Beneath the Bleak New Moon

by Debra Purdy Kong

  “Come on, angel. Mommy will get you a cookie.” Tina carried him back to the kitchen.

  Ellen shut the door after Tina and Bear left, then strolled farther into the room and turned a slow circle. “Great space, but the lazy housewife look will have to go. I can’t take photos until the clutter’s gone.”

  “I’ll let Greg know.”

  Ellen examined the blue and white tiles around the fireplace. “The crayon marks will have to go too. How much is his damage deposit?”

  “There isn’t one.”

  Ellen nearly dropped her clipboard. “Why not?”

  “Greg assured me he’d take care of the place.” At the time, haggling over money was more than she could cope with.

  “The guy must be some friend.”

  “Not really. He’s my ex, and the lady of the house is the one he screwed around with.”

  Ellen’s mouth fell open. “And you took his word about the house?”

  “At the time I wasn’t thinking clearly, then I tried not to think about him at all.” Sharing this info was probably petty, but since Ellen would be showing the house, it would help if she understood the reason for Tina’s hostility.

  “I can’t believe that little piece has the gall to throw bitchy looks and their baby in your face.”

  “It’s okay. I definitely got the better deal.” Casey watched to see if the kitchen door opened.

  “Why didn’t you kick him out and stay here?”

  “Too many memories. Anyway, I’ll see that Greg gets things in shape.”

  “Tell him to paint the place in neutral tones.” Ellen flipped a page on her clipboard. “Good for you for moving on, sweetie. There’s nothing wrong with making some decent money in the process. Are you planning to buy something new?”

  “No, I have a place.”

  Disappointment flashed across Ellen’s face. “Let’s go see what atrocity waits for us upstairs.”

  Casey wasn’t sure she wanted to know. As they headed for the staircase, she said, “Do you live in this area, Ellen?”

  “Just off Granville.”

  In the ultra-expensive area of Shaughnessy, according to the info her friend sent. Many of those homes were mansions with separate cottages for housekeepers and other staff.

  “Granville?” Casey asked. “Near where the first two hit and runs happened?” She already knew that the Muellers’ home was only a short drive from both intersections.

  “Hit and runs?” Ellen started up the stairs.

  “One at Forty-First last month and the other at Forty-Ninth a few days later. Two women were killed and a little girl seriously injured.”

  “Oh yes, I heard about that. Horrible.” She scanned the hallway and bedroom doors. “Drivers really should be more careful.”

  Casey fought the urge to roll her eyes. “Hopefully you and your family weren’t on the road either night. I heard traffic was backed up for miles.”

  “The kids were home and I missed the carnage completely. I work most evenings.”

  Denver had implied that the parents vouched for Morris’s where­abouts the night Beatrice Dunning died. If Ellen had been working that night, how could she have known where her kids were? Or had the father been home?

  Casey heard an angry scream from Josh downstairs. “You’re lucky,” she said. “Kids rarely stay home anymore.”

  “My mother-in-law lives with us and is afraid to be alone at night, so either they or the housekeeper stay home if we can’t.”

  Had the housekeeper vouched for Morris’s whereabouts? Maybe they would know more about Morris’s comings and goings than the parents.

  Ellen stepped inside the first bedroom. “Oh my, how interesting,” she murmured. “The trashy campsite look, complete with crushed beer cans.”

  Casey’s cell phone rang. She didn’t recognize the anxious voice on the line.

  “My name’s Virginia, I’m a friend of Danielle’s.”

  The girlfriend Danielle had mentioned. As Casey moved toward the staircase, her pulse started to race. “Any news about Danielle?”

  “No, and I’ve tried talking to the police about Richie Kim, but they’re buying whatever bull he’s told them.”

  Tina, with Josh on her hip and Bear in tow, was climbing the steps and glaring at Casey.

  The second Tina reached the top, Casey headed downstairs. “Listen, I’m just finishing a meeting. Can you call me back in ten minutes?”

  “Sure, I’m on my way to the Kims’ place.”

  That couldn’t be good. “Why?”

