“Hannah,” Betts said.
Arrived. Approached. Moved. Fell. Dahlia. Rocks on Golly in Dolly. Galley in Dahlia. Moved case. Candy.
“I’ve got to call this in,” Ducky said. Hannah heard the tap of his fingers against his cell phone.
Moved case. Replaced with candy.
“He will kill everyone,” Samori argued. Glancing in the mirror, she saw Samori place his hand over Ducky’s phone.
Remember where I keep my things.
Ducky pulled the phone back. “He’s going to kill everyone, anyway. You heard her. She doesn’t have the diamonds. She doesn’t even know where they are.”
Keep my things. Truffles in a case. You keep candy… Hannah’s eyes shot open. “YES!” she yelled.
Everyone sat in stunned silence. Betts asked in a low voice, “What?”
“I know where the diamonds are.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Hannah almost jumped from the car before it came to a stop at the docks. Betts, Ducky, and Samori followed. She found her way onto the Dahlia’s transport boat. Scanning around, she did not find anyone working the boat. Betts climbed on-board, then Ducky. Samori declined.
“I’m not a water man. I’ll wait.”
Ducky took the wheel and looked for the keys. Not finding them, he peered over to Hannah. She leaned down under the dash and yanked. With a handful of wires, she looked to Betts.
“Please tell me you still carry a knife.”
Betts pulled out a pocketknife and handed it over. Working quickly, Hannah recalled a summer afternoon with Papa Jay as he worked on his lawn mower. Doing so, she mumbled to herself. “Three wire switch. Red hot. Yellow with stripe, starter. Purple is ignition. Red and purple together. Bump yellow, and…” The engine turned over and started. Ducky guided the boat out toward the Dahlia.
“You learn that at Quantico?” Ducky asked.
“I saw my grandfather do it once.”
“Once?”
Hannah nodded.
Betts tapped at her temple. “She remembers everything. It’s a pain in the rear most of the time.”
Within a moment, the boat pulled alongside the Dahlia. Screaming and yelling, Hannah and Betts managed to get the attention of a crew member. He disappeared and seconds later, Captain Bigby appeared.
“Ms. Starvling?”
“I don’t have time to explain. I need that jar of pickled beets you have.”
Bigby gave a questioning look, but Betts held out her badge. The captain motioned for the crewman to retrieve the jar. He lowered a ladder alongside and handed off a gallon jar filled with beets.
“I was just about to toss these overboard.”
“Glad you didn’t. I promise I’ll explain later.” She waved as Ducky headed the boat back to shore. Along the way, Hannah opened the jar and spilled the contents onto the bottom. She sifted through the purple-reddish vegetable and retrieved a large bag. She held it up for Betts to see.
“Want to know what twenty million feels like?”
Betts declined. “No thanks, I might be tempted.”
Ducky moved the boat to the dock, and soon they were in the car headed toward Gresham. Though it seemed like hours for Hannah, they reached the hotel with twelve minutes to spare. Running through the lobby toward the exhibition rooms, she found herself surprised. Everyone seemed to carry on as if nothing was happening. From a distance, she saw several people standing outside the room. They spoke to one of the Brandon brothers. She stopped everyone and moved them into a room two over.
“My people won’t be here for another half hour,” Ducky informed.
“He said he would start shooting in…” Samori glanced down at his watch, “… eleven minutes.”
“Well, now would be a good time for one of those brilliant but dangerous plans of yours,” Betts said.
Hannah grimaced and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. The sound of her cell ringing made all of them jump. Looking at the number, she answered.
“I have them. I’m almost there.”
“Good. Seven minutes, and just to show you how grateful I am, I’m going to clear a path for you.”
Hannah’s heart skipped a beat when she caught a muffled sound from the cell and as an echo in the hallway. Bratatat! Bratatat! Bratatat!
Both Betts and Samori gasped. Betts, Ducky, and Hannah all brought their weapons up and cupped the handles from beneath. Samori stepped back. Though her instinct moved her toward the ground, Hannah’s training led her to assess. Piece by piece, she dissected the event. “Automatic,” she said, directing her words to her companions. “That’s not Brandon.”
