Murder at Black Lake

by Anne Patrick

  "He's still working on the lock. He said to start without him."

  "I appreciate you staying. Although, I don't think it's necessary."

  "I don't mind. It'll be like old times."

  Jamie smiled, recalling all the sleepovers she'd had at the Hansen's.

  Several minutes later, Gage joined them. "How's the headache?"

  "Almost gone." Jamie finished her soup and placed her empty bowl on the tray and took her coffee. "Be sure to tell your mom thanks. It was delicious."

  "She said she would bring you some more tomorrow," Mallory said. "She's going to drop by in the morning and keep you company until I get off work."

  "I wish she wouldn't. I'm fine. Really."

  "Have you looked at yourself in the mirror?" Mallory teased. "You don't look fine."

  "I'm saving that for awhile when I try and take a shower." Jamie yawned. She wished the coffee would kick in. "Maybe I should've waited to take the pain pill."

  "I think the drowsiness is from the concussion," Gage said with a smile. "You were pretty out of it at the hospital."

  Jamie remembered talking to the doctor. Actually arguing with him. And Gage standing in the doorway. Then him walking with her. "You waited with me while Mallory drove the car around."

  His smile widened.

  Had she flirted with him?

  "I'm out of here." Gage gathered their dishes. "I'll drop by on my lunch hour tomorrow."

  "Wait, Gage." He couldn't leave her hanging.

  "Can't. Gotta go."

  Jamie watched him disappear down the hall. Then the backdoor slammed.

  "What just happened here?" Mallory asked.

  "I have absolutely no idea."

  CHAPTER SIX

  Gage sat at his desk and reviewed the security tapes from the Greensburg Mall. From the angle of the camera that captured the incident, there was a clear view of Jamie fighting off her attacker. She managed to get in two punches before the young man grabbed a piece of lead pipe from his back pocket and hit her with it. She was extremely fortunate it wasn't a gun.

  He pulled up another angle from three hours earlier and fast-forwarded it until Jamie's black Tahoe came into view. Just as she pulled into her parking spot, a grey pickup parked in the next row over, facing the back of the Tahoe. He focused the curser on the front license plate and enlarged it. The first two numbers indicated the county where the tag was issued. It wasn't Green County. He jotted down the series of numbers and had Macy do a DMV check to see to whom the plate was issued.

  Returning to his desk, he brought up the still shots he had of the assailant and the driver, placing them side-by-side. The clothing was a match, but the dark sunglasses, a ball cap, and the way he purposely avoided looking toward the camera made it impossible to get a good image of his face. In the shot of him when he was fighting with Jamie, the sunglasses had been knocked off in the scuffle. It was pretty grainy, but at least it was something. Gage looked at the responding officer's report. The description of the man given by the witness matched the one in the photo.

  If this guy was in his late twenties, then he would have been in his mid-teens when James Riedel was murdered. While it might be less common for a teenager to kill than an adult, it happened. There were plenty of teenagers capable of murder, even fourteen years ago. Violence among adolescence was nothing new. Gage tried to think of someone in their age group who would've fit that bill, but no one came to mind. Maybe this guy wasn't from Jamie's past, but from her present. Maybe he had nothing to do with her father's murder at all.

  "What'cha working on?" Derek asked from the doorway.

  "Security footage from the mall yesterday."

  "Any luck?"

  "Maybe." He'd call the Greensburg PD to see if the sunglasses were recovered.

  Derek stepped into the room. "So, who is this woman anyway? And why is she staying at Rita Riedel's house?"

  "It's Jamie Riedel and the house now belongs to her."

  "As in Jamie Riedel, the actress known as Jamie Sutton?"

  Gage knew Jamie wanted to keep a low profile while she was here, but if he was to keep her safe he was going to have to trust Derek to keep his mouth shut. "Only my family, and now you, know she is here and we're going to keep it that way. Got it?"

  "Yeah, okay." Derek grinned. "So that was her in the black Tahoe last night with your sister?"