  “To ask that bastard Richie a few questions.”

  “Bad idea, Virginia.”

  “It’s my only option.”

  “Don’t do anything until we talk about this, okay? I’ll call you back shortly.”

  “I won’t wait long.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Casey was back in her car, trying to calm Virginia down.

  “I really believe Richie’s got her,” Virginia said. “He told the cops that Danni called him for help, but he had to have been lying. After that joy ride in your car the other night, Danni didn’t trust the guy. I want to know what he was really doing at the Regency.”

  What made Virginia think Richie would tell her anything? “Richie and Danielle have known each other for years, and he was nearby,” Casey said. “Maybe he’d intended to help her out somehow but found that she was already missing.”

  “I doubt it. The little creep wanted to stop Danni from investigating Roadkill. He didn’t mind giving her info about racing at first, but when he realized she wanted to destroy Roadkill he got mad.” Virginia paused. “Just before she disappeared, I heard them fighting on the phone. Apparently Richie warned her to stop writing about racing.”

  Casey recalled her visit with Richie, the way he had become more agitated the longer she stayed.

  “I don’t think he wants to hurt Danni,” Virginia added. “In fact, part of me believes he’s trying to protect her from getting killed as well as protecting his interests. But Danni said he has bursts of rage. If he’s provoked, who knows what he’ll do. His parents are well respected restaurateurs who donate to a lot of charities. The father sits on a couple of boards, so I doubt the RCMP will be smashing down their door. Besides, they don’t believe a kid with brain damage could pull off a kidnapping, but I do.”

  Casey had seen the methodical order of Richie’s binder. Had Richie gone out of his way to hide his cognitive skills from his parents and the public? Something else about the guy worried her. Richie had walked to Winnie’s Donuts. He’d told the RCMP he’d also walked to the Regency Fitness Center. The businesses weren’t close to each other, unless his parents’ restaurant was between the two locations. How had he reached the fitness center so quickly?

  “Virginia, do you know where his parents’ restaurant is located?”

  “No, but my guess is he’s at home right now. Danni said he gets Tuesdays and Fridays off from the restaurant and that his mother checks up on him a lot, so he doesn’t go out much. Today’s Tuesday.”

  “Did Danielle call you that night too?”

  “No.” Virginia paused. “We argued before she left for the Regency. I didn’t want her to go, but Danni’s stubborn as hell. She was convinced that one of the Regency’s employees had information about the hit and runs.” Another pause. “I need your help finding her. Danni said you’re one of the few people in the world who’s come through for her.”

  “I’m not sure what I can do.”

  “Actually, now that I think about it, could you keep Richie busy at the front door, while I check out the property in back? See, I think he’s stashed her in the basement or in a shed or something.”

  “Richie chatted with me in the basement four days ago, so I doubt she’s down there.” Casey fidgeted. “Since he has rage issues, wouldn’t it be safer to check out the property while he’s at work?”

  “I can’t wait any longer. He’s probably drugged Danni to keep her quiet, and she has allergies. The i
diot could be killing her.” Virginia choked back a sob. “She’s the only person on this whole damn planet who means anything to me.”

  The woman was as headstrong as Danielle. “There are safer ways to do this.”

  “Too late. I’m almost at his house now. All you need to do is keep Richie talking for five minutes.”

  “I don’t feel comfortable doing that without backup.”

  “If you can get the cops to come, then go for it, but I’m doing this with or without you. Danni says you’re a trained security officer. You know something about conflict resolution and self-defense, right?”

  “Yes, but the protocol for this sort of situation would be to stand down and call the police. Richie isn’t too happy with me because of what happened after our last chat. I told the police I’d seen incriminating evidence about his involvement with Roadkill, so they went to his place and took it.”

  “And yet the little puke wasn’t busted.”

  “Nor was Danielle located.”

  “It probably didn’t occur to them to search the property of a head-injured kid who can’t drive.”

  “Maybe not.”

  “It must be nice to have rich parents. We have to make people see this guy for who he is.”