Betts shook her head. “He carries standard issue .38.”
Several single pops sounded as everyone winced. Hannah pointed to the hall. Again, Betts agreed. “That’d be him.”
The sounds of screaming followed as people rushed past the doorway in the direction of the lobby. “Path cleared,” Hannah offered.
“Do you think he would commit mass murder?” Ducky asked.
“Well, to date, just the collection of the diamonds means slavery and death. He’s responsible for the death of at least two innocents on this case alone. He may have killed a partner.” She paused and looked outside to the now clear area. “Yeah, he’ll kill them all if he deems it necessary,” she concluded.
“Six minutes,” Samori said in a tense voice.
Stepping to the door, Betts looked to Hannah. “We get the guy at the door. Enter. Duckman here can take out the main man.” She reached down and lifted her pant leg, removed a holstered weapon, and handed it to Hannah. “I know you can’t hit for spit anymore, but maybe you can wound him or scare him. Something.”
Hannah took it with an appreciative smile. “Got it. You and I take on everyone else.”
Betts shrugged. “Sounds familiar. You ready?”
Hannah frowned. As she leaned against the wall, she measured the available options. A rushed entry would result in deaths. First on her mind was Hymn. Second was untold numbers of the hostages, including Vera and Louie. Third were her companions. Last was herself. Nevertheless, having no other ideas and running out of time, she agreed.
Ducky and Betts were about to step out when Hannah stopped them. The sound of agitated barking caught her attention.
“Critic,” she said, half aloud. Her eyes lit up, and she yelled, “Now!”
Ducky exited first, weapon ready. Betts followed, then Hannah. Samori came after since he was unarmed. Weapons still aimed, all three paused. Down the way, Brandon pressed back against the double doors of the exhibition room. Critic bounced back and forth before him, growling and snapping in an aggressive manner. When the officer started to lower his weapon toward the hound, Hannah yelled, “Critic. TAKE!”
The canine leapt for Brandon’s free arm, clamping down. The officer brought his weapon around, shots rang out, and he fell to the ground. Critic let go and took slow steps backwards, his eyes never moving from the still officer. Hannah led the way, running toward the door. Critic waited until she reached the door and slung it open. The hound then matched footfalls with Betts, who followed. Ducky ran behind. Though he did not stop as he went through the door, he pointed a finger toward Brandon. Samori immediately went to the wounded man.
Hannah barged through the doors, weapon forward, arm bent. Her second hand came up to steady the first as best possible. As the motion in the room slowed in her mind, she perceived some of the events playing out. Every one of her fellow festival judges and chefs, along with several employees and guests sat on the floor. Fearful expressions weighed upon their faces. She recognized Lukas’ voice as he barked out inaudible orders, but did not catch sight of him right away. Based on the direction of the sound, and where everyone stared, she guessed at his approximate location. She spotted the young man from earlier standing in the back wearing a toothy grin and holding an automatic weapon. To her mind, his face gleamed with joy. Sick, thought Hannah as he moved the weapon up.
Seeing the young m
an as she entered, Betts spun her arm around and fired. The man’s head snapped back, then forward. His body stood stiff before wavering. Then he collapsed to his knees before slumping over.
Hannah felt her heart skip a beat when she spotted Hymn in the center of the room as she moved forward. He was the only individual not on the ground. Instead, he remained in his wheelchair. It was then she caught sight of Lukas, who sat in the chair in front of him. He held a similar assault weapon as the young man had in the back. He pointed it toward Louie.
Lukas jumped to his feet at the sound of everyone entering, the sudden screams, and Critic barking caught him off guard. When Hannah fired two consecutive shots, the feeling struck her as odd. It had been years since she used a weapon. The sensation it created gave her a rush of adrenaline. She continued to move across the room toward Lukas. She let fly two additional shots, each of which failed to find their mark.
Critic bounded for Lukas as the man leaned to one side. When Hannah’s bullet spiraled past him, he attempted to move his assault rifle in her direction, but Critic latched onto his leg causing him to lose his balance. Stumbling sideways, he lost the grip on his weapon. Hitting the ground, it went off, sending bullets flying in all directions.
