Initiations (Carpenter/Harding Book 5)

by Barbara Winkes

  Initiations

  (Carpenter/Harding #5)

  Barbara Winkes

  Chapter One

  There was no sign of Jordan or Kate when Ellie entered the Night Shift. In fact, there was nobody familiar, so she decided to take a seat at the bar and have a glass of wine while waiting for them. She was worried about her friend who had become quiet and withdrawn ever since a missing person case she had worked on turned into a homicide investigation.

  This case was the reason why Jordan was late, too. Lately, Kate had expressed little interest in going out with friends after work. Since she stayed at Derek Henderson’s most of the time, Ellie hardly saw her anymore outside of the precinct, even though they shared an apartment.

  She handed a bill to the bartender who placed the glass of chilled wine in front of her.

  “Hey. I almost didn’t recognize you. Nice color.”

  The woman taking a seat on the stool next to hers looked different from the way Ellie remembered her, too, her blonde hair cut to chin length, her clothes more casual than she had ever seen her in.

  “You’re back.”

  “I see you found a new place,” Dr. Bethany Roberts said. “Not quite the same. The Code 7 was legendary, even though it was kind of…rustic.”

  “I’m surprised to see you here.”

  “Why, because I’m not one of the down-to-earth cops you usually hang with?” Bethany asked, amused. She ordered a whiskey on the rocks. “It’s about work, but you already guessed that. At least I hope you did. How are you doing?”

  Ellie shrugged, still somewhat perplexed about Bethany making small talk.

  “I’m good. We’ve been good,” she added with a hint of an edge. Defensive. That wasn’t likely to go away around Bethany.

  “That’s great to hear.”

  “What’s going on?” After half the glass, Ellie found she was brave enough to ask the question.

  Bethany gave her a wry smile. “Honestly, I’m not sure, but I know this. You’ve seen me at my worst, and you’re still polite. It’s only fair to return the favor, don’t you think?”

  “I guess.”

  “Besides, I’m grateful. I was clinging to something that clearly wasn’t worth holding on to. That’s over. It’s better for all of us.”

  Ellie took another sip, uncomfortable with where this conversation was going. She never knew how to pick the right tone with Bethany, or what she expected her to say at this moment. Don’t worry, you’ll find someone? Maybe she could come up with something less condescending.

  “Is this about Deane? The A.D.A. has charged him.”

  “Esposito, yes. I’m sure he’s guilty of something, but with him, we’re only scratching the surface. I shouldn’t be telling you this, though I’m sure you are up to date on the case. How are you getting along with her?”

  “The A.D.A? I don’t have much to do with her. I know she worked here before, but that’s all.”

  It was Bethany’s turn to look surprised. “Jordan didn’t tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  “Oh, nothing. I thought you knew. It’s really not that important—forget I said anything.”

  “What did you mean? I’m asking you politely.”

  “You know you weren’t the only one, right? The difference is, you won. After her, I was still fooling myself into thinking that there was something we could fix. Never mind, with the way Jordan left her, there’s not much of a chance Valerie came back for her. And that’s all you’re getting from me on that subject. It’s not one I’m happy to revisit.”

  You brought it up, Ellie wanted to say, unsure how to feel about the news. Jordan hadn’t mentioned her previous involvement with the A.D.A. She’d had more than enough opportunities.

  “Then let’s not. What did you mean that we’re only scratching the surface with Deane?”

  “Really? I’m supposed to save the fun stuff for the meeting tomorrow. Maybe Bristol lets you come. You’re still going to take the detective’s exam?”

  “I haven’t changed any plans,” Ellie said. She hoped Jordan hadn’t either. “I’ll ask him.”

  “Yes, you do that. Oh, and here’s the gang. Like old times.”

  Jordan walked in with a group of other detectives from the precinct, Derek Henderson, Maria Doss and Cliff Waters. Ellie was relieved to see Kate with Derek. She slipped off the barstool and went to greet Jordan with a kiss, the second glass of wine sparking more public display of affection than usual.

