by Kira Chase
Gretchen pursed her lips. “What?” she hissed.
“Did you use anyone else’s name on the business documents besides mine and yours? I don’t want anyone from your past popping up out of the blue after we move in together. As you said, we need a clean slate. How do I know that an ex won’t show up on our doorstep?”
“No exs will show up. The only names on the key papers are yours and mine. With your exemplary record and credentials, the minute I signed your name to the business documents, it was a done deal.”
Johanna’s eyebrows knitted together. “That’s the part I don’t understand. How did you get my signature to look so authentic?”
“You’re a detective, Jo. Figure it out.” She shook her head in disgust. “Living with that idiot all this time has seriously affected your brain. I can’t believe you have any business here at all…it seems like you’ve lost the ability to reason.”
Johanna ignored the rant and continued. “There are some amazing forgery devices on the market. Is that what you used?”
Gretchen nodded. “You can obtain anything you want, if you’re willing to pay the price.” She patted Johanna’s knee. “Lighten up. I told you the other night that I intended to tell you that I’d put your name on the documents and was going to give you a big fat check.” She shrugged indifferently. “When the business began to slowly go downhill and then got out of my control, I had to do some quick thinking. Unfortunately the economic downslide has put you and me in a financial bind, but I’m relieved that you have the assets to give us a little leeway.” She slapped her knees with the palms of her hands. “Now no more discussion.”
* * * *
Frankie peered at the computer screen. The camera picked up the women’s voices and movements perfectly. She smiled at how convincingly Gracelyn assured Gretchen that Johanna was telling her the truth about wanting to be rid of Frankie.
A soft knock sounded on the bedroom door and Trey and Will entered carrying a tray with three steaming cups of coffee.
“How’s it going?” Trey asked, moving to the desk.
Frankie glanced at him grinning and pointed to the screen. “Pull up a chair, boys. The show’s about to begin.”
They sipped their mugs of coffee as they watched the computer screen. When Gretchen placed her hand on Johanna’s knee and then slipped an arm around Johanna’s shoulder, Frankie’s jaw clenched and she gripped the handle of her mug so tightly that Trey gently removed it from her hand and placed it on the tray. “It’s okay, honey.”
“I’m sure Johanna’s just as disturbed as you are, Frankie,” Will said.
Frankie ran a hand over her chin. “I know. It’s just not easy looking at it knowing—”
“Knowing that what they once shared was a long time ago in another time and place,” he interrupted.
Frankie scrunched up her face. “So you think I’m being silly?”
“Yes,” they both replied.
“You and Johanna have been under a lot of pressure the past few days,” Will said. “I don’t know how you’ve managed the stress.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” she admitted.
Trey walked behind her and gently massaged her shoulders. “Ah, love will get you through anything. And you two have a deep special bond together.”
Frankie laughed. “You’re right. It’s just that I miss her so damned much.”
“Listen.” Trey’s eyes were riveted to the computer screen as he removed his hands from Frankie’s shoulders and extended a finger. He pointed excitedly at the screen. “Hot damn! She’s confessing.”
The three fell silent as they heard Gretchen’s full confession. Frankie beamed. “We got her!” She jumped up and grabbed Trey and Will hugging them tightly. “We’ve really got that monster!”
“This calls for a celebration! I’ll get the wine,” Will said, rushing from the room.
“Now you don’t have to use Savannah Granger’s whole testimony, do you?” Trey asked.
“I don’t think so. It should be an open-and-shut case. The authorities will contact all of the investors and Gretchen will be tried for that, of course, but at the top of the list will be her admission to the cold-blooded murder of one of her own police officers.”
Trey shuddered. “How can anyone do what she’s done? What would make a human being be able to commit murder and not bat an eye or have any remorse whatsoever?”
She sighed deeply. “People like her haven’t a heart or a conscience. You’d be surprised how many calls we answered with the accused holding a bloody weapon and the first words out of their mouths was that the victim deserved what they got. It’s a strange world, Trey. God only knows how many sociopaths are roaming the streets. Their victims can do something as simple as looking at them the wrong way.” She slowly shook her head. “They have an imagined self-worth that they never earned and certainly don’t deserve. Maybe someday some researcher will find out what happened in their brain to make them that way.”
Trey patted her shoulder. “It must have been tough being a cop. I can’t even imagine some of the horrible things you must have witnessed.”
She turned her head and glanced up at him. “The worst part was knowing in many cases some greedy defense lawyer would get them off or have the sentence reduced and in a matter of time they’d be let back out like a plague on society.”
“But you did the best you could.”
“I tried.” She turned her attention back to the computer screen. “It looks like Johanna’s getting rid of Gretchen for the night.” She breathed a sigh of relief.
“And I’m sure she’ll be on the phone to you the minute the door closes.” He squeezed her shoulder. “Come on out into the living room and have a glass of wine with Will and me after you finish up in here.”
She nodded flashing him a thankful smile.
* * * *
“Hi, baby, you did good,” Frankie whispered into her cell phone.
“I want to see you. Can you come home tonight?”