A burst of lightning ran across Hannah’s upper arm. She rolled to the ground and onto her back, lifted her weapon, and fired again. Again, she was off target.
Ducky ran in just as Hannah hit the ground. Spotting a third hired gun, he moved first to fire at Lukas but redirected his attention to this new threat. Before the man responded, Ducky fired a single shot catching him center forehead. Blood hit the wall behind him, followed by his body slamming against it.
When Hannah fired again, Lukas fell to the floor, blood oozing from his shoulder. He kicked at Critic, who let go, only to return for a second attempt on his arm. He retrieved his weapon and rolled over to face her. Not having time to lift it, he let Critic pull him up by the sleeve. Now sitting just across from her, she took aim and pulled the trigger. Click. The sound followed with three more. Click. Click. Click She dropped the weapon and looked up at her opponent.
A slow, sinister grim rolled across Lukas’ face. In slow time, Hannah watched. Though Critic pulled and shook at one arm, Lukas still pulled his rifle up in her direction with the other. “I’m going to enjoy this,” he managed.
Hannah closed her eyes as the words echoed in her mind. Hymn. Hymn. Hymn. Warm kisses. Sweet face. I love you.
A single sound hit Hannah’s ears. Clang! Opening her eyes, she saw Lukas slumped over. From her position on the ground, Hannah looked up to see Hymn standing on one leg. He barely balanced his 6’2” frame as he held a large, silver drink-serving tray now impressed with a dent. “Not likely,” he said. Critic let go and sat. Hymn reached down and patted his head. Pointing to the hound, he looked to Hannah. “We’re getting one of these.”
By the time Ducky’s team arrived, it was all over save the clean-up. Hannah sat next to Hymn and across from Vera, Louie, and Marquette. Critic lay at his master’s feet, but kept an eye on Hannah as a paramedic dressed her wound.
“I’m just about done, and then we’ll get you to the ER.”
“I’ll drive,” Ducky said.
Everyone gave him a curious look.
“What? Not like I’m not used to it.”
“What’s the count?” Hannah asked as Betts walked, phone to her ear.
“Three wounded, but they’ll live.” She looked over at the bodies of the two hired guns. “Two dead guns. Brandon will live, albeit likely in a prison for the rest of his unnatural life.”
Hannah’s eyes widened. “The hospital. The other brother…” She started to rise, but Hymn put his hand on her shoulder as Betts motioned her down.
“Relax, he’s taken care of. Your grandfather must be some kind of badass. Brandon showed up, and he took him to the ground with one punch. Seriously, I must meet this guy. Oh, and Chief arrested your grandmother. Apparently, when Brandon went down, she felt the need to kick him several times, screaming something about being around to see her grand babies. He’s got a few broke ribs.”
Hymn laughed, but Hannah produced a stunned face.
“Don’t worry,” Samori offered. “I’ll get uncle to have the charges cleared.”
Betts pointed over to the body of the man Ducky shot. “Nice shot, Duckman.”
“Not bad yourself.” Ducky held his hand out. “We really didn’t get a chance to meet before. Henry Tsuburaya, HSI.”
“Ramona Betts, Detective, Gresham police. You ever want to give that up, you can come work here. We could use a few more honest men.”
Ducky smiled. “Sorry, I got other plans.” He looked to Hannah. “I want that letter of recommendation.”
Hannah gave a curious expression. “You really want to go to culinary school?”
“Are you kidding? This isn’t for me. Too many bullets.” He pinched his belly. “With a body like this, it’s clear food is more to my liking.” He looked around. “Give me a minute to clear things with these guys. Then I’ll drive you to the hospital. I’ll come back and we’ll deal with all this in the morning.” He moved to talk to one of the enforcement team that he brought in.
Betts ran her hand across the top of her head and glanced at Hannah.
“I know it does no good to tell you to do something, so I’ll just ask. How about you stick around Gresham for a few days until I get a chance to go over all this with you?”
