What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 4)

by Selena Kitt

  “See that you are.”

  Meg gave her a curious smile. Jade didn’t know if she should mention what she and Bruce had found or not. She shot a questioning look at Bruce.

  He shrugged then began to explain. “Part of the reason for her fatigue is the emotional stress caused by the last victim we found – after everyone else had left.”

  Bruce directed his comments to Dr. Mike. “We left the last set of bones we found, in the ground, covered with dirt and rock. We needed to consider the situation before proceeding. I believe this is an adult female. The shoe is still there on the foot. We don’t know about other clothing. We only uncovered a foot and ankle.” He put his fork down and took a long drink of water.

  Watching him closely, she empathized when he swallowed heavily.

  At the site, the horror and implications of what they’d discovered had quickly overtaken them both. They’d covered what they’d found and left – silently. They’d not spoken of it on their way back and had separated at the hotel entrance to get showered and ready for dinner.

  Jade glanced around, noticed that the room reserved for their meals had a door that could be closed. Hopping up first, she walked over. She realized no one was close enough to hear them, yet felt compelled to shut it anyway.

  Bruce waited until she’d retaken her seat. He gave her a nod of thanks and elaborated.

  “This discussion stays with us. It’s possible we’ll have to bring the authorities into the mix but they may also not have the manpower or the interest in pursuing our findings.”

  “Like what?” Susan leaned forward. “Tell us. The suspense is killing me.”

  “The woman we found had a manacle and chain attached to her ankle.”

  Jade had to clarify. “She’d most likely been a prisoner at the time of her death.”

  “What?”

  “Good Lord.”

  Everyone sat back and stared, their gazes going from Jade to Bruce. Both nodded.

  “Now you understand the problem. We need to figure out our next step,” Bruce said before taking another drink.

  “Are we thinking she was murdered?” Meg’s gaze went from Jade to Bruce.

  Bruce shook his head. “We can’t say that – at least at this point; and although Dr. Mike is qualified to make that determination back home, we have no authority here.”

  “Besides, she could have been killed by the earthquake or infection like any of the others. She might have been a prisoner. That doesn’t mean the person responsible…” Jade added an afterthought, “Killed her. She could have been chained in a basement or shed and died in the earthquake – the same as everyone else buried here.”

  “Is it really possible that no one noticed the chain when she was thrown in?”

  “Definitely – and there could be several legitimate reasons for that, including the time of day she was placed in the grave, where she was found and even who found her. She might have been wrapped tight, concealing the chain.” Bruce lifted his coffee cup and took a long sip. “Or no one cared. Think about it. If you have a woman chained somewhere and she dies in a natural disaster what are you going to do? You still have to dispose of the body. You still have to do it quickly, and for all we know, this person lost other people too – ones he cared about. There was essentially no law at the time, no one to care what you did.”

  “God what a horrible thought.” Meg shuddered. “Remember that serial killer, John Gacy? Didn’t he bury a mess of boys in his basement and around the yard? What if this guy were a serial killer? What if her ‘owner’ was killed in the earthquake, too? Anyone finding her wouldn’t have understood or known what to do. They’d have been all too happy to dispose of her body where no one would ask questions,” she added with relish.

  Jade winced. “What better place than a mass grave where everyone is more concerned about expediting the burial of the rotting bodies and no one is checking to see what killed them?”

  Dr. Mike held up a hand, “Whoa. That’s letting your imagination go way too far. All we know is that this woman was buried with a chain around her ankle. Now Haiti has some pretty disturbing rituals and beliefs when compared to Western ways and we can’t just jump in here and assume foul play. Maybe by burying her with a chain, someone was hoping to keep her soul chained here.”

  “Not that that is a great improvement, but I take your meaning. We can’t assume anything at this time.” After that, Jade stayed quiet and listened as the conversation rose and fell – the various hypothesis and suggestions kept them all busy.

  They might not have the facts; still Jade didn’t need anyone telling her this was bad news. She already knew it was.

  Whoever that woman was, she hadn’t had an easy ending to her life.

  Several days later, Dane drove up to the lab trailers and parked. He waved at Bruce who stood outside the reefer truck then walked over to see him.

  “Hey Dane. Good to see you. I wanted to thank you. Using your heavy equipment definitely lightened our load and improved the process.”

  Dane smiled at Bruce – an amiable caring person doing a very difficult job. So far, Bruce had done well keeping the lid on this project. Dane had heard only minimal grumbling about this place amongst his workers. He’d actually stopped by to see how the team was progressing. And maybe check on Jade.

  He asked, “How are you guys getting along with the language?” His own French was only passable and his Creole – a gibberish mixture of Spanish, French, Portuguese and English – was just about as bad. If it weren’t for his English-speaking foreman, he’d be hiring translators. Thankfully there was enough English spoken here that he could get by.

  Bruce grinned. “I’m amazed at how easy it is to understand the locals with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I’d have said I was only fluent in English except I did take French and Spanish in high school. Who’d have thought I’d remember any of it?”

  “Wish mine were better. Any trouble with the locals over the grave?”