  “Hello to you too,” Jordan said with a surprised laugh. “You really missed me.”

  They found themselves a table at the far end of the bar. Ellie would have liked to confront her sins of omission right now, but to her dismay, Valerie Esposito entered the bar. She was heading for their table, but realizing Bethany had joined them, she turned and stayed at the counter.

  “I so did,” Ellie admitted as she sat down next to Jordan, ignoring Bethany studying their exchange with an amused expression.

  “I assume neither of you missed me much, but here it goes. Tomorrow, 7:00 a.m. in the conference room. I guess your boss told you that we’ll take Deane into Federal custody.”

  “What?” Jordan said, obviously not happy with this turn of events.

  “I know, you never were a morning person, sorry about that. We’ll have to wrap this up quickly.”

  “I wasn’t talking about the time. This is a murder investigation. There’s no reason for you to be on it.”

  “Oh, wait for it, there is,” Bethany insisted. “I’ll have to wait until tomorrow, though, because then Valerie has no choice whether or not to join us. We’ll all do our jobs. You’ll see it will be just fine.”

  “Whatever,” Jordan dismissed her. “Is anybody going to get drinks?”

  “I’ll go,” Derek offered. “Kate?”

  “I’ll have a beer.”

  “I’ll have another glass of wine,” Ellie said simultaneously.

  Bethany swirled the rest of her whiskey in the glass where the ice cubes had almost melted down. Derek hadn’t waited for her. “A warm welcome as usual. How could I ever stay away?”

  She hadn’t been so wrong, Ellie thought. She had stayed polite as much as she could, given the circumstances, because she didn’t believe in vilifying professional and powerful women. Still, she resented Bethany for stirring up trouble with such glee. Although—there didn’t have to be trouble, right? If Jordan hadn’t mentioned it, this episode belonged in the past. That’s where they’d leave it.

  * * * *

  The initial plan had been to make it an early night and stay at Ellie’s apartment, since it was closer to town. Ellie had trouble letting go of the conversation with Bethany, even though the conclusion was obvious: She had won. Jordan was here with her. She wanted her. That was all that mattered, right?

  Ellie knew that Jordan had cheated on Bethany before during their long-term relationship. It wasn’t up to her to forgive the incident or obsess about it. She hadn’t brought it up in the early days, because whatever was happening between them, seemed so fragile…Then, a lot happened within the span of weeks that made them take a hard look at their priorities, and they had found it was each other.

  So far, so good?

  “What’s on your mind?” Jordan asked, a soft whisper against her neck, while Jordan’s hands were wandering across her body, familiar territory.

  “Nothing. Except you, of course.” That wasn’t even a lie, but Jordan sat back and studied her curiously.

  “For some reason, I don’t like it when Bethany catches you alone.”

  “What, you’re worried about the things she could tell me? We’re past that. At least I thought we we
re.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Jordan’s tone wasn’t defensive, simply inquiring. Ellie wished she knew a way to bring this conversation to a halt and bring them back to where they’d been moments ago. She had no illusions though.

  “All right. A.D.A. Esposito? Why didn’t you tell me you two had…something, a while ago?”

  “What?” Jordan shook her head with a bemused laugh. “I wasn’t aware we were doing full disclosure listing all of our exes.”

  “Not all of them. Just the ones we might run into on a regular basis.”

  “Then we’re okay on my side. Can we put this to rest now?”

  Ellie was tired and still a bit tipsy, not the best circumstances to press the subject. At the moment, she also lacked caution—and part of her felt slightly offended by the insinuation that only one of them seemed to attract gorgeous, tempting women walking in and out of her life.

  “You still didn’t answer my question. Why didn’t you tell me when she came back—if it means nothing?”

  “Jesus, the woman spent years in my head. There’s no need for her to get into yours too.” Jordan got up and started to dress.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going home. I’d like to catch some sleep before the meeting tomorrow—even though we all know how it’s going to turn out.”

