Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2)

by Teresa Greene

  David’s eyes shifted from Kathy to Beth. “I was scheduled to be in Charlotte for a week to review some new plays with the coach.”

  Kathy took a few seconds before she continued, “I went into our bedroom to get my robe. The second I opened the closet door he was on me. I saw the knife in his hand. I turned to run but he grabbed me by the hair and jerked me back.” She laid a hand on her heart and took a moment before she continued. “I managed to get away from him and got my fingers on the drawer where we keep the pistol. He wrapped his hands around my waist and threw me to the floor. I tried to scratch him but he was wearing some kind of shirt that clung to his skin, thin gloves covered his hands. I went for his face but he grabbed my hands before I could dig in my nails.”

  Beth had seen the pictures of the crime scene. The lamp hand been knocked off the nightstand in the bedroom. The room was a mess because she fought for her life.

  “I broke two of my toes when I kicked my attacker on the knee. He loosened his hold so I jerked away again and this time I made it to the living room. We wrestled for the knife knocking over furniture, breaking things. I think he enjoyed the stimulation and was only toying with me. He was extremely strong for a man his size. He pulled me to my feet by my hair. He dragged me back to the bedroom and I feared he was going to rape me.” She pressed her fingers to her temples and closed her eyes for a few seconds. “He smiled and placed the knife to my neck as if it were something he did every day. His eyes were cold and indifferent.” A note of panic crept into her voice. “I felt the point of the blade at my throat. He was going to kill me.”

  David rubbed a comforting hand up and down her back. She lifted a hand palm up as she whispered, “Maybe he’s a serial killer. It’s just too difficult to believe someone would pay to have me killed. I have never wronged anyone.”

  Beth cupped her elbows as cold seeped into her. It was warm in the room, but listening to Kathy’s horrible ordeal caused chills to spread along her spine. It was one thing to read her account of her harrowing attack, but another to hear her describe what happened. Here she was playing the part of hard-nosed lawyer and she was trembling as much as Kathy.

  She had read Kathy Lassiter’s file. She was squeaky clean. She had never even had a traffic ticket. Same went for her fiancé. None of it made any sense. Kathy had been teaching first grade for five years. In her spare time she did volunteer work at soup kitchens and after-school-programs for at risk kids. When David wasn’t at practice or a game, he also volunteered at the same places she did.

  “Could you have been the intended target, Mr. Lewis?”

  David nodded his head and answered firmly, “No.”

  Beth peered at her notes and made some notations. “Are you sure you haven’t angered a teammate or someone?”

  “I assure you, Miss Reynolds, Powers wasn’t after me. As I told you, I was scheduled to review some new plays with the coach. I planned to spend the rest of the week in Charlotte. I forgot some papers I had jotted down some notes on and drove home to retrieve them. Powers knew I wasn’t going to be home.” His gaze shifted to Kathy. He took her hand and squeezed. “Kathy was the intended victim. If I had not come home when I did, she would have died.” His eyes locked on Beth. “I chased him out the window. He had his escape planned. He dropped to the ground, got into his car and fled. Our condo has a burglar alarm and he knew how to disarm it. He had gained entry through the same window he used for escape.”

  Beth wrote down word for word everything David said. Even though she already knew the answer, she asked again, “Did you get a look at the car?”

  “Yes, it was a black Lincoln. It was dark and I couldn’t get a good look at the plates but I think the first letter was a Z.” He bit his lower lip, brow furrowed. “He jumped into the passenger side and the car sped away.”

  So someone had been driving the car. That means he had an accomplice. “And you’re sure he wasn’t driving. You said it was dark.”

  “There was no way he had time to get into the driver’s seat and start the car before I made it to the window. He was more agile and moved a little faster on the steps leading to the back parking lot, but I skipped the last few and almost had him. If I had not fallen, I would have caught him and killed him with my bare hands.”

  “Please leave his last statement out of your notes, Beth.” She looked at Josh and gave a slight nod.

