by Andrew Grey
That didn’t make sense to Clay. “Harper isn’t clearheaded enough or smart enough to run anything, let alone an organization.”
“Maybe he does it through fear,” Red offered. “But this isn’t getting us any closer to the answers we need. We need to find him and the people who work with him.” The frustration was rife for all of them.
“All right,” Carter said. “Let’s focus. The object of our search is Harper. We need to concentrate there. If we get him, we can take his group apart, especially now that we know there is one. We weren’t sure before, but we are now.”
“All right. Where do we start?” Clay asked.
“We know from tracking his phone that he’s still west of Newville for now. At least his phone is, and it’s being used. We have the call detail on his phone,” Carter explained. “But when we go to that area, we don’t find anything. Is there any place that he used to play when he was a kid? Did you spend time with him?”
“Yeah, I did, a little.” Clay paused as Andrew came into the room and sat next to him. Clay put an arm around him as he thought. “His family moved out of that area some time ago. My aunt and uncle live closer to town now. But they used to live in the country, out on Mayville Road. It’s in that area. But that house is occupied.” He set his phone on the counter, checking that the volume wasn’t too loud, and put it on speaker. “Andrew is here with me.”
“I appreciate all your help,” Andrew said. “I really want to be able to go home so the kids can have some stability.”
“We’re doing our best. I promise you that.”
Andrew bumped his shoulder. “Is there a reason you’re not communicating with the people in your own department?”
Clay nodded. “I don’t think my boss has his heart in it. He’s trying to protect himself, and I think he’d just as soon Harper leave the area and become someone else’s problem.” He shook his head. “Wait,” Clay said, smacking himself in the side of the head. “When we used to go visit his family, years ago, Harper had a fort somewhere out there. They didn’t have a huge amount of land, as I remember, but I know he had some sort of hideout in the woods. I never gave it any thought because I was never there. But if he’s hiding out there and running things from out there, then there has to be activity.”
“Do you remember the address?” Carter asked.
“No. But it’s off Mayville, and Coffield is the nearest side street. I remember biking on Coffield as a kid, and it was pretty wooded. It probably still is, because that area hasn’t changed much.” God, he hoped this was the information they needed.
“Can I ask why this never came up before?” Red pressed.
“It never occurred to me. I was a kid, and it might be nothing at all.” Clay hoped it was helpful and not a wild goose chase.
“That’s out of our jurisdiction, so we’re going to need the help from your department.”
“Call Briggs. He’s as trustworthy as anyone I know. He’ll take the reins.” Clay looked up his direct number. “Briggs can also deputize you, and he wants to get Harper as badly as anyone.”
“Okay. Will do. Let us handle it, and we’ll call you with any updates.” They ended the call, and Clay sighed. He was wrung out.
“You need to rest a while. You haven’t slept much these past few nights and it’s wearing you down. I’m going to make a snack and watch a movie with the kids, and then we’re going to call Mary. If we need anything, we’ll wake you.”
Clay nodded and yawned. Some rest sounded amazing. He grabbed his phone and left the room, barely able to keep his eyes open now that he thought about it.
Andrew followed him into the other room and kissed him gently.
“Just promise to wake me if anything at all happens.”
“I will.” Andrew hugged him. “You take this protector role seriously. I know that. But if you get sick or fall asleep on your feet, you aren’t going to help anyone.” Andrew released him, peered back at the kids, and then kissed him hard enough to send Clay’s head spinning. “I’ll make us some dinner in a few hours.”
“Okay.” He wasn’t going to argue, though he wished he could have Andrew come to bed with him. But that was a bad idea, and the kids needed company. “Don’t let me sleep too long.” He closed the door and lay down on top of the covers.
Chapter 8
ANDREW GLANCED at the bedroom door for what felt like the eight millionth time in an hour. He hoped Clay was resting but was anxious to know if the information Clay had remembered about his cousin had been helpful.
“Uncle Andrew…,” Duane whined as he knocked over his Lego tower.
