by Carolina Mac
Her red lips pouted. “Bad guess.”
IT WAS ALMOST eight by the time Blaine and the boys arrived at the trailer with the Chinese take-out and Enright’s bottle of scotch.
The dogs put up a rousing welcome, bouncing and baying and licking faces. The dogs hadn’t seen the boys for a few days.
“Going stir-crazy out here?” asked Blaine.
“Not too bad,” said Enright. “Got caught up on a lot of sleep. I can see why Jesse likes it out here. It’s like living on another planet.”
Farrell emptied out the two brown bags and spread the containers around the table. He fetched plates and cutlery from the kitchen and passed them to each of the men. “I’m fairly starving.”
“Smells good,” said Travis. “Who wants a beer?”
“I’m not much on beer,” said Enright. “But I wouldn’t mind an empty glass. I appreciate y’all picking up my Glen for me. He flipped a couple of bills towards Blaine.
Blaine nodded. “No problem. I was thinking if you wanted to get out of here for a couple of hours, you could sit in on tonight’s surveillance with Travis and Farrell. You’ll be out of sight and it might be interesting. They’re gonna eavesdrop on the two women for a while.”
“Sounds like something I’d enjoy,” said Enright. “Do you like either one of the women for it?”
“I like the girlfriend.” Blaine loaded up his plate with beef and green peppers. “She’s trying her best to lead me down another path, although I’m not sure where she’s going with it. A devious girl with an agenda, but as far as killing Markwood—I can’t be sure of her motive.”
Farrell took a big bite out of an eggroll. “I like the wife, because she seems smart enough to pull it off. I think Sylvia is just an airhead trying to be somebody she ain’t. We got background on her yet, boss?”
“Jeeze, I haven’t had a minute on my computer today. If Enright goes with y’all, I’ll spend a couple hours on research before I sleep. We are definitely short of background information.” He turned to Enright who was loading up on shrimp fried rice. “What do you know about Jankovich?”
RACE OPENED HIS eyes and stared into a bright light. He thought he must be dead until he heard a voice talking to him.
“An ambulance will be here soon, sir. I don’t want to move you. Something might be broken.”
Race’s head ached, and he wanted to throw up in the worst way. He couldn’t remember where he was or why he was lying on the ground, freezing cold and shivering. He closed his eyes and didn’t open them again until he was in the back of an ambulance wrapped up like a mummy with a needle sticking in the back of his hand.
“What happened?” were the words he tried to say, but it sounded like gibberish to his own ears.
“We think a tree branch fell on your head, sir,” said the paramedic sitting close to him. “You were knocked unconscious. Your body temperature tells us you were exposed to the cold for a long period of time.”
The medic checked the wrapping around him and snugged it up. “Lucky for you Constable Ferrick noticed your truck on the sideline and checked the property on his patrol.”
A cop. I hate cops. Why am I thinking that?
TRAVIS DROVE the dark green surveillance unit to Austin and parked behind the Hilton. He turned off the engine and opened his door. “Let’s get comfortable in the back. We should be able to hear Mrs. Markwood just fine from here.”
Enright settled on one of the black swivel stools and scoped out the equipment in the tricked-out camper mounted on the back of the pickup. “This is some setup, boys. Never seen anything this slick.”
“Belongs to Jesse,” said Farrell. “We’re lucky he lets us use it.”
“He’s Blaine’s partner, isn’t he?”
“Yep,” said Farrell. “Taking it easy right now because of his heart.”
Travis activated the equipment with his head set on, held up a hand and nodded. “I’ll put it on speaker.”
“You were the beneficiary of his insurance. You can be thankful for that. A million bucks will help you start over.”
“A large insurance policy on Phil will also make the cops look more closely at me.”
“What does it matter how close they look? You’ve got nothing to hide.”
“You’re right. It doesn’t matter. But Blaine Blackmore makes me as nervous as hell. I hope he doesn’t come back with any more questions.”
“Why does he bother you so much?”
“I don’t know. His eyes. They’re so black and it’s like he’s looking right through me.”