  Josh offered, “Powers does not have a black Lincoln. He either borrowed one from someone he knows or he had the car hidden somewhere. My bet is he has a garage somewhere he stores the Lincoln. We find it, and we might find enough evidence to put him in your home.”

  Kathy’s eyes were big and blue and filled with anguish. “I’ll never forget his face as long as I live Miss Reynolds. It was Chase Powers that attempted to murder me. I’m not mistaken.”

  Beth believed her. After speaking with the couple, she knew without a doubt she was defending a cold-blooded murderer.

  David stood and peered down at her. “How you can defend someone like Chase Powers is beyond me. If this goes to court and you find a way to get him freed, he will kill again. Do you want that on your conscience?”

  Beth felt a faint flutter in the pit of her stomach. “I’m doing my job, Mr. Lewis. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial. I am Mr. Powers’ lawyer.”

  “The man has ruined our lives. Kathy cannot go to work. I can’t play football. Please find out who hired him to kill Kathy. Until all this is resolved our lives are on hold. We have to live in a safe house with nothing to do all day but stare at the walls. Offer him a deal so we can get back to our happy lives. Fix this.”

  Beth saw no indication of that happening. Powers was arrogant, self-assured, and the most exasperating man she knew. He wouldn’t change his story of being innocent. She felt guilty for even associating with the man.

  “That’s enough for today.” Josh placed his hands on his knees and pushed up. Obviously in pain, he announced, “If Beth has any more questions, we’ll schedule another meeting.”

  He tucked his arm into Kathy’s. “I’ll walk you back to the car.”

  David placed his hand on the sleeve of Beth’s black suit. “Do what you can. That is all we are asking. Get him to confess.” Deep gray eyes peered down at her with worry. A man of his age should be planning a wedding and a family. Instead he was pleading for the life of his girlfriend.

  “I’ll see what I can do.” A numbness set in after they left Josh’s office. All the negative energy was going to eat Beth up inside. She circled the room. Maybe she could beg to be off the case. Hell, that wouldn’t work. It was her first murder case and she was contemplating telling her boss she couldn’t defend someone she knew was guilty. Wouldn’t they find that humorous? She imagined most of the people they defended were guilty.

  A red and white striped scarf draped over the back of the leather sofa caught her attention. Kathy must have left it behind. Beth grabbed the scarf, opened the door, and ran out in time to see the elevator door close. She assumed they would exit on the bottom floor which was the garage. She shoved through the door leading to the stairs. It was only two flights of stairs so she should catch them before they had time to get into the car which would take them back to the safe house. Heels tapping on the metal, Beth ran down the stairs. Waving the scarf over her head, she flung open the door in time to see Josh, Kathy, and David moving toward the black SUV where an agent stood with the door ajar.

  “Wait, Miss Lassiter! You forgot your scarf!”

  All three turned and looked at her. Something caught Beth’s attention. She glanced up in time to see a man dressed in black, step out from behind a support column on the top floor of the parking garage and point a pistol at Josh, David and Kathy. She screamed, “Gun!”

  Both Josh and David shoved Kathy to the ground and covered her with their bodies. Three shots rang out, one of them narrowly missing Beth. At first she panicked and stood there like a fool not knowing which way to run. Josh took out his weapon and began to fire
in the direction of the gunman. The agent by the car sprinted for the stairs leading to the second floor of the parking garage.

  Over his shoulder, Josh yelled, “Get down, Beth!”

  She dropped to the floor on her hands and knees and crawled behind a nearby car. Hands over her head, her heart hammered in her chest. Unspeakable fear rolled through her as she crouched behind the car not knowing if someone had been shot. Every time someone fired, her whole body jerked. Sounds of the gunfight continued for only seconds but seemed like an eternity. Then it ceased. Too afraid to peer around her hiding place, she kept her eyes closed. She let out a small scream when someone clutched her arm and jerked her to a standing position.

  “Are you okay?” She opened her eyes and looked into Josh’s concerned face.