“I’d like nothing better, but I want to make sure Gretchen is locked up tight first. I don’t trust her…she could be lurking around.”
“I was so scared I’d slip up, Frankie. I thought for sure she’d suspect what we were up to.”
“But you didn’t and she didn’t. Gracelyn did an excellent job, too. Make sure you tell her that for me. How’s she doing?”
“I will. She’s gone to bed…she was exhausted. I think it was more from nerves than anything else.”
“Tomorrow morning I’ll have Trey and Will drop off the copy of the video and I want you and Gracelyn to take it to George right away. I’m going to call him in the morning and briefly fill him in. I’ll come home as soon as Gretchen is arrested. At the very least George should have the authority to arrest her and hold her for the California authorities. Call me the minute he picks her up.”
“I’m sorry for putting you through all of this, sweetie. You didn’t deserve this.”
“And neither did you. Don’t ever apologize to me for something you had no control over. I’m just happy that tomorrow night I’ll be with you.” She picked up the small box containing the earrings she’d purchased in Atlantic City. She couldn’t wait to give them to her.
“Me, too.”
“Just make sure you get a good night’s sleep tonight. You’re going to need it because I don’t think you’ll be getting very much sleep tomorrow night,” Frankie seductively whispered.
“Is that a promise?”
“You can count on it. I love you, Johanna. Have sweet dreams, baby.”
“You, too, honey. I love you more than you could ever know.”
Chapter 13
George ushered Johanna and Gracelyn into his office. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Obrien,” he said, extending his hand.
Johanna impatiently watched as the sheriff and her mother exchanged greetings. She shifted from one foot to the other. “I don’t know how much Frankie told you, George,” she said.
“She was pretty thorough.” He held out a beefy hand and made a sweeping motion toward the two chairs in front of his desk. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you ladies some coffee?”
They both declined and he walked over to the small counter, which held a coffee maker, and other coffee fixings. He slowly poured himself a cup then carried it back to his desk.
Johanna swept a hand through her hair. “So, what’s going on?”
“I’ve all ready put in the call to California. She’ll be extradited back to California.” He sat in his large chair and sipped at his cup of coffee.
“Don’t you want to see the video first? I have it right here.” She dug it out of her purse and laid it on his desk.
“Frankie sent me a copy over the Internet and I watched it and then forwarded it on to the proper authorities.”
Johanna frowned. “I’m confused. Why did she tell me to come here to give you a copy and to make the report if she all ready sent you a copy?” She opened her cell phone. “I’m going to call her and find out what’s going on.”
George smiled at her as he held up a large beefy hand palm out. “She didn’t tell you because she thought you and your mother would be safer here until Gretchen Wyler’s under lock and key. She was worried sick about your safety and is trying to protect you two.”
Johanna relaxed as she placed her cell phone back into her purse. “That’s my Frankie. So, when is Gretchen going to be picked up?”
“I’ve briefed Arlan and Kate. We’re just waiting for the arrest warrant and they’ll pick her up.” He peered at Johanna. “She’s a piece of work. You did good, Johanna.”
“Thanks, George. I thought for sure I’d blow it.”
He inhaled deeply. “I can’t imagine what must have been going through your mind.” He toyed with his coffee cup. “In no time at all you’ll be able to put it behind you.”
“Sheriff Ryker, will this clear my daughter’s name?” Gracelyn asked.
He nodded. “It’s a shame what she did to you, Johanna, but your name will be cleared and, obviously, no charges brought against you. With all the charges against her, and number one being the murder of her subordinate, I doubt she’ll ever get out of prison. It’s an open-and-shut case.”
“That’s good to know.” She fidgeted with the strap of her purse. “At least the truth about Ben’s death has come out.”
George’s gruff features softened. “Johanna, Frankie told me how you blamed yourself and how close you were to him. You weren’t in the same area as he was. You had no proof that Gretchen did it. She’s a classic manipulator. It was easy to see that on the video. That’s what she was doing to your mind, manipulating it. She used it to control you.” He picked up the disc and lightly tapped it on the desk. “Frankie told me that you were worried about lying to the review board, but you didn’t. You only told the truth. As far as Gretchen’s manipulation, she only dropped the little clues to keep you under her thumb, but never really came right out and told you she’d done it.”
He turned his attention to Gracelyn. “Mrs. Obrien, you have a fine daughter here who is a credit to her profession and someone I’m proud to work with and call a friend.”
“Thank you,” Gracelyn said.
Johanna blushed. “Awww, George.”
He laughed as his eyes drifted to the small window. “It looks like we’re in for another storm.”
“I hope not,” Johanna said as her gaze followed his to the window. “It’s starting to come down pretty steady. How long do you think the paperwork will take? I’d like to get home before it gets too bad.”
He glanced at the wall clock. “It shouldn’t be too much longer.”
As though on cue, Arlan Paton entered the office followed by Kate Allen. “Here’s the warrant. Do you want us to pick her up?” he asked Sheriff Ryker.
“Yes.”
They nodded at Johanna and Gracelyn before departing the office.
George shifted his heavy body in his chair. “Now we wait.”
“As long as they’re on the way to arrest her, there’s really no reason for my mother and me to hang around.”