“Again, sis, what does it matter? Tell the truth. You were divorcing the prick anyway, and you’re not sorry that he’s dead.”
“Phil was mean. He was a mean and spiteful son of a bitch, and he was always unfaithful. For a while I thought he was having an affair with the Hispanic agent in his office, Fabiana. I accused him of it and do you know what he did?”
Enright inhaled sharply at the mention of Fabiana.
“I can’t imagine.”
“He laughed. Then he pulled out his phone and showed me Sylvia’s picture.”
“That’s cruel.”
“Let’s go out for an hour.”
“Yeah, let’s go have some fun sister time like we used to.”
“I’m glad you’re out of the hospital, Marybeth. I need you here with me.”
“I don’t think I need a weekly appointment, JoJo. I’m so tired of those hospital shrinks.”
“A few more visits and maybe you won’t have to go anymore. I can’t believe how much better you are.”
“Mrs. Markwood is hanging with her sister,” said Travis. “Either she’s lying convincingly to her sister, or she’s got nothing to hide.”
“I don’t know,” said Enright, “If there’s nothing she’s worrying about, why is she nervous about Blaine questioning her again?”
“That part I didn’t get,” said Farrell. “We need to make sure Blacky takes another run at her.”
“Let’s hop in the truck and move to the Twin Towers,” said Travis. “Maybe Sylvia has something juicy to tell us.”
“Drive through Starbucks on the way, partner,” said Farrell from the back seat. “I could use some caffeine.”
PARKED IN the visitor’s area behind Twin Towers, they settled in the unit with their large coffees and a bag of cookies Farrell had purchased.
Travis got the equipment up and running.
“I enjoy this,” said Enright, “and I enjoy y’all’s company. Wonder if Blaine would have a spot for me?”
Travis raised an eyebrow. “He was interviewing the past couple of weeks, but didn’t come up with anybody that would fit in with our team. Ask him.”
“Think I will.”
Travis nodded at the other two when he had audio.
“Heard anything about your promotion yet?”
“No. Give it a couple of days. They might name me interim director until it goes through channels and comes down from the Deputy Attorney General.”
“Can you get me some good stuff to tide me over?”
“You’re using way too often, Syl, and don’t try to tell me you’re not. I don’t like it.”
“After what I did for you, it doesn’t matter if you like it or not. You owe me.”
“I’ve got to get dressed and go. I can’t be seen coming out of your building.”
Travis pointed at the Nikon and waved at Farrell. Farrell set his coffee down, grabbed the camera and took off on the run.
“You think the cops are watching me?”
“Blackmore is all over you, Syl. Can’t tell you how dangerous that kid is. He’s brutal.”
“He seems nice. I like him.”
“Don’t.”
Travis and Enright waited in the cab of the truck for Farrell to return. He jumped in the back seat and set the camera on the floor.
“Get some good shots?”
“Yep.”
“And did you recognize him?” asked Enright.
<
br /> “Jankovich.”
“Fuck me blind,” said Enright.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Saturday, March 18th.
RACE DROPPED OFF to sleep not knowing or caring where he was, and woke up in an intensive care unit with a nurse hovering over him. She stood close to the bed staring at readings on the monitor he was hooked up to.
“Where am I?” His voice came out dry and croaky.
“Peterborough Hospital,” she said. “You were sent to us from Bancroft last night by the OPP.”
“I’m cold,” was all he could think to say. The shivering persisted even though he tried to stop it. He pulled on his left wrist and it was cuffed to the bed.
What the hell?
The nurse kept talking. “You’re suffering from exposure, sir, and we’re raising your body temperature little by little. You’re lucky to be alive, lying unconscious out in that ice storm like you were.” She pulled the blanket up tighter and fixed his pillows behind his head. “An officer will be along shortly to explain about the handcuff. The police are waiting for you to be lucid.”
“Umm… my wife will be looking for me. Annie Powell.”
“Do you know her number?”
“I can’t think of it, but it’s in my phone.”