  “I think so.”

  Roughly, he dragged her to the black SUV where David and Kathy sat in the backseat. David had to move over when Josh shoved her into the backseat. Josh climbed into the driver’s seat and spun off as he accelerated. He didn’t take time to use his security card to raise the security gate but drove right through splintering wood all over the car. He took a sharp right into traffic throwing Beth against David. Cars narrowly missed them as Josh blew right through a red light.

  “David, you’re injured.” Kathy unbuttoned David’s shirt so she could examine his arm. Blood trickled over her fingers as she touched the wound. “We need to go to the hospital!”

  “No hospital!” The back of the car fishtailed when Josh made a quick right turn. Because none of them were wearing seatbelts, they were being thrown around like rag dolls in the backseat.

  Beth snapped, “David’s injured, Josh. He needs medical attention.”

  “We can’t go to the hospital. Someone might look for us there. It’s too dangerous.”

  The scarf still in her hand, Beth handed it to Kathy. “Here wrap this around the wound.”

  “It’s not bad, honey.” Teeth gritted in pain, David tried to calm Kathy who was in a panic. Her hands shook violently as she wrapped the scarf around his arm. “I think it’s just a flesh wound.”

  “It’s not a flesh wound! Someone shot you in the arm!” Tears welled up in her eyes. “I feel like I’m having a nightmare. You could have been killed!”

  “But I wasn’t.” He cupped his hands to her face. “Calm down, Kathy. We are okay.”

  Beth wondered how long they would be okay. It was evident someone wanted them dead. Powers must have ordered someone to make an attempt on their lives. If she hadn’t seen the man with the pistol, one or both would have lost their lives. Josh could have died. Someone wanted to be sure neither testified. Josh’s cell phone rang causing her to jump. She wasn’t far from panicking herself. He flipped it open to see who called. He reached over the back seat and handed his phone to Beth. “Take out the battery.”

  Hands shaking, it took several tries before she had the battery out of his phone. She dropped it into the seat.

  David asked, “Don’t you think you should answer it? What if it’s the agent that tried to apprehend the shooter? Maybe he caught the man that tried to kill us.”

  It didn’t matter if the agent caught the man. Powers would only send someone else. David and Kathy were in grave danger. Instead of answering David, Josh ordered, “Beth, take the battery out of your phone.”

  “I left my purse and phone in your office.”

  “Beth, did you get a good look at the shooter?”

  “No, he was wearing a ski mask.” The only thing she saw was solid black. There were eye holes but they were just tiny slits and it was too far for her to see the color of his eyes. Sweat trickled down her neck. She used the sleeve of her designer jacket to wipe it away. She had to swallow because her stomach was beginning to roil.

  “How about size? Can you estimate his stature?”

  “I don’t know, Josh. It happened so quick I didn’t really have time to notice.” She closed her eyes and tried to see the shooter in her mind. She gave her brow a troubled rub. “He was small, slim build. Short, maybe five foot seven or thereabouts. ” She chewed her bottom lip. “I don’t know.” She didn’t want to give the wrong information.

  For miles, Josh zigzagged through Raleigh. One minute they would be going south and the next north. She glanced back to see if they were being followed. She didn’t see anyone that seemed to be following them.

  After an hour, he seemed satisfied no one was following them and took the interstate out of Raleigh. Beth realized he was taking them to Twelve Oaks Farm.

  Chapter Four

  Surprised, Josh saw Grant and Nina in the front yard when the house came into view. Grant threw Shadow’s ball high in the air. The black and white border collie took off like a bullet, leapt high, catching the ball in mid-air. Shadow raced to Nina and she patted him on the head before taking the ball from her dog.

  Josh opened the door and asked, “What are you two doing home? You weren’t due back for three more days.”

  “Mama called and told us you had been shot. We took the first available flight home.”

  Josh hurried to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for Kathy. She stepped to the side out of the way while Josh helped David. Blood had turned the colorful scarf wrapped around his arm black. Beth slid across the seat and crawled out behind David. She ran into Nina’s open arms.