  “No argument here, but I’m not sure Richie will even open the door for me.”

  “Can you at least hold his attention by banging on the door? If I don’t do something now, it could be too late for her.” Virginia hung up.

  Now what? If Richie had Danielle, he’d gone to a lot of trouble and taken a huge risk. Why would he give her up just like that?

  TWENTY-SIX

  A FAMILIAR JEEP SCREECHED TO a halt behind Casey’s Tercel. Through the rearview mirror, Casey watched a tall woman in camouflage step out of the vehicle. If she had conjured up an image of Virginia at all, it wouldn’t have been this. Virginia’s waist-length black ponytail looked damp, as if she’d already spent time in the rain. The woman marched toward her. Casey rolled down her window and tried not to look at the pink crystal stud piercing Virginia’s nose; an identical match to the one Danielle wore.

  “You must be Casey. Thanks so much for doing this.”

  “I still don’t think it’s a good idea, but I managed to convince the RCMP to send someone.” After talking to Virginia, Casey had phoned Denver for advice. He hadn’t been thrilled to hear about Virginia’s plan, but he had agreed to ask the Richmond detachment to visit the house.

  “I haven’t seen a cop,” Virginia said, “and I’ve killed a lot of time cruising the neighborhood, checking things out, including the Kims’ backyard.” She nodded toward the house five doors down. “There’s a lane behind their house, and they have a padlocked garden shed near the fence that borders the yard to the left.”

  “That was risky. Richie could have seen you.”

  “I made sure he didn’t.”

  How could she be so certain? “If he has Danielle, he’ll be watching for cops and strangers.”

  “We’re here now, so what the hell can the guy do?” Virginia replied, bouncing up and down on her heels. “I should be able to get in that shed pretty quick with bolt cutters.”

  “You honestly think Danielle’s in there?”

  “Where else could a guy who doesn’t have a car take her?”

  “He might have friends.”

  “Danni said he’s a loner. Besides, when I was watching the shed, I felt her.” Virginia’s expression softened.

  “Excuse me?”

  “Sensed her presence.” Her light hazel eyes peered at Casey. “When you’re really connected to someone, you always know when they’re nearby or when they’re in trouble. You can practically feel the air change.”

  Casey felt a frantic energy swirling around Virginia now. “You need to go slowly and be careful.”

  “Too late for slow. I’ll park in front of the neighbor’s on the left and call you when Danni’s free.”

  “Richie might not let her go without a fight. Let’s wait for the police.”

  “I’m ready for a fight. I’ve got pepper spray and a brown belt in tae kwon do.”

  And far more bravado than common sense. “What if he has a gun?”

  “I’m bettin’ he doesn’t. Roadkill’s about cars, not guns.”

  “They weren’t supposed to be about kidnapping or murder either.”

  “Park in Richie’s driveway,” Virginia said. “If he’s looking out his window, I want him focusing on you.”

  “If he’s looking right now, he could already be taking off for that shed.”

  “Another reason not to wait for the bloody cavalry.” She jogged back to her Jeep.

  Casey cruised into Richie’s driveway and wondered how on god’s earth she was supposed to hold his attention. There were no signs of life in the windows. By the time she rang the doorbell, the adrenaline was surging and her heart pounding. She counted to ten and rang the bell again, hoping to capture Richie’s attention. Had he heard movement out back and gone to check it out? Casey rang the bell a third time, then leaned close to the door and listened. She thought she heard something.

  “Richie? It’s Casey Holland. I have some important information for you. It’ll only take a second.”

  “You b-broke your promise!”

  “I’m really sorry about that, but there’ve been way too many deaths, Richie.”

  “Y-you’ve ruined everything! I hate you!”

  “The police think someone from Roadkill’s responsible for all the hit and runs.”

  “Go away!”

  “Did you hear about the race Saturday night? Bashir Kumar had a bad crash and he’s in serious condition in the hospital. You should also know that Dominic Mancuso was arrested. Roadkill’s in trouble, and the police are coming after everyone connected to them, Richie.” Casey rubbed her hands together in the chilly air. “I thought you should know because they might show up here.” In about two minutes.