  “Everything is quiet – just the way we like it. We’re willing to help out the locals with identification and burial of these people any way we can. The DNA testing is going to take some time.” Bruce shrugged. “Since when did anything like this go quickly?”

  “I can’t imagine the cost, myself.”

  “No but if I had the money, and one of my family was buried there, I’d understand spending it this way. I lost my sister to leukemia years ago and it gave my mother unending comfort to be able to go to her grave and visit with her. She still makes the weekly trip even though we lost my sister a dozen years ago.”

  Dane walked over and sat down on the boulder beside Bruce. “Understandable.”

  “Absolutely. We’ve pulled out over fifteen so far and are processing as fast as we can. Hopefully, families will step forward and help us identify these people and give us direction for reburial. Otherwise, the remains will be reburied here.” Bruce waved his hand toward the grave. “Maybe they’ll erect a more formal monument although I don’t know… The people here live simply and don’t need the same trappings that Americans tend to feel are necessary.”

  Dane studied the view in front of him. Peppe, Tasha’s father, lived in the original Jacinte homestead just on the other side of the large clump of trees on the left. Dane couldn’t help but wonder what the old guy thought about Bruce and his team’s quest. If he even understood what was happening.

  “Haitians have strong beliefs though life here is basic. More about survival than anything else. I’m a little more sensitive to this issue as my sister-in-law is beyond distressed about this whole thing. Because she’s pregnant, no one wants to upset her.”

  Both men shared a commiserating glance. “Yeah, don’t have any kids myself, however some women go through it just fine and then there are a few that seem to change personalities over the nine months. Easy to see something like this tipping the balance.”

  “Right now, my concern is more for my brother’s sake than hers. Maybe that’
s not fair, and I’m sorry if that comes across as harsh. Tasha’s personality shift in the last week or two makes it hard to be sympathetic.” Dane shook his head. Talk about an understatement. “That sounds cold and I don’t mean it to be. John, he’s being incredibly patient. Still, I don’t know how long he can handle the tension. If it were me, I’d have said something way before this. Guess that’s why I’m not married.”

  Bruce chuckled. “Yeah, me too.”

  Not knowing how to broach the subject, but really wanting to know the answer to the question that plagued him, Dane said, “So…are other members of the team married? Can’t be too easy to do this job and leave a family behind.” He bent his head to study his shoes. And waited.

  “No one is married, though having a committed relationship is a big help for individual members when it comes to dealing with this type of work. I believe the easiest way to deal with death on a regular basis is to have a way to affirm life.” Bruce studied Dane’s face, his grin widening. “Well just for your information, all three women are single and although Meg, the tall brunette, appears to have a long-term relationship, she jumped at the chance to come here.”

  Dane smiled slightly.

  Bruce continued, his voice light and tinged with humor. “Now Jade, the short blonde, appears to have a solemn attitude toward life, and I don’t believe she is in a long-term relationship… And then there is Susan – our bubbly black-haired technician. She’s also single.”

  Dane almost winced. Damn, Bruce appeared to be really enjoying this. “Well put about Jade. Life appears to be a serious business to her.”

  “Yes, she’s quiet. But focused and dedicated and I love workers like that. She’s determined to do right by everyone in that grave and find each of them their home.”

  “Hmmm.”

  “She could do with a bit of cheering, too. So if you want to stop by her trailer and say ‘hi’ – feel free. Isolation isn’t good for her. She tends to be a loner most of the time anyway. Hard to break her out of her shell.”

  Trying for a noncommittal shrug of his shoulders, and knowing he’d failed, Dane gave it up. Pretense wasn’t his style anyway. Besides, he really wanted to get to know Jade better. He stood. “Good. I’ll stop by there after I’m loaded.”

  Dane walked away, aware Bruce watched him. Bruce was just looking out for his team. Was protective of them. That was fine. Dane could handle a little scrutiny. He had nothing to hide.

  The sound of heavy machinery broke her concentration. Jade lifted her head from her workbench and frowned. Was Dane here?

  She paused to straighten, wincing as her back crackled and popped. She needed to change the height of her worktable or she’d resemble a hunchback by the end of this job.

  At the open door, she watched Dane maneuver the machine onto a trailer he kept parked there. He made it look easy as he handled the equipment. She gave him a small wave as he hopped out.

  “Hey. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

  He walked toward her, that long loose-limbed stride eating the distance in seconds. She watched appreciatively. “This is where you’ll find me most of the time. The others will come and go from the hotel and the site. I’m likely to be a permanent fixture here.”

  “How are you making out?” He peered around the corner of the door. “Dark.”

  She stepped out of the way so he could get a better view. “I have lights only they’re not very bright.”

  He shook his head. “You’ll go blind in here over the long term.”

  A small laugh escaped. “Good thing three months isn’t that long. I was actually hoping to move some of my work outside if I could, only that’s not practical. There’s no standing room, let alone a large enough deck, or tables out here.”

  He backed up several steps then walked around the stairs looking at the simple plywood steps leading to the doorway. “Hmmm…”

  Jade walked down the stairs and joined him, facing the trailer and trying to see what he saw. “Hmmm…? What does that mean?”