Andrew groaned and helped him build it again before moving to the sofa. He turned on the television and found an old movie station that was running Mildred Pierce. He was in the mood for some Joan Crawford, it seemed.
As the police were about to discover the body and arrest Wally, Clay’s phone rang in the other room. Andrew muted the television, told the kids to play where they were, and went in because his curiosity was getting the better of him.
“All right, Red. That’s good news,” Clay was saying. “Is everyone okay?” He sighed and listened some more while Andrew sat on the edge of the bed next to Clay’s legs. He wanted to lie down next to him, close his eyes, and just try to relax. It was so tempting. “Great. That’s progress, anyway. Let me know if you have more.” Clay ended the call and turned to him. “They found where Harper was hiding. It was in a wooded field about a mile from his old house. Red said that I led them nearly to his doorstep.” Clay yawned and blinked himself more fully awake. “A shipping container had been brought in and was pretty much buried. Harper and his men were using that as living quarters, and in the back, they found over a hundred pounds of marijuana and meth, as well as tens of thousands of dollars in cash. It was quite a haul.”
“What about Harper?” Andrew pressed.
“They got his men, including the ones we believe were involved in the breakout. But Harper himself…. He’d built a back way out, so he was able to escape into the woods. The prisoners are being taken in, but to a man, they have lawyered up and aren’t saying a word. Harper is on his own now, though, and he’s got to be freaking out. Carter and Red are leading the hunt for him in the borough, and Briggs is after him as well. I haven’t spoken to the sheriff, but it’s pretty clear that I’m not his favorite person at the moment since I went around him.”
“What will he do?” Andrew asked.
“He’ll get over it once the case is over.” Clay smiled. “Thank you for having my back.” He took Andrew’s hand. “I appreciate it, but he can’t really do much because we got huge results and it will be all over the papers. Red said that he’s evidently trying to take credit, but it isn’t going over well with the other officers, especially when he’s stepped on the borough police’s toes.” Clay grinned. “Sheriff Harper was never the brightest bulb on the string, and maybe he’ll decide the time has come for him to retire. He isn’t a bad man, just maybe in over his head.”
“Do they think the men they captured will lead them to Harper?” Andrew asked earnestly. “I want to be able to go home. The house is still sealed up, and I want to be able to have it repaired and take the kids there.” He looked around. “Not that I don’t value your company and everything you’ve done for us, but….”
“Hey.” Clay squeezed his fingers. “I know. I want you to go home too. I want to have dates with you and spend the night at your home, in your bed.” Clay’s breath and words wound around Andrew like golden thread.
“Dates….” Andrew smiled and brought Clay’s hand to his lips.
“Yes. We haven’t had any of those. So, I want to take you to dinner, go to the movies, and spend time together. Though at least for now, those dinners will need to be McDonald’s and the movies G-rated, but maybe once the bedroom door is closed, things can be a little more adult.”
“Uncle Andrew, Uncle Clay…,” Duane called.
“And to answer your other question,” Cla
y began as he sat up, “I’m hopeful that these men, once they clamor to save their own skins, will be willing to turn on anyone. I’m hopeful that it’s only a short time at this point.” He got off the bed, taking Andrew’s hand firmly in his, and led the way out to where Duane had built a Lego tower almost as tall as he was.
As soon as they all saw it and marveled over it, Duane knocked it over, sending blocks crashing to the floor. He laughed and began building once again.
“I’m going to start dinner,” Andrew said.
“Uncle Andrew and Uncle Clay are holding hands.” Auburn giggled.
“Is that okay?” Clay asked as he held Andrew’s hand a little lighter. “I like holding your uncle’s hand.” He smiled, and Auburn giggled again.
“Is that why you sleep in the same room?” she asked.
“Yes,” Clay answered plainly. “I really like your uncle, and I think he likes me.” Clay released his hand and sat on the floor near where Auburn played with her Barbie dollhouse. “But what I want to know is if that’s okay with you.”