  The deadbolt turned, and Richie opened the door a crack. “D-Demon needs to die.”

  That was harsh. “Why?”

  “Just does. And Dom should stay in jail.”

  She waited for more, but he added nothing. “Dominic’s already out, Richie. Maybe he made a deal with the cops. Told them what they wanted to know about Roadkill.”

  Richie’s chubby cheeks darkened. “You have to go.” He started to shut the door.

  “Have you heard anything about Danielle?”

  The door halted. Wary eyes blinked at her. “Why?”

  “You’ve known her a long time, so I thought she might have tried to call you.” She scrambled for something else to say. “Have you talked to her mom lately?”

  Richie’s eyes widened as he looked past Casey’s shoulder. She turned to find an RCMP cruiser heading toward them. A second later, Richie slammed the door.

  Casey dashed along the front of the house, turned the corner, and raced down the side. Five-foot-high vertical boards fenced in the backyard. She tried the gate, but it was padlocked.

  From the backyard, Richie shouted, “Get away!”

  Casey gripped the two-by-four capping the fence. Having scaled her share of fences over the years, she jumped up and swung her leg over. Richie stood in front of the open shed door, a raised baseball bat in his hands. Casey could hear sirens approaching now.

  “Virginia!” Casey jumped down from the fence. “Are you okay?”

  “Danni’s here!” she yelled.

  “I told you to g-get away!” Richie’s gaze shifted from Casey to Virginia.

  He stepped forward. Casey slowly moved toward him and said, “If the police see that bat, they’ll be upset, Richie.”

  “I have to p-protect Danni!” His head began to sway back and forth.

  “From whom?”

  “The killer.”

  “Who is he, Richie?” The kid kept swaying his head. “Did you see who killed Harvey?”

  “No.”

  “Do you know who ran down all those people?”

/>   “G-go away!”

  “I bet you know who struck the first woman, Beatrice Dunning, don’t you?”

  Casey took two more steps to get a closer look at the shed’s door but stayed near the house to give Richie a wide berth. His gaze darted from her to whatever was happening in the shed. Rain slid down Casey’s face. Why weren’t the police joining her? Once she had a partial view of the inside of the shed, Casey stopped. She could see Virginia kneeling in front of a sleeping bag.

  “You treated her like an animal, you freak!” Virginia glowered at Richie.

  “I’m her f-friend!” Tears rolled down his cheeks. “C-couldn’t let them hurt her. S-she’s all Ivy’s got.”

  Casey recalled Ivy’s compassion for Richie. It seemed the feeling was mutual.

  “Don’t take her!” Richie raised the bat higher and stepped closer to the shed. “She’ll get k-killed!”

  “Freeze!” a cop shouted from the back lane. He and his partner had their weapons drawn.

  “My name’s Casey Holland! I called you guys about the missing woman. We just found her in that shed.”

  “Is she all right?” one of the officers asked.

  “She’s alive. Her friend’s checking on her.”

  His partner radioed for an ambulance.

  “You with the bat!” the first officer yelled. “Drop it and get on the ground, now!”

  Richie didn’t move.

  “Can somebody help me in here?” Virginia called out.

  The same officer hopped the fence and again pointed his weapon at Richie. “Drop that bat! Now! ”

  Casey took swift, shallow breaths; her skin felt hot under the cold rain. “Come on, Richie,” she said, keeping calm. “No one needs to get hurt. Just do what they say.”

  Richie whimpered. His head swayed, and the bat wavered. “Y-you don’t get it.”

  “This is your last warning,” the officer said.

  Richie began to sob, yet made no move to comply. It felt as if the whole neighborhood was holding its breath. The officer fired a shot into the grass, not far from Richie’s foot. Casey flinched as Richie dropped the bat and fell to his knees. The second officer jumped the fence and hurried toward them. Two more cops, their weapons drawn, emerged from the back door of the house. Casey wondered whether Richie had forgotten to lock the front door, or whether they’d kicked it in.