Beneath the Bleak New Moon

by Debra Purdy Kong

  Lara stared at the card. “What if we arrange a meeting tonight?”

  “I have plans all weekend. I’m sure the information will still be relevant on Monday.”

  Casey caught the twins’ pensive glances. Were they planning something more sinister than a prank phone call? Some sort of payback for her trip to their home? Whatever it was, she appeared to have put a dent in their plans. The twins resumed eating.

  Interesting that they hadn’t mentioned the race on United Boulevard tonight, when they’d known about the previous ones. Obviously Harvey wouldn’t be there. And since Denver had questioned Eagle twice, the kid probably wouldn’t risk racing tonight. That left Mancuso, Kumar, and Mueller from the A team, and possibly racers from the B team. Despite Dominic Mancuso’s many faults, she couldn’t picture him kidnapping Danielle. Mueller lived at home and went to school. It would be tough to pull off an abduction without disrupting his routine to the point where someone would notice. Kumar seemed the likeliest candidate. The guy came and went as he pleased, and he didn’t like women. He would especially detest a nosy journalist like Danielle, which was why Casey had decided to watch his house tonight.

  The M7 eased up to the Seventieth Avenue stop. The twins picked up their bags, empties included, and walked to the center exit. Casey started to relax, until she saw Lou climb on board and glare at Greg.

  What was he doing here? She’d arranged to meet Lou at Mainland after work. Judging from the hostile vibes Lou was giving her ex, she knew why he’d changed his mind. She wished she hadn’t mentioned Greg’s dumb remark about not being able to forget her. Casey held her breath and walked toward them.

  “What are you doing here?” Greg asked Lou.

  “Meeting my girlfriend. You look like crap. Shouldn’t you be home resting your back? Taking care of your wife and kid?”

  “Shouldn’t you be minding your own damn business?”

  “That’s the thing,” Lou said, his voice low and cold. “Your family is your business, and Casey is mine.”

  Greg’s expression hardened. “Either sit down or get off.”

  “Hi,” Casey said, reaching for Lou’s hand.

  A second later his mouth was on hers and she could barely breathe. When he finished kissing her, he said, “The twins are gone, so your shift’s over, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then let’s go.” He escorted her off the bus.

  “See ya Monday, Casey,” Greg called out.

  She didn’t answer. As they walked north down Granville Street, the M7 pulled away.

  “How does he rate so much friggin’ overtime?” Lou asked. “I should apply to Coast Mountain. I’d make a hell of a lot more money driving for them.”

  Casey hadn’t heard Lou say that before. He’d been with Mainland practically since it opened thirteen years ago, but when layoffs began earlier this year, former colleagues had landed better-paying jobs with the Coast Mountain Bus Company.

  Ahead of them, the twins crossed the Seventieth Avenue intersection. Paige dropped one of the paper bags and bent down to retrieve it, while Lara continued toward the curb. A Jeep turned the corner.

  “Watch out!” Lara yelled.

  Paige looked up as the Jeep screeched to a stop inches from her.

  Casey held her breath as she, Lou, and Lara darted toward Paige. Paige lost her balance and landed on her butt. Her second bag fell, spilling french fries.

  “Are you okay?” Casey asked.

  “Fuck!” Paige looked at the spilled food. “Mom will freak.”

  Lara helped her pick up the bags.

  “The sign said don’t walk!” the driver shouted.

  “Drop dead, moron!” Lara gave him the finger.

  “Up yours!” The driver took off.

  Casey and Lou followed the twins to the curb.

  “What an asshole,” Lara remarked. She then zeroed in on Casey. “I can’t believe this! You’re following us again?”

  “I’m taking her to my car,” Lou replied.

  Lara studied Lou. “Are you her boyfriend?”

  “Does it matter?” he replied.

  The twins looked him over again, then continued down Seventieth.

  “God, she could have been killed,” Lou murmured. “You’d think everyone would be more careful at intersections these days.”

  “The twins usually act before they think. That’s half their problem.”

  “What’s the other half?”