“I gave Frankie my word that I’d keep you two safe until Gretchen Wyler was apprehended.”
“Oh, come on, George. We’ll be fine. Gretchen’s going to be locked up and we’ll be home safe and snug.” She noted the uneasy expression that clouded his face.
He exhaled loudly. “I can’t force you to stay, but after what I saw and heard on that tape I’d feel better if you waited. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Maybe we should wait, Johanna,” Gracelyn prompted. “We can leave once the deputies report that they are on their way back with her. That way you won’t have to see her.” She looked anxiously at George. “Would that be all right?”
He nodded. “I think that would be best.”
Johanna rose. “What’s she going to do to me now? It’s over.”
George thoughtfully scratched his head. “It’s not over until she’s picked up. How do we know she’s at the motel? Maybe she went out for breakfast or is driving around.”
“It’s freezing out. Where would she go? As far as she’s concerned, she’s staying put until our dinner date tonight. She thinks I’m waiting to settle my affairs so I can go back to California with her. She trusts me.”
He laid his hands palms down on the edge of his desk. “I don’t think she knows what the word trust means. She could be tailing you for all you know. People like her have no concept of right or wrong.”
Johanna laughed throatily. “I can’t picture her freezing her ass off in a car watching my every move.”
He shrugged. “Well, I can’t force you to stay, but if you do leave I want you to call me the minute you get home.” He wagged a finger at her. “And lock up tight.”
“I promise. And you’ll let me know the minute she’s brought in?”
“You’ve got it.” He pulled himself to his feet. He extended a hand to Gracelyn. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
* * * *
Johanna turned up the heat in the car. “It’s getting colder by the minute,” she said.
“Do you think another storm’s coming?” Gracelyn answered.
“I hope not, but you never know around here.” She glanced up at the darkening sky. She couldn’t wait to get home and throw a log on the fire. “Are you okay, Mom?”
She smiled uneasily. “I wish we would have done as the sheriff and Frankie asked.” She glanced nervously around. “What if she’s out there somewhere watching us right now?”
Johanna patted her mother’s hand. “She’s not. Now quit worrying. I’m sure the deputies are putting the cuffs on her as we speak. We’ll be okay…I promise. Tonight we’ll celebrate. I’m going to call Frankie and let her know we’re heading home.” She pressed Frankie’s number, then stared perplexed at her phone. “I forgot to charge it. Where’s your phone, Mom?”
Gracelyn dug in her purse. “In the excitement this morning I must have forgotten it. I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “That’s okay. I’ll call her as soon as we get home.” She started the car and cautiously made her way out of the parking lot. The tires spun on the icy pavement.
“Be careful, dear. I wish one of us had a phone just in case. I’d hate to be stranded on the road to your house.”
“We’ll be fine, Mom. I’ve driven in worse. It’ll just take a little longer, that’s all.”
* * * *
Frankie closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the bath pillow. Trey and Will had surprised her this morning with a basket filled with items to pamper herself and then insisted she take a long bubble bath and relax with some soothing music while she waited for the all clear on Gretchen Wyler. She’d popped a CD into the player and let the music relax her mind. She couldn’t wait to give Johanna the diamond earrings.
After they celebrated with Gracelyn and Trey and Will, whom she’d all ready invited for dinner, she intended to spend a romantic night with Johanna
safely secure in their bedroom. Wrapping Johanna securely in her arms and knowing she was safe was all she could concentrate on.
When the water began to cool, she decided not to put any more hot water in even though she would have loved staying in the tub for just a while longer. She was restless. After drying herself and dressing, she wandered into the bedroom. She picked up her phone. Still no message from Johanna. She walked into the living room. It was a cozy room, but it wasn’t home. She wondered if she should call George, then changed her mind. He’d said he’d keep Johanna and Gracelyn with him until it was over. George had said it would only take a couple of hours to process the paperwork, but Frankie knew it could take a lot longer.
She sat on the sofa and listened for a few minutes to the ticking of the clock, then flipped on the TV. She scanned through the stations, smiling to herself, at her friends’ choice of channels. They must have purchased every sports channel available. She finally found a talk show and watched for several minutes. The bath had relaxed her and as she focused on the screen her eyelids grew heavy and drooped. She hadn’t slept well last night and had tossed and turned with her wired mind going over Gretchen’s confession. When she’d finally drifted into a fitful sleep, it didn’t last and two hours later her eyes had popped wide open.
She yawned and rubbed her eyes and watched the TV for a few more minutes, then finally gave in to the exhaustion that overtook her.
Chapter 14
“I told you we’d be okay, Mom,” Johanna said, relief flooding her voice as she neared the entrance to the driveway.
“I suppose you’re used to driving in this weather after all these years.”
“I am, but it doesn’t mean I like it. It looks like we’re in for another storm.”
“Now that this is behind us, I don’t think I’ll mind. In fact I might enjoy a blizzard. It’ll give me something to tell the girls back home. Some of them have never seen snow.”
Johanna laughed. “It took me awhile to get used to it, but I’ll never forget the excitement the first time I saw snow.”