  "Yes, it was. Please don't let me down on this. If the media finds out she's here, especially after yesterday, it's liable to become a zoo around town."

  "You've got my word, Gage. So, will you introduce me? Can I meet her?"

  Gage chuckled. The term star-struck came to mind, and it was way out of character for Derek. "I'll have to check with her, but I can probably arrange it if you'll keep your mouth shut."

  "I already gave you my word man."

  Macy stuck her head in the door. "That plate you gave me to run, it was reported stolen out of Albany County Sunday. It belongs to a '70 model Ford truck registered to Wilson Lamont."

  "Thanks, Macy. Can you do me one more favor?"

  "Let me guess, you want a list of all late sixty and early seventy model grey trucks in the county."

  "To start with." If that didn't pan out, they would widen the search. "I appreciate it, Macy."

  "You think the guy lives around here?" Derek asked.

  "It's a good possibility." Gage told him about the note that was left on Jamie's door and the truck he saw. "He's been watching Jamie ever since she got into town. I don't know what he's up to yet, but I know it's no good."

  "Well, I've let the other guys know, so we'll all be on the lookout. I'm going to head home and get some rest. Rick and Danny are out on patrol."

  Gage glanced at his watch. "Okay, and I've got to get to court. Thanks, Derek."

  On the way to the courthouse, Gage called Greensburg PD. Officer Williams. The officer informed him a pair of men's sunglasses were found at the scene with some partial prints.

  "Any hits in IAFIS," Gage asked, hopeful they had a name.

  "I'm afraid not. If they did belong to our guy, he's not in the system. I sent the surveillance tapes to the crime lab. Maybe they can clean it up enough so we've got a good photo of him. I ran the tag and it came back stolen."

  "Yeah, I did too. Will you keep me posted?"

  "Sure. How's Miss Riedel? I went by to check on her but she'd already been released."

  "She's okay." And Gage was going to do everything in his power to make sure she stayed that way. "Thanks again for your help."

  ***

  Jamie spent most of the morning in bed, sleeping off and on. Occasionally Stella would come in and wake her, just as Mallory had done throughout the night. Just a precaution, they told her. No doubt making sure she hadn't died on them. There were a few times she thought she was going to croak. She hated nothing worse than vomiting. At least the pain relievers worked and her head was no longer throbbing.

  Before her shower last night, she had braved a look in the mirror and wished she hadn't. She looked like she had gone a few rounds with a heavyweight boxer. Just to freak out Tommy, she had taken a selfie and sent it to him. She accomplished her goal. He called her within seconds of receiving it. She assured him it wasn't as bad as it looked.

  Bonnie whined beside her bed. Jamie rolled over and peered down at her. The faithful German Shepherd had only left her side once, and Jamie suspected that was for a potty break. She scooted over in the middle of the bed and patted the comforter. "Come on up, girl. It's okay."

  Bonnie immediately jumped on the bed and lapped Jamie with kisses. She was so big she took up most of the bed. "Okay, you're going to have to lie down and be still. I don't want to make another trip to the bathroom."

  After a few more kisses, the dog lay down beside her and Jamie rubbed her belly. "If I could, I would definitely take you home with me."

  Someone rapped on the door. "Come on in, Stella."

  "It's not Stella, but can I still come in?" Gage called back. />
  "Only if you have coffee."

  He came in carrying a tray. "How about 7up and some crackers?"

  "I'd rather have coffee."

  "Maybe later." Gage set the tray on the bedside table. "Mom said you've been vomiting."

  She nodded and continued to rub Bonnie's belly. "Either the pills the doctor gave me for nausea are placebos or they've lost their potency."

  "Mom called the hospital and they said some vomiting was normal, but if it gets any worse, we need to take you in to be looked at."

  "I'll be all right." The hospital was the last place she wanted to be. She pushed herself up in the bed and he adjusted her pillows for her. "Thanks."

  Bonnie jumped down and moseyed out the door. Evidently she thought three was a crowd. "I don't suppose the police in Greensburg have caught the guy yet?"

