Before he could say anything else, he grabbed Chase’s gun and pulled the trigger. I screamed and turned away as blood splattered throughout the van.
He was dead.
* * *
It wasn’t until the next morning that Chase, Jamie, and I were finally cleared of any crimes that were committed. Josh had gotten my texts and had gone to one of his friends in the police department with what he knew. He’d arrived at Victor’s just as we were leaving and had called the police before following the van to Alexander’s.
Peyton hadn’t owned up to her part in anything, but the police had enough evidence to put her away. The rest of Victor’s gang had also been rounded up before they left the country, and they’d been arrested.
Winston Kensington had been found in the Caribbean, and a team was on their way there now to pick him up. He was being brought back here, and he faced a number of charges. It also appeared that Wyndmyer Park would be closing. It was too soon to tell, but that was the talk around the police station. There were too many financial troubles and too many scandals for it to stay open.
Alexander Cartwright had been informed about my apology letter, and he wasn’t pressing charges, especially when he heard the details about what had happened. In fact, my letter was apparently the talk of the police precinct. All the officers had a good chuckle over it.
Jamie seemed to have gotten over her trauma. Now she was basking in the limelight and giving an interview. The more she talked, the more animated her voice became. Magnolia, of course, had gotten first dibs on all the details.
Josh had even shown up and checked on all of us, and we’d agreed to go for dinner together sometime. Jamie wanted to come too, and she couldn’t stop fanning her face behind Josh’s back.
My mom had also called. I couldn’t wait until I got home to ask her about the doctor’s bill. She’d admitted that she’d had a precancerous skin spot removed, but that it was no big deal. My shoulders drooped with relief. It was one less worry I had to deal with. For the moment, my family was safe and healthy, and I was thankful for that.
Finally, it was time for me to go home. Chase’s Jeep hadn’t been recovered yet, so he was driving Mom’s Lexus. Jamie had somehow convinced Magnolia to give her a ride home. I had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with the article Magnolia was writing. Maybe Jamie had agreed to give more quotes. Mostly, Jamie had probably realized that Chase and I needed to talk.
And now that everything else had settled down, Chase and I did need to talk. We’d only been on the road for thirty minutes when we pulled over—in what else but a parking lot?—and we sat in silence for a moment.
My gut churned. Where would this conversation go?
“I’m sorry about what Victor said, Chase,” I started. “I know it was hard hearing that about your brother. Hard to know that Victor had the answers and wouldn’t give them to you before he killed himself.”
Something clouded his gaze. “It’s not the way I wanted to get more information, that’s for sure.”
“Who’s Hugo?”
He shook his head. “I have no idea.”
I swallowed hard. “Are you going to keep investigating?”
He stared off into the distance, and I gave him time to gather his thoughts. “I’m afraid investigating it will consume my life.”
“I know it’s hard not having the answers.” I squeezed his hand. “But you’ll figure out the right choice. I know you will.”
He squeezed my hand back, and we sat in silence for a few more minutes.
“You were brave back there, Holly,” Chase started, snapping out of his lethargy and turning toward me.
I remembered all my actions and frowned. I didn’t feel brave. I only knew I had to fight for my life. “More like desperate.”
“You kept your head in all of it. That’s more than I can say for most people.”
I nibbled on my lip for a moment. There were so many other things we needed to say. I started by blurting, “Chase, I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.”
His fingers caressed mine. “Holly, you proved one thing.”
His steady caresses calmed my racing heart. “What’s that?”
And did I really want to know?
“You’ll do everything in your power to help someone you love.”
More of the tension left my shoulders. “I will. I believe in fighting for people. I’d want someone to fight for me.”
“That stubborn determination will, no doubt, drive me insane and feel like an extreme invasion of privacy at times—”
The tension returned.
His lips curled in a smile. “But it’s good to have someone looking out for me.”
I released my breath. “I’ll always have your back, even when you don’t want me to.”
He chuckled, the sound deep and soothing. But it faded. “I guess all of this has brought to light one other fact, Holly. We have some trust issues.”
I licked my lips, wanting to deny it, but knowing I couldn’t.
“I wouldn’t call it trust issues,” I told him. “I believed the best—at least, I tried to—for a long time. Then I jumped to conclusions. I couldn’t have imagined what was going on. Who could? Even after what happened to us back when my sister got married, I never thought we’d have another situation that tested our faith in each other so much.”
He glanced at his lap, and when he lifted his head, I saw the agony in his eyes. I reached for him, my hand cradling his jaw, his cheek. I wanted to wipe away his pain, but I knew that wasn’t in my power.
“I’m afraid there will always be demons lurking inside me, Holly. There’s a part of me that gets eaten alive whenever I think about my brother and his death. There’s a part of me that wants another drink sometimes. That craves the attention I received as a football player.”