  “Jordan. Come on. You remember it’s a half hour drive as opposed to five minutes from here? Besides, you had a couple of drinks.”

  “Speak for yourself. I had one beer. Good night, Ellie.”

  “Could you please wait…?”

  By the time Ellie had put on a robe and opened the door to the hallway, Jordan was gone. Kate and Derek sat in the kitchen, pretending they hadn’t witnessed the scene.

  “What are you looking at?” Ellie wasn’t in the mood to indulge their pretense.

  “I better go too,” Derek said, getting up. “See you, Ellie.”

  “Yeah,” she muttered, walking to the fridge where there was still a half-empty bottle of wine. “Don’t say anything,” she warned Kate who shrugged.

  “I wasn’t going to. Give me a glass, too, and tell me what’s up. You’ve been acting strange.”

  Ellie poured each of them a glass and sat down across from Kate. “Bethany told me that Jordan and Esposito were…” What exactly? A couple? For how long?

  “Oh. I see, but that was a while ago, right? Do you think there’s still something?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think so. But if it’s irrelevant, why not answer a simple question?”

  “Maybe it was painful? Sometimes it’s a good idea to just be with the person you’re with, you know what I mean?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Her situation differed greatly from Kate’s. Her friend was in a new relationship after her fiancé had been killed in the line of duty. It was hardly something you could compare to the jealousy Ellie wasn’t proud to feel—but she did.

  “No need, just friendly advice. I thought you were doing great.”

  “We were. We are. This just took me by surprise.”

  “It’s understandable. Tomorrow will be better.”

  “Yeah. I hope so. Thanks for the pep talk.”

  Kate smiled wistfully. “Any time. I’m going to bed now. Rogers asked me to come to the meeting as well.”

  “Oh, really? That’s…good.”

  “Yeah. I realize that is the only thing I can do for Jennifer and her mother now.”

  “Have a good night,” Ellie said. She went into the bathroom where she sat on the edge of the tub, tired, on the verge of crying for no good reason.

  She was good at planning, Jordan had said so.

  She had wanted Jordan, and a career, and she had made both happen, but she felt like all those accomplishments might be in danger. She should be in that meeting, as she was planning to take the detective’s exam soon. Sergeant Bristol seemed to have no problem with Kate attending. Of course, she had worked with Detective Rogers during the search for Jennifer Beaumont. Ellie, however, would have to ask, and it wasn’t even clear if he’d say yes.

  Jordan—she wasn’t going to lose her after everything they’d been through together. She was simply frustrated to see her getting testy over this subject. Ellie understood getting testy, and impatient, with something trivial. She understood Jordan needed room to work through the latest upheavals in her life, but damn it, Ellie’s life had been disrupted too, by getting abducted and kept in the dark for days. Literally, and then as to her kidnappers’ intentions.

  She didn’t want to go back there, think about it. She did pretty well distracting herself when Jordan was sleeping beside her. Obviously, that wasn’t an option tonight.

  Chapter Two

  After being awake for the bigger part of the night, Ellie overslept the next morning and would have been tragically late if Kate hadn’t woken her. There was no time for breakfast, especially if she wanted to try and have a word with the sergeant. Kate hadn’t eaten either, and the ride to the department was a silent and pensive one.

  Ellie knocked on Sergeant Bristol’s door minutes before the meeting, hoping she wouldn’t sound too desperate when making her case. She would sort out things with Jordan later. This was important. Maybe her interest wasn’t completely unselfish as Kate’s, and she wanted to stay close on a case that involved both Bethany Roberts and Valerie Esposito. Maybe the sergeant wouldn’t want to invest as much personnel in a case that was now mostly in the hands of the Feds. Well, they would be calling the shots anyway, and if they needed anything, from files to officers, they’d get it. Ellie had to make sure she’d be on the front line of this.