  "No, but Officer Williams is on top of things. He's going to keep us posted." He moved to the chair and sat down. "There's something I want to run past you."

  "Okay." She reached for the package of crackers and opened them.

  "According to the witness, the guy that attacked you had short, dark-blond hair, medium build, late twenties, five-ten or five-eleven. That would put his age in his mid-teens when your dad was murdered. Providing the witness's account is accurate."

  "That can't be. The guy who killed dad was older."

  "How old? Was he fat or muscular? How tall was he?"

  Jamie glanced down at the crackers in her hand. She didn't have to concentrate too hard, what memory she did have of that night was always very close to the surface. "He was taller than my dad. I don't know what he looked like or what color his hair was because he wore a ski mask."

  "I don't think it's the same guy. Have you ever had any problems with someone stalking you? Any threatening letters or inappropriate phone calls?"

  "I've had some hate mail since Richie and I split up, but those were basically innocent. Young women telling me what a fool I am, and how he's such a great guy and all."

  "Did you keep any of the letters?"

  "I think Tommy may have. All my fan mail goes to his agency."

  "Would you mind if I gave him a call?"

  "No." She reached for her phone on the nightstand, but he beat her to it. "He's in my contacts under Tommy Logan."

  While he wrote the number down, Jamie ate a couple of crackers. Somehow, she had to get out of this bed today. She hated people waiting on her. "I still don't believe Dwight killed my dad."

  "I don't either. I never have. He would've never hurt you. You were always so nice to him." He laid her phone back on the table. "Remember how you used to save our soda cans to give him?"

  "Yes, and we would chase off the other kids when they teased him."

  "Whoever did this to you, we're going to catch him."

  It was a promise she knew he would do his best to keep. She recalled his exit last night and was tempted to ask if she had said or done anything embarrassing.

  "I've gotta get back to work. Are we still on for tomorrow, providing you feel up to it?"

  "Sure." She needed some answers if she ever hoped to come to terms with her past. "What time?"

  "The morning works best for me. Say nine o'clock."

  "Okay. Thanks for doing this. And thanks for the soda and crackers."

  "You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow."

  ***

  Later that afternoon, Jamie felt well enough to venture downstairs. She heard voices in the kitchen and headed that way. Mallory sat at the island with her cellphone to her ear.

  "I have to go, Brian. I'll give you a call in the morning and let you know for sure."

  Jamie remembered the name from their discussion yesterday about Mallory's date tomorrow night. The dress. Jamie had yet to give it to her. She had forgotten all about it until just now.

  "It's good to see you up and around. Mom said you've had a rough day."

  "I'm feeling much better. Did you bring in my package from yesterday?"

  "No, it's still in your car. I'll go get it."

  Jamie started a pot of coffee while she waited.

  Mallory returned and set the bag on the island counter. "May I?"

  "Go ahead." Jamie removed a cup from the cabinet.

  "These are beautiful, Jamie. I especially like the purple one."

  Jamie poured her a cup of coffee. "The package on the bottom is yours."

  "Really?" Mallory squealed. She peeked inside. Her smile faded. "Why did you buy this for me?" Her eyes narrowed on Jamie. She looked more mad than pleased with the gift.

  It wasn't exactly the reaction Jamie had expected. "I wanted to do something nice for you."

  "Because I couldn't afford it."

  "What is the big deal, Mallory? I thought you liked it."

  "That isn't the point."

  "Well, what is the point?" Jamie set her coffee on the counter and walked toward her. "Look, Mallory, I haven't seen you in fourteen years. We were having a good time. You had offered to help me work on the house. I just wanted to do something to show my appreciation. If I've hurt your feelings, I apologize. That wasn't my intention."

  Mallory hugged her. "I know. I overreacted. I'm sorry. Thank you for the dress. I love it."

  Jamie laughed as she nudged her friend. "Geez, remind me not to buy you anymore gifts."