  “I’m tempted to say poverty and their mother, but it’s probably more complicated than that.”

  “Families usually are.” He glanced at her. “Are you still planning to watch Kumar’s place tonight?”

  “Yes.” She could almost feel the tension sweeping through him.

  She had told Lou about Kumar earlier and about her hunch that he was the one who’d taken Danielle. Lou had told her that a stakeout sounded dangerous, and since Summer was sleeping at a friend’s place tonight, he had hoped to spend the evening alone with Casey.

  “We will the second I get back,” she’d assured him.

  That was when he had offered to go with her, though he hadn’t sounded happy about it. They agreed that Lou would park close to Kumar’s house while she parked farther down the street. She’d then wait with Lou in his truck until Kumar left the house, if he left the house. If he did, she’d hurry to her car and follow Lou, who would be following Kumar.

  “I’m a little surprised you decided to meet me here,” Casey said.

  “I wanted to talk to you.”

  And it couldn’t wait? She watched with growing trepidation as Lou scanned the Safeway parking lot where he’d left his truck, his eyes looking everywhere but at her. She shivered in the frosty air.

  “Casey, I’ve had second thoughts about moving in, for now.”

  She stopped walking. “What?”

  “There’s a lot going on, and you’ve been kind of paranoid about whether we’ll work out. I’ve realized that now might not be a good time.”

  Heat rose up Casey’s neck and her mouth grew dry. “When did you decide this?”

  “A couple of days ago.” He shrugged. “I’m just not convinced you’re ready. I mean, every time I want to rearrange furniture, you find something else to do.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been so distracted by the hit and runs, and Danielle, and everything. I really do want you to move in.”

  “It’s not a good idea right now.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  He shook his head. “Why would you rather go on stakeouts and run after street racers than spend one evening figuring out how you’re going to make room for me?”

  “Because Danielle’s life is at stake. Believe me, I don’t want to go, Lou; I have to. I should have gotten to Danielle sooner.” Tears filled her eyes.

  “Danielle didn’t ask you to come to the Regency until she was already in trouble. It’s not your fault.”

  “It sure feels like it is. God, I’m handling everything so badly.” She gripped his hand. “I’ve let the suspension get to me; even the stupid furniture.”

  “Furniture?”

  “I didn’t know how to tell you that I don’t like your stuff and don’t really want it in the living room. I was hoping you’d realize that it’s too big and doesn’t work with what’s already there.” She searched his blank expression for understanding. “That’s not even important now. You’re what matters, and since you gave notice on your apartment, of course you’ll move in.”

  “Actually, I didn’t.”

  Casey’s mouth fell open. “What are you talking about?”

  “You didn’t seem that thrilled when I first suggested it. I guess I was afraid you’d change your mind.”

  But she hadn’t. He had.

  TWENTY-TWO

  CASEY SAT NEXT TO LOU in his pickup and tried not to panic over her personal life. They’d barely spoken on the drive back to Mainland. After he took her to her car, she’d headed for Kumar’s place and begu
n to analyze Lou’s decision. She’d half expected him to chuck their plan and stop following her to Kumar’s, but he’d stuck with her, and for that she was thankful.

  Once she and Lou reached Kumar’s place, Casey had rejoined him in his truck. Again, she didn’t know what to say. While they watched the noisy party taking place in the house, tension wound around her neck and damn near sucked all the air out of the truck.

  She tried to focus on the people bouncing up and down to earsplitting music in Kumar’s living room. A few people had staggered outside, holding cans and bottles. One guy was vomiting on the front lawn. It wouldn’t be long before a neighbor called the cops.

  Casey looked at Lou, barely able to cope with the sadness on his face. The seconds ticked by slowly, and still she couldn’t find the right words.

  “How long do you think we’ll have to wait?” Lou asked.

  It took Casey a couple of moments to realize he was talking about Kumar. “These guys like to race in traffic, so hopefully it won’t be long now. No one’s parked behind his car, which is a good sign.” She glanced at the red Impreza in the open garage. “With all those people around, I doubt Danielle’s anywhere near the place.”