  “I have a small portable porch with stairs that attaches to my work trailers – for when we’re onsite. It’s not pretty and it’s really only meant to provide a bit of extra space, but it’s handy. I could exchange your stairs for that set.” He walked closer then glanced at her. “With a sheet of plywood on top of the railing you’d have a workspace. Not pretty but…”

  Waving her arms around the area, she pointed out, “Do you see anything pretty here? The conditions are rough but our equipment is top notch.”

  His face lit with understanding. “That’s all that counts. The job isn’t nice to begin with so get in, get it done, and then get out, right?”

  She smiled. “Right.”

  His gaze stayed on her face longer than necessary.

  She flushed at the naked appreciation revealed in his gaze. It had been a long time since she’d seen that kind of look in a man’s eyes. She kinda liked it. Actually she liked it a lot. A shy smile slipped out.

  His gaze deepened, warmed. After a long moment, he cleared his throat. “You should make sure you get out for a walk everyday too. Being inside with poor light like that, well…” He frowned at the dim light showing from the doorway of the trailer.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Her teasing tone wiped the frown off his face. He laughed. “Ouch. I guess I deserved that, didn’t I?”

  “Maybe.” She enjoyed the bantering. “Well maybe not. You are closer to my brother in age.”

  “Well thanks for small blessings.” He studied her face. “I tell you what; I’ll forgive you if you let me buy you a coffee.”

  She felt her face warm. Inside she was delighted at both the invitation and the idea of a fresh brewed java. “Coffee? Is there a place to get a decent cup?” Maybe staying here for three months wouldn’t be such a hardship after all. Her smile brightened.

  “Ahhh. There is if you know where to find it. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to the pleasures of Jacmel.”

  She laughed. “I can’t wait.”

  Chapter Seven

  Jade watched as the truck and trailer, loaded with his machinery, pulled slowly out of the clearing. With the lab trailers parked as close against the rocks as possible, she figured Dane had almost enough room to make the turn in one go. Again, his smooth exit showed his exceptional handling skills.

  She hated to see him leave. At the same time, he confused her, stirred feelings she hadn’t expected to feel…at least not here. Not now. The competent air he projected was seductive. That wasn’t unusual; power in all forms attracted her.

  A year ago she’d lost her own power. She was determined to make this trip work. To regain her power. To regain herself. To regain her soul.

  Dane seemed understated, simple, exuded quiet control – a man to have in a tight corner. A man who wouldn’t walk out and leave someone hurting.

  The opposite of her fiancé.

  Ex-fiancé. She doubted Dane would have trouble making simple decisions in life. Like what to have on a pizza or where to go for a special meal. Her ex would whine for hours when she brought him in on the little decisions. However when she dared to have an opinion on large things, like the type of vehicle she’d like to buy – watch out. He’d thrown a hissy fit over that and stomped her choice into the ground. She’d shelved the decision on vehicles. Good thing…considering.

  She knew her brother hadn’t been impressed with her choice of partner and thankfully, he hadn’t dared to comment when that same partner bolted.

  Her mental state wouldn’t have withstood the criticism from outside herself.

  How had so much changed in a week? She now sat out in the countryside of Haiti – a place she’d sworn she’d never return to – was active in a job she also thought she’d never have accepted, and had actually studied the muscular butt of one of the most attractive men she’d come across in weeks – make that months. On top of all that, she realized she hadn’t cried since leaving home.

  It was hard to adm
it, but she’d been so ensconced in her private prison, she hadn’t realized that the prison had been a safety net to stop her from stepping back into the real world. She had needed that time…in the beginning. But she’d been more than capable of moving on months ago. Instead she’d chosen to stay a prisoner in her own shell rather than face the real world. How long would she have stayed there, if not for Duncan and this job?

  She returned inside to continue her work with the adult male currently on her table. Meg had taken DNA samples earlier, while Jade did dental impressions. The body had been checked and charted, photos taken. This skeleton was complete. The victim had been wearing socks, heavy in nylon, encased in runners of some synthetic material that had helped hold the feet together. This male was young, maybe nineteen or twenty. He’d suffered a break to his right arm a long time ago.

  Jade recorded everything she could see to identify him. There were a few personal effects found near the remains that would go down on his chart but would also be entered into a main database in case they weren’t his. The skeletons were so fragile rings fell off fingers and the contents of the pockets could have fallen through to the body below as the material holding them decomposed.

  He’d had no wallet, watch, keys, cell phone or MP3 player. Then again, most bodies had been stripped of anything useful. She’d seen that on her first visit. Pillaging had been rampant.

  Straightening, she reached for her checklist and marked off the last few items. Everything would help family members when they were trying to recall identifying marks and characteristics of loved ones.

  As she slowly packed the remains back into the black bag, she carefully checked the bones for other breaks or marks she might have missed the first time and added those to the chart. Once everything was back in the bag lying on the cart, she rolled it over to the door for safe keeping until someone else came to help move it to the reefer.