  "I guess I'm sort of envious of you, and I didn't want you to feel sorry for me because I couldn't afford a stupid dress."

  "I don't feel sorry for you, Mallory. And you shouldn't be envious of me. I entertain people for a living. You help mold the minds of children. You should be proud of that. I remember several of my teachers and the impact they had on my life."

  "Yeah, but you won't find me at any red-carpet events. You get to hang out with movie stars I can only read about. Not to mention the gorgeous men you date."

  "Believe me, I don't live the glamorous life you think I do. Those are special occasions. The majority of my time is spent on location, working twelve to fourteen hour days."

  "Do you ever get tired of it?"

  "The work, no. But it is a little overwhelming to be thrust into the spotlight seemingly overnight. Before Target on Her Back, hardly anyone knew I existed."

  "I knew. I've been following your career since your first movie release, the one where you played the evil stepsister. What were you, seventeen when you did that one?"

  "Eighteen. And I'm surprised you saw it."

  "It wasn't that bad . . . well, yeah it was." They both laughed.

  "I want you to call Brian back and tell him the date is on. You don't need to stay the night again, either."

  "Well, can I at least stay for dinner? Mom left chicken noodle soup for us."

  "Okay."

  ***

  As soon as court let out, Gage gave Tommy Logan a call. After several rings, it went to voicemail. Gage left a message saying who he was and what he wanted. Fifteen minutes later, Tommy returned his call.

  "How's Jamie?" Tommy asked as soon as Gage answered.

  "She's doing all right. As I mentioned in my message, I'm looking into the possibility that Jamie's attack yesterday may be related to her being a celebrity. Maybe the guy's an obsessed fan or something."

  "I doubt that. How would he have found her? Her personal assistant and I are the only ones who know she's in Jackson Ridge."

  "It's only a seventeen-hour drive. No planes involved in her travel. Someone could've followed her. The tag on the truck driven by the assailant was stolen in a nearby county the same day she arrived."

  "Okay, how can I help?"

  "She mentioned receiving some threatening letters and that you might have kept them."

  "Jamie gets hundreds of pieces of mail in any given week ranging from teenagers asking her advice on makeup and clothes, to love-struck fans making marriage proposals. As far as hate mail, she's gotten a couple of dozen, maybe. No death threats, though."

  "The hate mail she's received, do any of them have return addresses on t
hem?"

  "Maybe. I'd have to look in her file."

  "Do you have any friends in law enforcement?"

  "I'm a talent agent. Jamie is probably the only client I haven't had to bail out of jail at one point or another. So, yes, I've made a few friends in uniform."

  Gage liked his sense of humor and the fact he didn't treat Jamie like a piece of property. The fact Jamie had stayed with the same agent from the start of her career said a lot about his character. "If any of the letters do have return addresses, could you have one of your friends run a DMV check to see if whoever lives at the address owns a late sixties or early seventies model grey truck?"

  "I can do that. If anything turns up, I'll give you a call."

  "Thanks a lot, Tommy."

  "Thank you for taking such good care of her. She's very special to me, and I don't want anything to happen to her. And I don't mean just as an agent. She's a good friend."

  Gage couldn't agree more. He hung up and thought about tomorrow. Going over her dad's case file would be tough for her. Lord, draw near to Jamie. Bring healing to her, not just physically but in every aspect of her life. Help her to find the peace she is searching for, and protect her from those who wish to do her harm.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Friday morning, Jamie felt almost as good as new. Her face still looked terrible, but the nausea and headaches were gone. Donning her wig and the spare sunglasses she'd found in the glove box, she drove into town. Technically, she wasn't supposed to drive for another nine hours. Since she hadn't taken any pain pills since late yesterday, she figured it was safe. She wasn't looking forward to revisiting the night she witnessed her father's murder, but she knew it was something she had to do. It was the main reason she had returned to Jackson Ridge. She thought of a Bible verse from the book of Philippians that had gotten her through many struggles. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. "Help me do this, Lord."