by Noelle Hart
“And you'd be bailing me out. Calm down. I know I dodged a bullet and believe me, the relief is huge.”
Will's desk phone rang. “Village Diner, Will Delaney speaking.”
“Crane here. After taking your neighbor's statement this morning we got the necessary paperwork and moved to pick up Hammond right away. When our team got to his apartment he'd bolted. Didn't show for work either. We've got a BOLO out on him and his vehicle. Just a matter of time before we locate him.”
That didn't sit well. “You mean he's on the loose, doing who knows what?”
“His father claims he doesn't know where he is but I'm not buying it. We're putting together enough physical evidence to charge him. By running off he's thumbing his nose at us. Which works against him of course. It might just cement his guilt.”
“Lovely. Please keep me up to date, Detective.”
“I repeat, keep that lady of yours close, Mr. Delaney.”
“She insisted on going to work today and I'm counting on your police protection while she's there.”
“We're on it. Patrol car followed her to work, they'll stay put until her shift is over, follow her home, stay outside her apartment. They're checking in with me every thirty minutes.”
Will hung up and filled in Lyle.
“Maybe you should take Kylie away somewhere. I can handle things here. I'll have Jolene stay with me.”
“Sounds like a plan. Just one snag. Kylie will never go for it. She feels like she's bringing bad karma our way just by being with me. It would be a hard sell.”
“You can convince her. Turn up the charm.”
That earned him a smirk. “Just so you know, Kylie and me, we've taken a step in the right direction. Thought I'd tell you before you hear it from Jolene. Roommates and all.”
“Well okay then. Glad to hear it. Congratulations. Now go and figure out how to spring Kylie from her boss for a few days. You could take her to that cabin at Shawnigan Lake, hole up for a bit. Max would like that. You could take Dino too.”
“Hammond followed us without us knowing the other day, so what's to stop him from following us there? It's a much more vulnerable spot than right here.”
“Shit. Guess things will have to play out here in real life after all.”
“No fairy tale intermissions I'm afraid.”
*
Drew was sick of people telling him what to do.
His father for one, giving him orders disguised as advice. He was smarter. Dad wanted him to go to their property up-island, but he knew the cops would track him there in no time at all. He had his own plans, and they didn't involve sneaking off with his tail between his legs.
The cops hadn't arrested Delaney. The jerk must have had a rock solid alibi for the night he'd used the gloves. Either that or some neighborhood snitch had seen him go into Delaney's yard. Maybe a combo of both. Had the cops put things together? Would they come for him? He wasn't going to play their game of legalities, rotting in a jail cell, living under their invasive, watchful eyes until a court date came up.
No sir, he was above all of that. His life was going to change. He was trading in spending his days counting other people's money for pursuing his own kind of fulfillment. He'd been keeping it in check, but now it was off the leash in this dog-eat-dog world. He would become the ultimate lone wolf.
He'd given the unborn brat some thought.
Did he really want to raise some snotty kid who would get in the way of his lifestyle? It was a question that chased its tail in his brain. Raise the kid, or end the kid's life along with hers?
He decided he'd cross that bridge when he got to it. He wanted Kylie alone; he could come up with all kinds of ways to make their time together interesting.
They'd put police protection on her. A cruiser with two cops who followed her everywhere. Right now they were parked in the lot out front of Valley Farms. He wouldn't get to her by going in. But there were ways to lure her out and he was about to put step one into action.
Ahead of him in light traffic through the Colwood area was a car with three occupants. He gave them his full attention, following at a discreet distance in his newly acquired soccer Mom van. Perfect for what he had in mind.
*
Rosemary Meesler pulled into the large grassy parking area and tucked her car under the shade of an elm tree near the entrance to the park's trail. As promised, she'd brought her son Bobby and his friend Max for a hike to Witty's Lagoon in the outlying community of Metchosin where they would while away the afternoon on the beach.
The day was warm with a light breeze, the sky overhead blindingly white, saturated with sunshine. The boys spilled out from the car and ran excitedly to a big sign mapping the trail through the woods past the bird sanctuary to the beach. It was a twenty to thirty minute hike depending on the pace that held surprises like a wildflower meadow and a narrow bridge made of timber, just before dipping downward to the log strewn beach. If they were lucky the tide would be out and they could dig for clams.
Rosemary pulled out her cell and punched in Will's number. He answered immediately.
“We're here. No silver sports car in sight. There's one car here, it's an SUV. Other than that we're the only ones. Mid week you know. Most people are at work.”
“Okay Rosemary. I don't have to tell you to be extra careful, do I?”
“Not after spending this morning with that Crane character. He's got a way of instilling caution. I'll be on my toes, Will.”
“Good enough for me. Call me when...”
“Wait a second. There's a van pulling into the lot.”
“I'm right here, Rosemary. Where are the boys?”
“They're in sight but out of earshot. A man is getting out of the van. He's... hold on, he's got a dog, putting it on a leash. Yappy little thing. It's one of those furry mops. Doesn't look like it wants to go for a walk. He's having a hard time with it.”
“What's the man look like?”
“He's got a hat on but it's not like the one I saw on that guy in your yard. His hair is a different color and longer. Maybe we're just being paranoid.”