  Nina pushed her at arm’s length so she could look in her face. “What happened?”

  “Someone tried to kill them. They are witnesses in an attempted murder trial.” Beth felt the color leave her face. “I’m defending the man that is probably responsible.”

  “Oh, no.” By Nina’s expression she wasn’t too happy that her sister was defending a murderer.

  David was pale and looked as if he might pass out at any minute. Hand to her chest, Nina, croaked, “Come on in.” Josh tucked his arm into David’s, Grant took the other arm. Nina flew up the steps ahead of them and opened the door. They helped him get inside.

  Grace stepped out of the kitchen. Hand to her chest she asked, “What happened?”

  “I’ll explain later, Mom. Can you please get some hot water?”

  Nina disappeared and returned with her medical bag. “I’m only a veterinarian, but if you’ll allow me, I’ll take a look at your arm.”

  Kathy stood, moved out of the way, but hovered. “He needs a doctor. I’d feel better if we took him to the hospital.” Worry and temper flashed in her eyes.

  Josh snapped, “I’ve already explained why we can’t go to the hospital. Someone knew you were going to be at the bureau today. They may be waiting for us at the hospital.” His eyes shifted to Beth. “Did you tell Powers you had a meeting with David and Kathy today?”

  Her cheeks puffed out. “Of course not, Josh. Even though I’m helping with the case, I wouldn’t jeopardize someone being killed. I’d never put their lives in danger.”

  Josh paced the room. “Well, someone knew.”

  Clearly at the end of her patience, Kathy turned on him. “We were in protective custody. You said we were safe. Someone almost killed us.”

  “I was there. I know how close the shooter came to killing you.” He gripped her by the arms. “I promise to protect you. I swear nothing is going to happen to you.” Hands flat on his chest, she shoved away from him.

  “I’m beginning to believe no one can protect us!” A tear slipped over her cheek. “Someone shot David.”

  Nina whispered, “I guess you’re David.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I’m Nina, Beth’s sister.” She unwrapped the scarf and examined his arm. “It’s not so bad. The bullet went through.”

  Grace returned with a pot of hot steamy water. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Thank you, I’ve got this.” Grace sat on the arm of the sofa and placed her hands in her lap. Nina dipped a cotton ball in the water and swabbed David’s wound. He gritted his teeth in pain when she dabbed it with alcohol. “I’m usually stitching up large animals, ev
en larger than you, but I’ll try to keep the stitches tight so you won’t have too much of a scar.”

  David smiled at her attempt at humor. She gave him a shot so he wouldn’t feel the needle when she stitched his wound. In minutes she had his arm stitched and bandaged. She gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “There, all done.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nina stood and Kathy plopped down on the sofa next to David. She gathered the scarf in her hand and sighed. “My mother gave me this scarf for Christmas.”

  Grace wiggled off the arm of the sofa, and took the scarf from her. “I’ll wash it in cold water before the blood stains set.” Kathy sat motionless.

  “That scarf saved your life, Kathy.” Beth tried to drum up some enthusiasm. “Thankfully you left it behind.”

  Kathy swallowed hard and deep. “I guess it did. If you hadn’t seen the shooter…” She didn’t finish the sentence. “What now?”

  Josh ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “You can’t go back to the safe house.” His eyes glittered with temper. “I don’t know who we can trust.”

  Josh held out his hand. “Let me use your phone.” Grant fished into his shorts pocket and handed his phone to his brother. When Josh stepped outside for some privacy, he followed him.

  Josh punched in his Uncle Tate’s number. “Yes, we’re fine.” He paced back and forth on the green grass. “Did they get the shooter?”

  “No, he got away. A vehicle must have been waiting for him. Agent Blake said it was as if he vanished into thin air.”

  He kicked at a rock. “Shit.” How in the world did the shooter give Agent Blake the slip? Blake kept himself in shape. Hell, the man ran in marathons almost every weekend.