“We’ve all got parts of us that are less than pleasant. As long as we don’t feed those desires—”
His hand covered mine as he shook his head. “They don’t always go away, Holly. No matter how much I pray. No matter how I try to turn it around and into something good. Sometimes the shadows feel like they’re a part of me.”
I could sense his inner struggle. I liked providing answers, but this was a complex situation. What I wouldn’t do to have a magic wand.
“Every day we make choices, Chase,” I told him gently. “And every day you have to make the choice to stay on the straight and narrow versus giving in to addictions and vengeance and anger. It’s what we all do to an extent.”
He smiled at me, almost sadly, before pulling my hand to his lips and kissing it. “I love that optimistic side of you.”
“What are you trying to say, Chase?”
He wiped the hair out of my eyes, his gaze still torn, tortured. “You being with me scares me sometimes.”
“I didn’t think you got scared of anything.” I tried to add humor, but it fell flat.
He lowered his head again. “Yeah, I do. I get scared of hurting the people I love.”
“I get that.”
He took my hand in both of his, and when he looked up, his gaze was earnest, pleading. “I don’t want to lose you, Holly. You make me a better person. But I’m not sure you can say the same.”
“Chase.” I gently turned his chin until he faced me. I wasn’t used to seeing his insecurities. “You make me feel safe and protected and like I can face giants. I’d say that makes me a better person.”
He lowered his forehead until it touched mine. “You’re one of a kind, Holly.”
“You keep talking sweet, and you might get a thank-you note. It’s the polite thing to do, after all.”
“I’ll take this as a thank-you note.” His lips touched mine.
And for a moment, and just a moment, all our problems disappeared.
About the Author
USA Today has called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.”
Christy writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that ar
e clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.
Christy is married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she's hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. She is a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road-trip aficionado.
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident-prone she is.
Find Christy online at:
www.christybarritt.com
www.facebook.com/christybarritt
www.twitter.com/cbarritt
Sign up for Christy’s newsletter to get information on all of her latest releases here: www.christybarritt.com/newsletter-sign-up/
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Also by Christy Barritt
If you enjoyed this book, you also may enjoy these Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries:
Random Acts of Murder (Book 1)
When Holly Anna Paladin is given a year to live, she embraces her final days doing what she loves most—random acts of kindness. But one of her extreme good deeds goes horribly wrong, implicating her in a string of murders. Holly is suddenly thrust into a different kind of fight for her life. Could it also be random that the detective assigned to the case is her old high school crush and present-day nemesis? Will Holly find the killer before he ruins what is left of her life? Or will she spend her final days alone and behind bars?
Random Acts of Deceit (Book 2)
“Break up with Chase Dexter, or I’ll kill him.” Holly Anna Paladin never expected such a gut-wrenching ultimatum. With home invasions, hidden cameras, and bomb threats, Holly must make some serious choices. Whatever she decides, the consequences will either break her heart or break her soul. She tries to match wits with the Shadow Man, but the more she fights, the deeper she’s drawn into the perilous situation. With her sister’s wedding problems and the riots in the city, Holly has nearly reached breaking point. She must stop this mystery man before someone she loves dies. But the deceit is threatening to pull her under . . . six feet under.
Squeaky Clean Mysteries:
Hazardous Duty (Book 1)
On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire drops out of school and starts her own crime-scene cleaning business. When a routine cleaning job uncovers a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong person is in jail. But the owner of the weapon is a powerful foe . . . and willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet. With the help of her new neighbor, Riley Thomas, a man whose life and faith fascinate her, Gabby seeks to find the killer before another murder occurs.
Suspicious Minds (Book 2)
In this smart and suspenseful sequel to Hazardous Duty, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire finds herself stuck doing mold remediation to pay the bills. Her first day on the job, she uncovers a surprise in the crawlspace of a dilapidated home: Elvis, dead as a doornail and still wearing his blue-suede shoes. How could she possibly keep her nose out of a case like this?
It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (Book 2.5, a Novella)
Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as “the reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Someone is determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill prevail.
Organized Grime (Book 3)
Gabby St. Claire knows her best friend, Sierra, isn’t guilty of killing three people in what appears to be an eco-terrorist attack. But Sierra has disappeared, her only contact a frantic phone call to Gabby proclaiming she’s being hunted. Gabby is determined to prove her friend is innocent and to keep Sierra alive. While trying to track down the real perpetrator, Gabby notices a disturbing trend at the crime scenes she’s cleaning, one that ties random crimes together—and points to Sierra as the guilty party. Just what has her friend gotten herself involved in?