The man finally got his protesting dog under control and with a casual nod in her direction, walked past her and the boys onto the park trail. He disappeared from view within seconds.
“That's that,” said Rosemary. “I'll let you know if anyone suspicious shows up. Don't worry, Will. The boys are having the time of their lives. I'll have Max back by six, alright?”
“Thanks Rosemary. You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Max would be bored to tears here at the diner all day.”
“No sweat. Talk to you later.”
She got her camera bag out with its tripod and lenses and slung it over her shoulder, then handed each boy a backpack filled with drinks and snacks.
Off they went, the boys running ahead.
“Hey you two! What did I tell you?”
Reluctantly they waited for her to catch up.
“You're too slow, Mom,” complained Bobby.
“This trail is full of tree roots. What if one of you takes a dive? I won't be there to catch you.” Couldn't very well tell them the real reason, could she?
“Aw Mom.”
“It's stick with me, or we go back home. You choose.”
Max gave Bobby a nudge. “We'll be right in front of you the whole time.”
They kept moving through the forest with its towering firs and curvy arbutus trees. Below them down a cliff lay the bird sanctuary where ducks, geese and blue herons nested. Hawks flew overhead, their sharp cries eerily contrasting with the soft hoots of owls hidden deep within the woods. Afternoon light filtered through the trees in long slanted streams that seemed filled with fairy dust.
It was idyllic, a place to commune with nature and cleanse the soul. Rounding a curve, a squirrel ran up a tree and perched on a low limb, feeding on its nutty prize.
Rosemary stopped and set up her camera gear.
*
“Damn stupid mutt,
” Drew mumbled, jerking the dog's collar and forcing it to climb the slope with him. It dug in its heels, determined not to go.
“That's it, I'm done with you.” He grabbed a large rock and as he raised it, slipped on some moss and landed on his rump. The dog jerked the leash free and took off at a run.
Nursing a scraped palm, Drew watched the mutt take off down the trail. He was beginning to develop a real adversity to dogs, and now he felt cheated; he'd wanted to crush its skull. If he hadn't needed it alive when he'd yanked it from its tidy, safe little yard two blocks down from Rosemary Meesler's house, he might have relieved it of its overactive tongue.
At least it had provided him with the cover he'd needed. Somebody would find it, see its tag, wonder how it had gotten so far from home. Lucky for him, dogs couldn't talk.
He had only moments left to prepare. Choosing his spot, he pulled off the itchy wig and hat combo he'd donned and tossed it under a log.
He got out his knife.
*
Rosemary snapped off several pictures of the squirrel with her telescopic lens. An amateur photographer, she used her photos as a guide for her paintings.
She'd signaled the boys for silence so the squirrel wouldn't run off. Now as she stowed her gear they giggled and joshed each other as good pals do. She felt the worry that Will and Crane had spilled onto her fade, replaced by the simple joy of doing what she loved. After all, how could anything bad happen in such a glorious place?
As they resumed their walk the little mop dog from the parking lot came running at full speed toward them. Between Bobby and Max, they managed to grab its leash and stop the creature in its tracks. It stood, panting and glancing back up the trail nervously.
“What happened little guy?” Rosemary asked. “Did you lose your master?”
“What should we do?” Max asked her.
“I guess we'll take it with us, try to find its owner.” She bent and looked at its tag. Strange. The address was on the street where they lived. Odd coincidence? A shiver ran through her as her little window of joy dissipated. The woods closed in encasing them in a long narrow tree lined passageway that she felt compelled to get out of now, and quickly. Not sure why, the small hairs on the back of her neck began to stand up. Her sixth sense went on high alert as a hush seemed to fall over the forest.
The dog quivered and whined.
A twig snapped to their right and a man stepped out from behind a wide tree, blocking their path. In his hand was a serrated hunting knife.
The dog tugged hard and Bobby dropped its leash at the sight of the knife. The mop ran while the three of them stood stock still, paralyzed with fear.
Rosemary felt an eerie familiarity creep over her. His stance, the way he moved toward them now, up close and personal; it was the same man who had entered Will's yard the other day.
“Toss me your cell phone,” the man told Rosemary. Heart thumping, she complied. She heard Bobby whimper behind her and push his body against her back. Max stood stock still as though in doing so he might blend into the fabric of the forest.
Without warning the man stepped in close and thrust the knife. It happened fast but her reflexes were sharp as she twisted away, her camera case partially deflecting the stab as it went in shallow. She clutched her side in shock, dark red blood seeping through her fingers.
He stepped in again aiming for the femoral artery in her upper leg.
Max didn't process, didn't hesitate. Using all his force he rammed their attacker with his body, but the man's superior weight and height easily overpowered him as he was gripped in a head lock, the knife held to his throat.
Eyes wild, Max bucked against the serrated edge of the knife.
Drew's blood boiled. A black rage whipped through him and it took all his might not to dig the knife into the kid's soft flesh. He needed him alive.
Rosemary sank to her knees as pain lanced and her vision blurred. “Run,” she yelled at her son, but Bobby was rooted to his spot, unable to respond.
