Heron Park

by C. K. Raggio

  Empty. Shit. She’d left it in her nightstand.

  She took a few cautious steps forward. Should she go for the gun, or check on the dog? It might just be a branch making the noise.

  Snow snarled from the other room. Then she growled, long and menacing. Cassie froze, her breath caught in her burning throat. She needed to go for the gun.

  She rushed forward, stumbled and caught herself on the hall doorframe. Damn fever. Nausea made her stomach clench.

  Bang – bang.

  Her body didn’t seem to want to cooperate, but she needed it to. Get yourself together.

  Snow’s heavy bark echoed through the small house. Cassie got her legs under her, moving past the guest room to get to hers.

  She glanced in.

  Snow charged from the window on the left side of the bed, to the one on the right. White tendrils of foam flew from her lips as she plowed past Cassie and into the master bedroom. One more deafening growl and a bark, then silence.

  Holding her breath, Cassie edged into the room. Snow’s front paws were up on the window’s ledge. Her body stiff from nose to tail, a thin ridge of fur from her shoulders down her back standing on edge.

  There was definitely something out there.

  Cassie grabbed her gun and made her way toward the dog. She spoke in a soothing whisper, “It’s okay, girl, it’s just me. Easy, girl.” Josh had taught them all about a dog’s body language when he began rehabilitation on Snow and Sable. Snow’s rigid quietness reminded Cassie to be cautious. She didn’t want to spook her.

  Her gut clenched and she took the final step beside the dog. Snow pushed away from the window. She touched Cassie’s leg with her nose and sat down.

  Cassie gripped both hands around her gun and searched for an intruder in the gray, stormy day. The wind tore at the tall sea reeds, bending them down to their roots. The bay slammed water against the house. There was lots of activity, lots of movement. Maybe thunder had set Snow off. Maybe the nightmare Cassie had been in the middle of made her hear things that weren’t really there.

  Snow jumped back up on the windowsill and growled. A black blur flashed across the top of the dune beside her house. All of Cassie’s senses heightened.

  She threw on jeans, slipped on a pair of boots and raced toward the back door, Snow at her heels. Should she bring the dog with her? She might bark, better to catch whoever was outside by surprise. “Snow, sit.”

  Snow whined but obeyed.

  “Stay,” Cassie commanded. She pushed open the screen door and slammed it shut.

  The wind whipped at her hair, pulling strands free from her ponytail. Cassie’s mind was fuzzy still, but she fought back the dream-like feeling and pushed against the gusts. She made it to the corner of the house and peeked around toward the bedroom windows.

  Nothing.

  She looked up at the dune. A wave splashed icy water over her. She cringed, shielding her face between the wall and her shoulder. She struggled against the wind. Her muscles shook. Her body grew weaker. How the hell was she going to climb up the dune, never mind protect herself?

  Snow barked from inside, then burst through the screen door. “Snow, no,” Cassie whispered not wanting to yell. “Come.”

  The dog ran across the deck in the opposite direction toward the driveway. What if whoever it was had gone around the house to the other side?

  Cassie took one last look at her bedroom windows and followed Snow across the deck. Water from the inlet pelted her again. This time she wasn’t paying attention and it soaked her from head to toe. She sputtered as salt water flowed into her mouth. Her chest tightened. She pressed her face into the crook of her elbow, hoping the storm would muffle the noise as she let loose a long, lung-rattling series of coughs.

  After the fit passed, she glanced over her shoulder, making sure nobody snuck up behind her. Where did the damn dog go? She took a step forward. A man rushed at her. She raised her gun. “Freeze, asshole!”

  CHAPTER 13

  The man slid to a stop on the deck, his hands flying high over his head. “Cass?” Sam’s face was lined with concern, water streamed from his chin. His mop of blond hair stuck out in all directions. “What happened? You okay?”

  Cassie lowered her gun to her side and clicked on the safety, swallowing down her adrenaline. She’d almost shot Sam. What the hell was he doing out here? “You scared the shit out of me.” She took a breath, trying to slow her runaway heart.

  Snow came up beside him, her white fur soaked so you could see the black spots that dotted her skin. She sniffed his pant leg, then moved to Cassie’s side and stared up at the sand dune behind them.