“Let me look through your bag of belongings and see if I can find your phone.”
The nurse left and twenty minutes later a uniformed office sat in the chair next to his bed. “Mr. Ogilvie, I’m Sergeant Wayne Patrick of the Ontario Provincial Police. When the first officer on the scene in Bancroft found you, he was unable to locate any identification. You were printed at the hospital and your ID came up with a want from the state of California. We’re holding you until we receive further instruction.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“You’ll have your chance to prove that in court.”
“What’s the charge?”
“It’s a felony traffic charge, sir. From what I understand, you were riding your motorcycle and caused an accident. A person named Annie Powell suffered an irreversible head injury and almost lost her life.”
No wonder the kid hates me so much.
JACKSON WAS RELEASED from Sick Children’s Hospital at ten in the morning. Annie and Jesse picked him up and drove straight to Pearson International to catch their twelve-thirty flight to Austin.
“I liked that hospital, Mommy,” said Jackson, “it was for kids. I didn’t know they had one just for kids and I bet that’s something Neil doesn’t know.”
“You can test him, honey. There isn’t much Neil doesn’t know, or thinks he doesn’t know. He’ll be home from school soon for reading week.”
“Does he have to read all week, or can he play with me?”
“He can study part of the time, but he can play too.”
She reached out for Jesse’s hand and laid her head on his shoulder.
“I love you, Ace. Even with the hospital thrown in, I had a great time. Can’t tell you how much better I feel, physically, and more importantly, about us and our chances.”
Annie squeezed his hand and closed her eyes.
When they landed at Austin-Bergstrom, Annie turned her phone on and checked her messages while Jesse collected the luggage from the carousel.
Missed message from Peterborough Hospital. “This is Mr. Ogilvie’s nurse, Brenda Wright in the ICU. You came up as Mr. Ogilvie’s next of kin. He had an accident and is suffering from exposure and a concussion. He’s under arrest but I can’t give you any information on that. You’ll have to contact the Bancroft detachment of the OPP”
Jesse caught up with her at the exit doors and Annie’s eyes were glassy. “What happened, Ace?”
“Race came to Canada to find us and he had an accident. He’s in the hospital, Jesse and they’ve arrested him. I should go back.”
“Arrested him for what? What the hell has he done now?” Jesse set the luggage down and caught his breath.
“I don’t know what he did, but he’s in intensive care. I can’t just leave him there alone.”
“No, Ace. You’re not going back. We’re going home. You don’t even know what’s wrong with him. He could be fine by the time you get there, and it will be a totally wasted trip. You need more details before you make a decision.”
“But if he’s in the ICU, he must be hurt badly.”
“They wouldn’t have arrested him for nothing, Ace. Stay the hell away from him.”
Jesse held the door open and motioned for her to help Jackson through in the wheelchair. “You have your hands full with Jackson. If anybody goes to Canada, it will be Declan.”
BACK AT COULTER-ROSS Declan fussed over Jackson and got him settled in front of the TV with the remote. “You went and got worse without me there, Jacks. Why did you do that?” asked Declan in his Irish brogue. “Why wouldn’t you wait until you got home to the ranch, so I could take care of ye proper-like?” The corner of Declan’s mouth was turned up but Jackson didn’t know he was teasing.
“Can’t say, Dec. Didn’t mean to. Just woke up and had a ‘fection. Thought I was gonna hurl.”
Declan chuckled. “Well, I’ve got my eye on ye now. No funny stuff will be happening from here on out.”
Annie called from the kitchen, “Declan, can I see you for a minute?”
“The boss wants me. Don’t move until I come back.”
Jackson giggled. “You’re trying to trick me, Dec. I can’t move.”
“You want me, boss?”
“I’ve just had a conversation with Race’s doctor at Peterborough Hospital in Ontario. He’s suffering from exposure and a nasty blow to the head. Jesse is opposed to me going back because I need to be with Jackson. How would you like to fly up there and see what’s going on?”
