rory disappeared around the corner and was back seconds later with a roll of duct tape and a half dozen garbage bags. He ordered her to lock her fingers behind her back.
She did as told while Rory wound the tape around her wrists.
Wes glanced at the mantel clock. “The office staff is long gone. It’s time to head out.”
Rory opened the door and looked both ways down the street before stepping off the porch. He jerked his head at Wes. “Get her into the back seat and do it fast. The last thing we need is a nosy dog walker passing by.”
Wes pushed Hanna along as the hammer’s handle was jammed into her back. He opened the car’s rear door and shoved her in then climbed in beside her. Rory dove in behind the steering wheel and took off. They were at the animal hospital within minutes. Rory shifted into Park far away from the building’s lights, then he turned in the seat and faced Hanna. “You do know the consequences of trying to fool us, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re going to be truthful with every answer you give us, right?”
“I will.”
“Good. Which door leads to the pharmacy area?”
“I have to unlock the side door, go down a short hallway, and the locked pharmacy will be on the left. The door has a sign that reads Pharmacy on it.”
Rory pulled the keys from his pocket and looked closely at every one on the ring. “So two keys, and both are on this key ring?”
“Yes. The larger gold one is for the outer door, and the silver one with the sticker on it is for the pharmacy.”
“And the third one?”
“It’s my house key.”
He studied their surroundings. Most of the lighting was near the main entrance, and one lone bulb illuminated the side door. Two pole lamps stood on either end of the parking lot. As long as they stayed away from the lights, they’d go unseen.
“We’ll hug the wall until we get to the side door. Reach up, unscrew the light bulb, then we go in.”
“My prints will be on it,” Wes said.
“Then smash the bulb into the pavement. Who cares? I just don’t want anyone seeing us as they drive by. Understand what to do?”
“Yeah.”
Rory continued with Hanna. “Where are the cameras inside the building?”
“One is at the registration and payment counter, several are in the hospital wing where the animals rest after surgeries, and one is in the pharmacy.”
“Is it at the pharmacy’s door or inside?”
“Inside.”
Rory grinned. “Then you’ll clear the shelves while we wait outside the door. Don’t worry. We’ll have eyes on you every second. You fill a bag, bring it to the door, and go fill another until all the shelves are empty. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
She sneered her response. “Crystal.”
He jammed the bags inside his zipped jacket and exited the car. Opening the back door, he jerked his head for her to get out, then Wes followed with the hammer in hand.
Rory whispered his commands. “Head to the building and stick to the wall. Wes, you lead and unscrew that bulb as soon as you get to the door.”
After making it that far, Wes reached up and twisted the bulb until it came out. With a hard swing, he threw it to the asphalt and watched it shatter into hundreds of shards. Satisfied, he turned to Rory. “Go ahead and unlock the door.”
Rory slipped the gold key into the knob, gave it a counterclockwise twist with his sleeve- covered hand, and pulled open the door. They hurried down the hall, and just as Hanna had said, the door on the left had a plaque with the word Pharmacy on it. After unlocking the door, Rory pushed it open.
“Remove that tape so she can fill the bags.”
Wes ordered Hanna to turn around, t
hen he grabbed the tape by its end and peeled it off her wrists. “She’s good to go.”
“All right.” He stared a hole through Hanna. “You know what to do, and you better follow it to the letter. Fill a bag, bring it to us, and fill another until the shelves are empty.”
“I heard you the first time.”
Rory swung and caught Hanna in the right cheek with his fist. Blood ran from her mouth onto the floor. “Being a smart-ass will get you killed. Now move.” He jammed a bag into her hand and pushed her through the door. “Don’t lollygag either. Scoop that shit into a bag and come get the next one.”
The shelves were cleared within ten minutes. Every medication was now in their hands, and they would figure out later whether it could be used for humans—not that either of them cared. Now it was time to go.
“Let’s move.” Rory grabbed Hanna’s arm, jerked her out of the room, and locked the door. “We go out the same way we came in.”
“But I gave you what you wanted, so why not let me go?”
Rory and Wes stared at her.
“Are you out of your mind?” Wes asked. “Hell, we’re just getting started.”
Chapter 48
I fired off a quick text to Hanna before I went to bed, saying I had a great time earlier and was looking forward to Saturday night. I would call her tomorrow. I expected a return text but didn’t get one and chalked it up to her already being asleep.
With a twist of the table lamp’s knob, I closed my eyes and felt myself relax.
My phone’s alarm jarred me awake, and I rolled over, thinking it must be a mistake. Squinting at the screen and seeing it was six forty-five, I realized I’d slept through the night peacefully and without any phone calls from the station. Picking up my phone, I checked for a return text from Hanna that might have come in this morning when she realized she’d missed my text from last night. There was nothing.
Going about my business, I showered, tended Bandit, and was on my way to the station by seven thirty.
As I walked the hallway, Lutz called out to me as I passed his office.