  “Maybe he’s got a condo or a storage unit.”

  All the more reason to follow him. Casey shifted her feet and nudged the camcorder she’d brought with her. She’d forgotten that Rhonda owned one, until she remembered a conversation from a few months back. Rhonda wanted Casey to record all the big events in Summer’s life, but it had completely slipped her mind. She really needed to work on her domestic skills.

  “Lou, I really love you, and I absolutely want you to move in,” she blurted. “You can even put the lava lamps in our bedroom and play disco whenever you want. I swear I won’t complain.”

  He kept his gaze on the house. “You need space, Casey. I know you like living on your own.”

  “It’s what I’m used to; not what I want.” She fiddled with the camcorder’s strap. “As for needing space, well, we’re both like that, aren’t we? I mean, we’ve never been clingy people.”

  Lou turned to her. “Is this about Greg?”

  “What?” She frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “A couple of guys at work said his marriage is in rough shape, so I’m wondering if you want me around to keep him away.”

  “He has nothing to do with this, I swear.”

  “I think he does, whether you realize it or not.” Lou paused. “I think you’re afraid that if we live together it won’t last. Or you think I’ll find another woman, like he did.”

  “You need to know something about me and Greg.” Her mouth grew dry. “I wasn’t as emotionally committed to our marriage as I should have been.”

  “You had a lot going on, as I recall,” he replied. “Upgrading your security training for transit work, and then your dad dying. Greg could have been a hell of a lot more supportive, instead of trying to persuade you to stay home and be a good little wife.”

  “But I wasn’t giving him what he need—”

  A powerful engine started up and the Impreza’s backup lights went on.

  “Oh, crap. He’s leaving.” She opened the pickup’s door. “You go. I’ll try and catch up, but don’t be reckless, okay?”

  “Same to you.”

  Casey darted to her car. By the time she pulled away from the curb, Lou’s tail lights were barely visible. She glanced at the house. No one else was leaving.

  Casey sped down the quiet residential street, made a couple of turns, and headed east on Curtis. The street appeared to be mainly residential, but it led to the major thoroughfares. Spotting Lou’s pickup, she sped faster. Curtis connected with Gaglardi Way, the main route to Simon Fraser University, which was at the top of Burnaby Mountain. Drivers heading down the mountain could connect with routes to Vancouver or turn left and head east toward Coquitlam and the suburbs beyond. If the race was taking place on United Boulevard, Kumar had at least three different routes to choose from to reach his destination.

  By the time Casey reached Gaglardi Way, she’d lost sight of Lou. She sped down Burnaby Mountain. Two minutes later, she reached a stoplight as it turned red. Damn. Her foot tapped the floor as she phoned Lou. Four rings . . . five . . . six. “Come on, pick up.”

  Finally, he answered. “We’re flying down Como Lake Road.” He sounded excited. “I’m passing the Gatensbury intersection.”

  “I don’t think he’s going to Danielle.” The light turned green and she floored it. “United’s less than ten minutes from there.”

  “If he has her, he could go see her afterward.”

  Casey raced through the Como Lake and Clarke Road intersection. “Como Lake’s not the only route to United. He could turn off at any street that connects with Austin Avenue. Austin ends at Mariner, and he could get to United Boulevard that way.”

  “So far, he’s staying on this road; there’s hardly any traffic. Oh, shit! He’s going faster. I’m losing him.”

  Casey sped up. She hadn’t gone far when a police siren went off right behind her. “Crap, I’ve got to pull over. Call you back.”

  Kumar was speeding like a mad man, and she was the one caught. Where was the justice? She pulled her registration out of the glove box and took her driver’s license from her pocket. She looked at her rearview mirror and tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. Why wasn’t he stepping out of the car? How long could it take to run a plate number through the bloody computer?

  At last, a hulking officer strolled toward her. The officer bent down and peered at her. “I need to see your driver’s license and registration, ma’am.” As she handed him the info, he said, “Did you know you were going well above the speed limit?”