  Sam frowned at Cassie and threw an arm around her shaking shoulders. “What’s going on? Why are you out here?” He pulled her toward the door. “Snow, let’s go.”

  The dog paused a moment and then followed them inside. Cassie’s teeth chattered as she closed and locked the door.

  “Well?” Sam crossed his arms over his soaking wet sweatshirt.

  She wracked her brain for some sort of excuse. Calm down. Breathe. Now talk. “I thought I heard a noise. I think I just took too much cough medicine. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to point my gun in your face.”

  His eyes narrowed.

  She knew he didn’t believe her. He always knew when she was lying. She tucked her gun into the back of her jeans. “Where’s Dad?”

  “I have to go pick him up.” He turned his back to her and started a fire in the cold hearth.

  “I thought you were going with him to Josh’s?”

  Small flames danced and he added more logs. The heat immediately helped chase away the worst of her chill.

  He poked at it a few more times. “Had to check on a job. Your dad stayed to help Josh with Sable.” He turned around and stared at her. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t mean to be short with him, but she didn’t want to tell him the truth either. If she told him that somebody had been lurking in the bushes and possibly trying to break in through the window he’d never leave. Worse then that, he’d tell her father. She needed a rational thinker to talk this over with, not people who would panic her more.

  He strode into the kitchen and wrung out the sleeves of his black sweatshirt over the sink. Water streamed, dripping from his ankles, forming a puddle at his feet.

  “Looks like you were out in the rain a lot longer than it took to get from the driveway to the porch.”

  He scratched his chin. “As I’m sure you noticed, the waves are smashing against the jetty and sailing twenty feet onto your property. Two in the driveway hit me. Looks like you got hit by a few too.”

  She looked at the puddle on the floor around her. What the hell was wrong with her? Was she actually suspecting her best friend of trying to scare the crap out of her? Of being a serial killer?

  Her pulse picked up. Why did she think it was the killer at her window?

  Sam stepped toward her and put his hands on her shoulders. Snow jumped to her feet at her side and stared up at him. He looked down at the dog, then back at her. “What did you see out there, Cass?”