Dirty Deeds (Book 4)
“Promise me one thing. No snooping. Just for one week.” Gabby St. Claire knows that her fiancé’s request is a simple one she should be able to honor. After all, Riley’s law school reunion and attorneys’ conference at a posh resort is a chance for them to get away from the mysteries Gabby often finds herself involved in as a crime-scene cleaner. Then an old friend of Riley’s goes missing. Gabby suspects one of Riley’s buddies might be behind the disappearance. When the missing woman’s mom asks Gabby for help, how can she say no?
The Scum of All Fears (Book 5)
Gabby St. Claire is back to crime-scene cleaning and needs help after a weekend killing spree fills her work docket. A serial killer her fiancé put behind bars has escaped. His last words to Riley were: I’ll get out, and I’ll get even. Pictures of Gabby are found in the man’s prison cell, messages are left for Gabby at crime scenes, someone keeps slipping in and out of her apartment, and her temporary assistant disappears. The search for answers becomes darker when Gabby realizes she’s dealing with a criminal who is truly the scum of the earth. He will do anything to make Gabby and Riley’s lives a living nightmare.
To Love, Honor, and Perish (Book 6)
Just when Gabby St. Claire’s life is on the right track, the unthinkable happens. Her fiancé, Riley Thomas, is shot and in life-threatening condition only a week before their wedding. Gabby is determined to figure out who pulled the trigger, even if investigating puts her own life at risk. As she digs deeper into the case, she discovers secrets better left alone. Doubts arise in her mind, and the one man with answers lies on death’s doorstep. Then an old foe returns and tests everything Gabby is made of—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Will all she’s worked for be destroyed?
Mucky Streak (Book 7)
Gabby St. Claire feels her life is smeared with the stain of tragedy. She takes a short-term gig as a private investigator—a cold case that’s eluded detectives for ten years. The mass murder of a wealthy family seems impossible to solve, but Gabby brings more clues to light. Add to the mix a flirtatious client, travels to an exciting new city, and some quirky—albeit temporary—new sidekicks, and things get complicated. With every new development, Gabby prays that her “mucky streak” will end and the future will become clear. Yet every answer she uncovers leads her closer to danger—both for her life and for her heart.
Foul Play (Book 8)
Gabby St. Claire is crying “foul play” in every sense of the phrase. When the crime-scene cleaner agrees to go undercover at a local community theater, she discovers more than backstage bickering, atrocious acting, and rotten writing. The female lead is dead, and an old classmate who’s staked everything on the musical production’s success is about to go under. In her dual role of investigator and star of the show, Gabby finds the stakes rising faster than the opening-night curtain. She must face her past and make monumental decisions, not just about the play but also concerning her future relationships and career. Will Gabby find the killer before the curtain goes down—not only on the play, but also on life as she knows it?
Broom and Gloom (Book 9) Gabby St. Claire is determined to get back in the saddle again. While in Oklahoma for a forensic conference, she meets her soon-to-be stepbrother, Trace Ryan, an up-and-coming country singer. A woman he was dating has disappeared, and he suspects a crazy fan may be behind it. Gabby agrees to investigate, as she tries to juggle her conference, navigate being alone in a new place, and locate a
woman who may not want to be found. She discovers that sometimes taking life by the horns means staring danger in the face, no matter the consequences.
Dust and Obey (Book 10)
When Gabby St. Claire’s ex-fiancé, Riley Thomas, asks for her help in investigating a possible murder at a couples retreat, she knows she should say no. She knows she should run far, far away from the danger of both being around Riley and the crime. But her nosy instincts and determination take precedence over her logic. Gabby and Riley must work together to find the killer. In the process, they have to confront demons from their past and deal with their present relationship.
While You Were Sweeping, a Riley Thomas Novella
Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar—including his crime-scene-cleaning former fiancée and his career as a social-rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.
Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.
The Sierra Files
Pounced (Book 1)
Animal-rights activist Sierra Nakamura never expected to stumble upon the dead body of a coworker while filming a project nor get involved in the investigation. But when someone threatens to kill her cats unless she hands over the “information,” she becomes more bristly than an angry feline. Making matters worse is the fact that her cats—and the investigation—are driving a wedge between her and her boyfriend, Chad. With every answer she uncovers, old hurts rise to the surface and test her beliefs. Saving her cats might mean ruining everything else in her life. In the fight for survival, one thing is certain: Either pounce or be pounced.
Hunted (Book 2)
Who knew a stray dog could cause so much trouble? Newlywed animal-rights activist Sierra Nakamura Davis must face her worst nightmare: breaking the news she eloped to her ultra-opinionated tiger mom. Her perfectionist parents have planned a vow-renewal ceremony at Sierra’s lush childhood home, but a neighborhood dog ruins the rehearsal dinner when he shows up toting what appears to be a fresh human bone. While dealing with the dog, a nosy neighbor, and an old flame turning up at the wrong times, Sierra hunts for answers. Her journey of discovery leads to more than just who committed the crime.
Random Acts of Malice (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries Book 3) Page 22