“Of course. In fact…” Hannah looked over to Hymn. “I think we should stay a week more.”
“Great,” Betts said in a half-sarcastic tone. “Since you’ll be here, how about I send over some old case files to keep you warm and toasty in bed and out of trouble?”
After reaching over and pulling Hymn in for a kiss, Hannah grinned. “I think I got that part covered.”
Epilogue
Seven weeks later.
Sitting in Hoolie’s Burgers, Fries, and All That, Hannah and Hymn chatted over a bowl filled with fried okra.
“This is becoming a bad habit.”
Hymn shrugged. “You asked me out to dinner and then said I could go wherever I wanted.”
“Good thing I have a plane.”
“Like I’ve often said, it does come in handy.”
Hymn winced and rubbed his leg.
“Acting up already? You just got it off. You don’t think it was too…”
“It’s fine. Calvin said it was just part of it. It’ll pass.”
Hannah drew her brow down. Even though it had been just over seven weeks since the events at Gresham, she knew the man she loved put on a brave front. The pain came and went, but the damage was done. Though he was healing, his doctor informed him it would never be one hundred percent again. She remembered the physician’s pronouncement that he would use a cane and leg brace for the rest of his life. His life in law enforcement, much like Hannah’s, came to a sudden end. Every moment possible since, she spent with Hymn. Now, they spent more days together From its awkward beginning to the present, their romance turned from attraction to love.
Hannah’s thoughts were interrupted by food being placed before her. She looked up at the man who placed the plate with a huge cheeseburger and a massive pile of onion rings. At 6’4”, with graying black hair and beard, he was impressive. He gave his usual big, friendly smile that could light the world.
“Here you are, my dear.”
“Thanks, Will.”
Hannah took a bite of the onion ring. Her eyes grew wide with pleasure. “These keep getting better and better, I swear,” she called after. He laughed, turning back to grin at Hymn.
Hannah popped a piece of fried okra in her mouth. “Betts called. The Brandon's pleaded guilty. They’ll be sentenced next month after prosecution and defense statements. They’re vying for a lesser sentence, but the DA thinks that’s a long shot.”
“Good deal. Did they fess up to shooting at you?”
Wiping her mouth with her napkin, Hannah nodde
d. “They did. They claimed that Turnbull was collateral damage done by the deliveryman and company. Lukas did hire them. Some leads are trailing back to the organization that ran them, but they’re thin. I doubt much will come of that, but as for the Brandons, the older one, James, said they had nothing to do with any murders. And they weren’t trying to kill me, just scare me enough to force my hand.”
“You believe them?”
“It’s possible I suppose. Lukas was bent on getting the diamonds and he had no clue where they were. He was relying on me to find them. If they did me in, he was out twenty mil. He wasn’t about to do that, so… And they couldn’t do Turnbull. They didn’t have time to change from street clothes to uniform in the time between the shooting and their going after me. So, they’re guilty of a lot of things. Murder may not be one of them. Who knows?”
Hymn pulled his brow in and gave Hannah a stern look.
“You never did tell me what put you and Betts at odds.”
“Long story. Remind me later. Anyway, she’s taking over. Chief Toody is calling it quits and asked me to give a letter of support.”
“Are you going too?”
“Yeah, she’s a good detective and knows her stuff.”
Hymn rocked his jaw back and forth. “What about Grimm? Any action on him?”
“She said the list of charges keeps growing. The same goes for the number of countries putting him on trial. Cote d’Ivorie, France, Switzerland, Canada and the US, just to name a few. Everyone is trying to connect him to their diamond smuggling crimes. So far, there’s thirty-seven counts of murder, human trafficking, international maritime codes. You name it. He’ll rot forever before everyone gets a shot. The Swiss seized his accounts and tied them to a bunch of others. I doubt he can even afford a lawyer at this point.”
“No love lost there,” Hymn said, biting into his sandwich. He chewed for a moment then paused. “I wonder why he didn’t just let it go? I mean, he had almost a billion in the bank. Twenty million is a lot but it wasn’t worth the risk.”
The Billionaire Chef Page 22