  She shrugged. “Nothing, nothing at all.” More lies.

  ~~~

  Cassie climbed out of the shower. The thick steam soothed her lungs. Her head was still spinning, but she felt better than she had this morning. Maybe the rush of adrenaline had healed her. She towel-dried her hair and threw on her warmest robe before venturing into the living room.

  Sam hopped over Snow and Sable lying on the floor and added a log to the fire. Cassie gave him a pleading look. He reassured her with a smile. He hadn’t said anything to her father.

  The refrigerator door closed and her father took one look at her and scowled.

  How did he always know?

  He walked to the window. “Shit, it’s nasty out there. Boat looks okay though.”

  Sam smiled and raised the dimmer next to the couch. The sudden brightness made his hazel eyes turn brilliant shades of green. “Told
you she was fine. We put enough lines on her to stop a herd of rabid elephants from knocking her around.”

  Her father grunted in agreement and turned to Cassie, his eyes narrowed. “How are you feeling? You look… better, not as pale at least.”

  She surprised herself with her own lying smile. “So much better. Snow took good care of me. Thanks for leaving her and for everything else. I think the medicine helped, but it’s making me sleepy.”

  She ignored his worried glance. “How did Sable do at the rehab center?”

  When her father only stared at her, Sam took the cue and began to babble. “Sable’s doing much better. Only growled at one of the six guys Josh set up for her to meet. Oh, and Gary White was there for a bit. He was with a lab needing some work.”

  “Really, one of his assistance dogs? What happened?” Cassie sat on the couch, folding her legs up under her.

  “The dog’s been with a family for about three weeks. He helps a fifteen-year-old boy who is hearing impaired. Said the dog was a godsend until last night. The kid dropped a cookie on the floor, reached down to pick it up, and the dog mauled him. Bit up his arm real good.”

  Sam edged closer to Cassie and tucked a blanket over her lap.

  “That’s horrible. Poor kid. Is Josh going to take the dog?”

  “Of course. He thinks something else happened, but no way of telling what unless you were there to witness it. Gary was distraught, had Josh in the office a good forty minutes. Guess Josh had good advice for him. He left in a better mood.”

  “I’m sure he did.” She yawned. “Think I’m gonna get back to sleep if you guys don’t mind.”

  She was almost happy to be sick, it was a good excuse to rush them out of the house. Her father’s questioning looks were beginning to make her nervous. She’d never been any good at lying to him.

  Sam kissed her cheek, lingering a bit longer than usual. “Call if you need anything.”

  Her father took his place and kissed her forehead then studied her. She grinned at him, feeling like she was fifteen and hiding a boyfriend in her closet. If it was only that simple.

  “Cassie, what is—”

  “John,” Sam said from the front door. “Why don’t we let her get back to sleep.”

  She shut her eyes for a moment. She could always count on Sam. He frowned at her, obviously not happy about having to intervene. Maybe she’d call him later and let him in on what happened.

  Her father headed for the door. “Come on, girls.”

  Sable jumped to her feet and trotted out. Snow stood up, but only stared from him to Cassie. Her father pursed his lips. “Looks like she doesn’t want to leave you.”

  Cassie’s back tightened. Was there still somebody lurking outside? Maybe she should tell Sam and her Dad to stay.

  Her father pushed past Sam and into the storm still going full throttle outside.

  Sam jabbed a finger in her direction. “You owe me, big time. I expect a phone call later on explaining what the hell is going on with you.”

  “I will. I promise. Thank you.”

  She waited for what seemed like an eternity for the sound of gravel flying in the driveway. Her phone sat on the other end of the coffee table. Head still whirling, she sat up. She needed to call the one person who wouldn’t overreact.

  The phone rang twice.

  “Betz.”

  “Izz,” Cassie said, trying to keep the tremble from her voice. “Where are you?”

  “Hey, Cass. Had a few hours between interviews. I’m on a date at the Clam House in Babylon. Guy’s been in the restroom for like half the date, must have a bad stomach or something. What’s up? You feeling any better?”

  “Ah, yeah. Listen, I’d rather not explain over the phone. I hate to ask and ruin your date, but I need you to come to my house. Now.” As she talked, Cassie made her way around the house, gun in hand, checking all the locks on the windows and doors.

  “I’m on my way. The guy’s a bore anyhow. Oh, shit, he’s back.” She lowered her voice. “I think he heard me. Yup, he looks ticked. Oops.”

  Cassie couldn’t help but grin. Izzy went though men like Charlie Sheen went through hookers.

  She hung up and dressed in jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. Then busied herself straightening the kitchen as she waited Izzy's arrival. The wind whipped against the house. Every window rattled. She wrapped her arms around her chest. Water smashed against the door, shaking it on its hinges.

  Snow rose from her spot in front of the dying red embers of the fire. She set her chin on the windowsill and peered out. Cassie held her breath, but the dog turned away from the noises of the storm and lay back down with a soft grunt.

  Maybe it had just been the storm that got Snow all worked up. After glancing out the window one more time, Cassie sat down at the kitchen table. She shifted back and forth, checked the time and tapped her nails on the thick oak. The wind blew, and the lights flicked off, leaving her in pitch black for a few seconds before coming back on.

  A knock on the door made her jump. Snow barked twice and charged ahead of Cassie. She sniffed under the door, tail wagging. Cassie peered out the window and relaxed.

  True to her word, Izzy walked through her door in under an hour. They were sitting across from each other within minutes, each taking quiet measured sips of their lightly spiked coffee as Cassie relayed the story.

  “Wow, I don’t know. You have the hairs on my arms standing up,” Izzy said, vigorously rubbing them. “Could it have been the wind or a branch making the noise? Yeah. Could it have been your neighbor on the dune looking for his dog? Yeah, it could’ve, but working with you through the years I’ve come to trust your instincts. Sounds to me like you had some scumbag out there trying to get in.”

  Cassie chugged back her coffee. She blew out a blast of air as it burned her throat. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea to be drinking whiskey-infused coffee after so much cough medicine, but she needed something to cool her nerves.

  “Do you think it was him?” Izzy asked. “I mean he went after Rick in a way with the last vic. The whole Marcy Tucker crime scene setup.”

  Cassie’s shoulders sagged. Patsy Smith. That was the name of the last victim. Cassie had babysat her once or twice in high school. Did their guy know that? Had he already taken a shot at her and she hadn’t realized, so he decided to go bigger? The idea that he may come after one of them again came up when Rick told them about Marcy. They hadn’t expected anything this big though.

  Outside, the boat rolled with the waves. Cassie chewed on her lip, watching as the boat pushed against the ropes holding it in place. “I’m not sure. I have this weird feeling. The way Snow acted. I only saw a blur of a figure on the dune and that really could’ve been anything. I mean you know how I get when I have a fever.”

  Izzy glanced at the door. “Well, there’s only one way to be sure. The rain’s stopped for the moment. It’s supposed to get really bad in an hour or so. You have any rain slickers?”

  Cassie grabbed two orange jackets from the closet, and they headed out onto the back porch. Snow whined. Cassie asked the dog to heel. She came to her left side and stayed there as they walked around the corner of the house. Snow sat the way she had been taught as they stopped by the guestroom window.

  Sand from the dune blew with an intensity that burned her cheeks. Most of the ground around her house was covered with rocks. Under the window, however, there was deep sand, protected from the rain and wind by the roof overhang. Not only were there boot prints, but two very large paw prints.

  “Those look a little large to be Snow or Sable’s,” Izzy said.

  “Yeah, you’re right.” Cassie pointed at the window ledge. “Look at that.”

  Someone had been trying to get the window open. Probably with a crowbar from the looks of it. Chunks of paint hung from the sill, revealing exposed, fresh wood.

  “Shit, he was here.” Izzy fished in her pocket and pulled out her phone.

  If Cassie’s dad and Sam hadn’t put in
the storm windows, he would’ve succeeded in getting in. The Plexiglas had made it nearly impossible. Cassie took a plastic bag she’d grabbed from the kitchen and laid it over the prints in the sand. She put some rocks on the edges.

  “Cass,” Izzy whispered. “What do you want to do?”

  “I’ll call Hank and Rick. You call Phil. I think we need everyone over here.” Cassie’s hand trembled as she dialed. The killer had been at her house, just outside the window, watching her from the shadows.