  Bristol listened to her, to Ellie’s surprise not even arguing.

  “Go ahead. Marshall will ride with Lyons today.”

  “Thank you, sir.” She waited, unsure how she’d managed so quickly.

  “I’ll be there in ten minutes. If you’ll excuse me now.”

  “Of course.”

  She hurried for the conference room where, to Ellie’s dismay, everyone except her boss was already gathered, all eyes on her as she entered the room. The lieutenant was conversing with a male agent. Ellie remembered having seen him before. His name was Russo. Derek sat on the far end of the table, leaning back in his chair comfortably, Kate and Detective Rogers next to him.

  Bethany stood behind the desk, working on her laptop in preparation of a power point presentation. Next to Jordan sat Valerie Esposito. Ellie suppressed a sigh. Now was not the time to worry—or be petty. She pulled herself a chair across from Jordan the moment Sergeant Bristol entered the room.

  “We’re complete, great,” Bethany observed. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s begin.”

  If all these women could stay professional despite their history with one another, so could Ellie, right?

  “The reason we have a special interest in Raphael Deane is his family. He appears to have been estranged from them, but his involvement with Jennifer Beaumont shows he could have been in touch.”

  “Involvement? He murdered her,” Jordan muttered.

  “I don’t doubt that,” Bethany said. “We still need him. This is a chance for us to prosecute and prevent a number of crimes committed by his family. We believe that some of them go back decades, and there is likely a relation to a couple of cold cases—unsolved disappearances, possible homicides. We have the files here, and we’ll need you to familiarize yourself with those cases.”

  “Who are they?” Henderson asked. “The mafia?”

  “Not quite. Before we get to that in depth, I’d like to go back to the Beaumont case for a moment. Officer McCarthy?”

  “Her mother came to the station to report her missing,” Kate supplied. “Jennifer lived in Iowa where she went to college, and also met Raphael Deane while he was visiting his uncle Jeremiah. She came home home for her aunt’s funeral. She got on the plane, got a rental, and Raphael Deane caught up to her in the parking lot. We later found that he’d asked on
e of his friends to bring back the car to the rental office. He…” She swallowed hard. “Killed her and dumped her body in a landfill. He said it was because she pulled away from him, refused to obey him. There was no evidence of rape, but then again, the scene was extremely contaminated as you can imagine, and he did talk about teaching her a lesson.”

  Russo and Strickland both looked a bit sick.

  “Deane’s father and two uncles call themselves the Prophets of Better Days,” Bethany continued. “They set up camp in three different states, ours included. They’ve been clever, preparing this for decades, buying real estate, establishing themselves as a church and finally, getting politically involved.”

  “A religious cult, then?” Again, all eyes were on Ellie. “What does this have to do with Deane and the murder?”

  She saw realization dawn on Jordan’s face.

  “The clothes and the hair...that looks like something women would wear in this context. So she was one of them?”

  “She lived on the compound in Iowa, but then left abruptly without asking permission. That’s what we hear from the Better Days folks there. They all swear they didn’t know she was going.”

  “Earlier, she sent her mother back a piece of jewelry that meant a lot to her, her grandmother’s,” Kate remembered.

  “Yeah, they’re not supposed to wear any sort of jewelry, which goes only for the women, of course. I believe sending it back was more of a cry for help. Her mother knew something wasn’t right and contacted the police, but it was already too late. Not only do we think Raphael was sent to intercept Jennifer Beaumont, but he was supposed to bring her back. It’s highly significant that when you found her, she was wearing the signature clothes for women in the Better Days cult.”

  “You think the family told him to kill her?” Jordan asked.

  “It’s possible. Either way, this could be our chance to get much deeper. There have been rumors of child abuse, child labor, and domestic violence. So far, no one’s been willing to testify. We haven’t been able to place somebody undercover either. It is almost impossible to get to them as most of the women are so indoctrinated and scared that they won’t say anything.”