Declan frowned. “Doesn’t sound like a task I’d be comfortable with, Miss Annie. Why not send Mr. Ogilvie Senior? Surely Race’s father would be the better choice?”
Jesse crossed from the harvest table to the center island and perched on a stool. “Aren’t you leaving out an important fact, Ace?” His voice took on an edge. “Race is under arrest. What the hell good would it do for Declan to go all the way to Canada just to look at him lying in a fuckin bed?” Jesse threw his hands in the air. “Doesn’t make any sense. But when it comes to Race, common sense doesn’t enter into it, does it?”
Declan tossed a hard glance Jesse’s way and motioned for him to calm down. “Race has been arrested?” asked Declan. “What for?”
“The police will be my first call right after I call Blaine to see what he can do.”
Jesse had a lot of color in his face and despite Declan’s warning glance, he didn’t let up. “When the asshole gets released, he should be well enough to get back on his own, don’t you think? He got up there himself, and who knows what he intended to do when he found us? I’d bet anything, his mission was to fucking kill me.” Jesse landed a fist on the granite counter top. “Ace, give your head a shake.”
Declan nodded. “Mr. Race is a troubled person and I agree with Jesse. Once his doctor releases him, and he deals with the police, he should be fine on his own. He got to Canada on his own. Maybe he has no intention of coming back to Texas.”
“You guys are pissing me off, know that?” Annie stomped off down the hall and into her office.
“I rarely disobey an order from the boss, but I don’t want to go to Canada without a good reason. To travel all that way just to look Race Ogilvie in the eye and see that he’s not dead,” said Declan, “is not reason enough. There’s no one who grates against my grain more than our Race.”
“Mine either,” said Jesse. “The fact that Annie is still so keen on having him live here irritates me more than I can put into words.”
“I can see where it would.”
BLAINE SAT DOWN in Lopez’ office to recap the information the boys had gleaned from the surveillance the night before.
“Hey, Detective Nielsen, you over your root canal?”
“I’ll n
ever be over it, but thanks for asking.” Nielsen slouched his tall lanky frame behind his desk, opened a packet of sugar and stirred the large Starbuck’s coffee Blaine had provided.
“I’m at a fuckin standstill,” said Lopez, “so clue me in.”
“Nothing cut and dried,” said Blaine, “and I wish it was, but I think I’m going in the right direction.”
“Who is the right direction? One of the women?”
Blaine related the conversation Sylvia Temple-Day had with Special Agent Jankovich.
“And you’re sure it was him?” asked Nielsen.
“Farrell has him on film coming out of her building.”
“I’d like to bring him in for questioning,” said Lopez, “but he’s a pretty big fish if we’re wrong.”
Blaine shrugged. “Ask for his help. Tell him y’all are nowhere and you need some insight from inside the agency. Make up some shit.”
“Yeah, that sounds ethical.”
Blaine flashed a smile. “Don’t you need help?”
Lopez nodded. “Well, yeah. That part is true.”
Blaine drained his coffee and stood up. “There you go.”
“It’s Saturday, he won’t be at the office,” said Lopez. “I guess I could send a squad to his house to pick him up.”
Blaine pulled out his cell and pressed Farrell’s number. “Where is he?”
Farrell sounded out of breath. “Running the trail around LBL. Gotta go, boss. I’m gonna lose him.”
Blaine chuckled. “He’s jogging around Lady Bird Lake and Farrell is trying to keep up.”
Lopez’ black eyes widened. “You’ve got Farrell on him?”
“Why not? Jankovich is high on my list. He’s got the most to gain.”
“I’ll consider talking to him.” Lopez turned his head with a grin on his face. “Better yet, I’ll send my partner.”
“Fuck off,” said Nielsen, “I just had a root canal.”
“You can’t use that excuse for a whole fuckin month,” said Lopez. To Blaine: “Thanks for the coffee.”
Blaine nodded and gave Lopez a thumb’s up.
Outside the building, he slid behind the wheel of his truck and pulled out his smokes. His cell rang on the passenger seat and he read the screen. Annie. She cried as she told him the Race story.