Voices sounded in the distance. People were coming up the trail from the beach end.
Drew grabbed Max by the hair and pulled him, grunting, kicking and pummeling, up the slope and into the dense forest beyond.
*
Kylie's work mostly enthralled her. Today was not one of those days. The greenhouses were stifling and her back ached. Margie had told her to take a break, but with her mind reeling with the events of the night before, she'd preferred to keep going.
Despite the chaotic events, last night had been the most incredible time of her life. Relationships could be complicated, but Will had made theirs succinctly straight forward. They simply fit, and on so many levels. She'd felt a shift, as though she was exactly where she was meant to be.
The mixed feelings were draining her. Remorse, joy, fear. They were all there. Remorse for having pushed the envelope with Drew. Joy for the life that grew inside her. Fear that Drew had killed those two women.
Love comes in many forms.
Drew's view of love seemed to be all about bending her to his will.
Being pregnant by another man, her relationship with Will should be fragile. Contrarily, it felt solid and fortified. Will didn't care that the baby wasn't his. He had a generosity of spirit that went above and beyond. Had he acquired it by co-raising Max with Julia, or was it something in his intrinsic nature?
She supposed it ran both ways; her acceptance of Max would be part of it. Max being a lovable kid made it easy.
Her cell phone vibrated with a number she didn't recognize.
“Hello?”
“Kylie. What a pleasure to hear your voice again. I've missed that melodious thing you do when you speak. How are you?”
Her insides instantly roiled with acidity.
“Drew,” she croaked, her throat suddenly parched. “What do you want?”
“Now you sound like a frog. What's the matter, not the prince you were hoping to hear from? And speaking of which, I've got a little prince right here with me now. Let me put him on.”
Silence. Then a child's frantic plea: “Help! He hurt Mrs. Meesler! Tell my Dad...”
Kylie's knees buckled and she melted to the sod floor. It was Max. Drew had Max.
Drew came back on. “That's enough. You get this, right? Why I'm calling?”
She swallowed, willing her voice to work. It came out a whisper. “What do you want?”
“Speak up woman! I can barely hear you. Piece of shit phone. You can tell Mrs. Meesler that she definitely needs a better piece of equipment. Really, the range on this thing is pathetic.”
A trickle of anger seeped in. “What do you want?”
“Much better. I hear some fight now. Wouldn't want you to go all female on me right now. I need you to come and get Max. I mean, as far as kids go he seems like a pretty decent one, but I'm getting tired of all this whining for his Dad. Might have to shut him up.”
Kylie gritted her teeth, fought for calm, got pissed off instead. “Now you listen to me, you shit. Don't you dare touch a hair on that boy's head, or I'll...”
“You'll what? Call the cops? Sick Ethan Crane on me like a rabid dog? Ooh, I'm scared. I'm shaking in my boots here.”
There was a yelp in the background.
“There, I plucked a hair out of his head. What do you have to say now, Miss I-fuck-men-and-then-I-fuck-them-over?”
Kylie's nerves stretched taut. This was the nightmare of all nightmares. Couldn't be happening. She looked up and saw Margie coming toward her. About to speak, Kylie held up a hand to stop her. The fierce look in her eyes had Margie taking a step back. Kylie put a finger to her lips cautioning her into silence.
“Okay Drew,” she said, keeping her tone even, “tell me where you are.”
Hearing the name, Margie tensed. A building separated them from the parking lot where the cops were and she looked in that direction. Kylie shook her head.
“Is there someone with you?”
“No, I'm alone.”
; Margie watched intensely, her eyes bright with concern.
“I'm gonna trust you on that. You know how important trust is, don't you Kylie. You're good at following directions. Here's your first one: leave the property by way of the fields. Go to that little country store that's on the other side.”
“Country Cupboards?”
“That's it. There's a pay phone on the south side. Wait for it to ring. Go now and come alone. I'm not a patient man. Don't try to call anybody for help or there will be hell to pay, and I have the devil's next installment right here.”
He clicked off.
*
Despite his bandaged paw, Dino paced the kitchen, nearly driving Kim and Lyle mad.
Feeling edgy, Will came in and added his own agitation to Dino's. He was trying hard to ignore it.
“Listen guys, I want to run something past you. I've been thinking about incorporating a buffet into the Langford location. There's still time to work it into the plans and...” He stopped and watched Dino cross the floor for the tenth time since he'd come in. “Does he need to go out?”
“Just went,” said Kim.
“He wants a walk,” supplied Lyle. “Hasn't had one for a few days. You know he gets antsy. His paw needs to heal so I haven't taken him.”
Kim shook his head. “Carrie's sister has an old hound that doesn't move unless it's dinner time. Never met a dog that didn't want to go for a walk until that hound.”
Something at the edge of Will's mind tickled like a bothersome feather, infringing on his thoughts. He'd completely veered off his mental track.
It rushed in, a stark premonition. Rosemary Meesler had told him the man from the van had struggled with his dog, that it didn't want to go for a walk. Dogs acted on instinct. Had the man been a stranger to that dog?
He got out his cell, pressed Rosemary's speed dial number.
It rang. And rang. No answer.