  “I’m trying to keep up with a street racer who’s about to race on United Boulevard.”

  He stared at her. “How do you know about that?”

  “Different sources, including a colleague with the Vancouver Police Department.”

  The officer took a look at her car and tried not to grin. “You’re trying to keep up with street racers in this?”

  “Not to race, to record what they’re doing for the police. I have reason to believe that one of them has information about the missing journalist, Danielle Carpenter. She’s a friend of mine.”

  He didn’t blink. “Is that right? Have you had anything to drink tonight?”

  What a moron. “No.”

  By the time she’d finished bringing Officer Hulk up to speed, she figured the bloody race had probably started. He ordered her to stay put and headed for his patrol car. When he finally returned, he handed her a ticket.

  “Slow down, ma’am. The roads will be icy soon.”

  “No problem.” Before she pulled away, she contacted Lou. “What’s happening?”

  “A bunch of cars turned off United, onto a street called Golden. They’ve pulled into a parking lot and are standing around talking.”

  “How many cars are there?”

  “Six, including the Impreza and a gray metallic job.”

  “Dominic Mancuso.” So much for the hot date he’d claimed to have. “Can you see the others?”

  “Not really. I’m parked on the side of the road, back a bit. The area looks pretty deserted; mostly industrial and commercial. Wait! They’re heading for their cars.”

  “Stay on the line. I’m on my way.”

  “I hear engines starting. This is it!”

  “Can you record them on your phone?”

  “Maybe.”

  Casey cruised down the road, afraid to speed. Gripping the wheel, she waited.

  “Whoa, they’re off!” Lou shouted. “Shit, they’re fast.”

  “Are you recording?”

  “I got some of them peeling out of the lot, but that’s all. I’m going after them.”

  “Don’t! It’s not safe.” Mariner Way was just ahead.

  “I need to see which direction they go.” He paused. “They’ve turned right and are heading down Unit
ed.”

  Casey glanced at her rearview mirror, looking for an unmarked police vehicle. It was impossible to tell if one of the four vehicles behind her belonged to the cops.

  “This is wild!” Lou yelled. “Three of them are driving side by side! The Impreza, the gray metallic job, and a black BMW driven by someone with light-colored hair.”

  “Are you kidding? One of them must be driving into oncoming traffic.”

  “No, there are more than two lanes—oh shit! The cops! Four cruisers!”

  Holding her breath, Casey made a right turn onto Mariner.

  “Cars are taking off everywhere,” Lou yelled. “Two are taking the Mary Hill Bypass. It’s chaos, man!”

  “Which way are you heading?”

  “Straight through. I’m following Kumar’s Impreza.”

  Casey couldn’t help herself. She floored it.

  “Oh my god!” Lou cried.

  “What?” Casey’s stomach clenched. “Lou?”

  “Kumar just lost control making a left turn. The Impreza’s flipping! Oh god, he’s upside down! This is bad. Smoke’s pouring out of the hood. I’m going to see if I can help.”

  “What street is he on?”

  “Burbidge.”

  Casey turned left onto United Boulevard. She rolled down her window and listened for souped-up engines. Nothing. Had the others gotten away? She glanced at the cloudy night sky. The roads were wet and side streets would be slippery.

  As she passed Golden Street, Casey heard voices coming from Lou’s Bluetooth. “What’s happening?”

  While she waited for a response, Casey passed two police cars stopped in the curb lane. Mancuso’s vehicle was parked between them, and he was spread-eagle up against it. Smiling, Casey pulled over and stopped. Two racers were down, but where were the rest? Where was Mueller? Where the hell was Burbidge Street?

  “Lou, are you there?”

  A loud rap on her window made her jump. Liam MacKenna’s angry face was glaring at her. Where in hell had he come from? She’d barely started rolling down the window when he shouted, “What the hell are you doing here?”

  “Not racing, if that’s what you were wondering, and you’re a bit out of your jurisdiction, aren’t you?” Was he in plain clothes because he was off duty or undercover?