  ~~~

  “No fucking way. Nobody saw anything? How is that possible?” Phil asked as he paced Cassie’s living room.

  Cassie wasn’t surprised. She cocked her hip out. “A lot of people around here use this as their summer home.” She took a sip of tea, trying to warm up. It felt like ice water flooded her veins. “Most of them leave for Florida or wherever else they winter by September. Not to mention, all the little trails and boardwalks in between the houses that are completely hidden from the street. It wouldn’t be hard for this guy to go unseen.”

  “Come on.” Phil threw up his hands. “From the size of those paw prints, that dog is prehistoric big, a fucking wooly mammoth.”

  “Phil,” Hank warned. “Your ranting is helping no one.”

  “Sorry.” Phil collapsed into an armchair. “I just can’t believe this guy had the balls to come after one of us.”

  A shiver coursed through Cassie. How did the guy know she’d be home at all? Was he following her? Or did he plan on hiding out in the house and waiting for her to come home from work? Maybe that’s why he took off in the first place, he hadn’t expected her to be home.

  Rick ran a hand through his dark hair. “It just doesn’t seem like his style. He was so organized with the first two victims, with all of them really. If it weren’t for the massive dog prints, I’d say this was an unrelated incident. It’s almost like he depended on someone else to scope everything out for him.”

  “What?” Hank said. “Like the guy has an accomplice besides his five-ton beast?”

  Rick frowned. “Guys like this usually work alone. They don’t want to share the power. But you never know. It’s just another aspect we’ll need to look into. Either way, this not going right for him is really going to piss him off. Hopefully, to the point he’ll royally screw up. Keep in mind that he now could be coming after us. He failed this time, but there’s no telling if he’ll come back after Cassie, or go after Izzy. Maybe even one of your wives or girlfriends.”