Andrew would never have thought to ask Auburn how she felt about them.
“Yes,” she said, looking at Andrew with her expressive eyes. “You’re really nice.” She went back to playing, and Clay turned to him with a shrug. Andrew guessed that was the end of that conversation.
“I’m going to make dinner.” Andrew patted Clay on the shoulder. “You stay here and play with them. I think we have the stuff to make grilled cheese, and I know it’s a favorite of these two.”
“And me too,” Clay said with a smile. “A simple dinner would be awesome. We did a lot today.”
Andrew had more energy than he’d had in a while. The police were getting close to bringing this whole ordeal to an end. They’d nearly caught Harper and were on his trail.
He went to the kitchen and pulled out bread, cheese, and butter. His phone dinged, and Andrew followed the sound to where he’d left it on the coffee table. “Clay!” he called, trying not to scream. He didn’t even pick it up, just pointing when Clay approached.
“A message?” Clay asked. Andrew nodded as Clay picked up the phone. “‘Nice try, but you missed me. I’m coming for you! Now!’” Clay read the message out loud in a soft voice, and that only creeped Andrew out more. “It’s all right. He lies all the time. Hell, he doesn’t even know if you’re getting his messages, because we never answer them. This is just some fishing expedition, like the rest of them.”
Andrew wasn’t so sure. He wanted to believe Clay was right, but it still scared the shit out of him. He sat slowly, shaking a little as Clay left the room. He followed him with his gaze, wishing Clay had stayed. Andrew wrapped his arms around himself, needing comfort and feeling damned alone.
Clay returned and sat next to him, his phone pressed to his ear with one hand and the other wrapping around Andrew’s shoulders. Dang, Clay knew what he needed almost as soon as he did. Andrew rested his head on Clay’s shoulder, doing his best to keep calm so he could think clearly.
“Red, it’s Clay. We just got another message.” Clay relayed the details and waited. “I see. All right.” Clay waited and Andrew’s leg shook. “It’s going to be all right.” He drew him closer as Andrew sat and listened. He should probably get on with making dinner rather than acting like some scared kid. “Okay. Thanks.” Clay sounded disappointed and ended the call.
“What is it? Where was he texting from?” Andrew asked.
“We’re not sure. The signal bounced off too many cell towers. We know he isn’t where he was before, but that’s about it. Carter is working to try to isolate where the message came in from, but it takes some time.” He hugged him again. “He did say that it’s somewhere in the county, and that’s a fair distance away. So relax and go ahead and make dinner. I’m going to make a few more calls to see if anyone is getting anywhere with the people we’ve brought in. I’ll let you know anything I find out.”
Andrew nodded but didn’t want to move. Being with Clay calmed his nerves, and he felt safer.
“I’m hungry,” Duane said as he came in the room and climbed onto Andrew’s lap. That was his cue to get busy. Nervous or not, he had things he needed to do. Andrew had to trust that Clay would be able to keep them safe if anything happened.
“Then let’s make some dinner.” Andrew got Duane down and stood, letting Clay do what he needed to do.
ANDREW GOT the kids fed and then settled them on the sofa with Petey and a Disney movie while he cleaned up. Clay had spent much of the time on the phone. Andrew had made him a sandwich and taken it to him with a glass of milk before making one for himself. He wasn’t very hungry, but ate anyway because getting sick wasn’t going to help anyone. They were safe here. This wasn’t a place that could be easily traced to them. All he needed to do was stay put and let the police do their jobs. He told himself that over and over again, hoping it would stick.
“Dammit,” he groaned when he dropped an empty glass. It shattered on the floor. Both kids came running. “Wait! Please stay there so I can clean this up. I don’t want you to get cut.” He wanted to yell as the stress built up, but this wasn’t their fault. None of it was, and he took a few deep breaths and counted to ten to try to calm down.
“I got it,” Clay said, coming into the kitchen with the broom and dustpan from the pantry closet. He swept up and got the shards of broken glass into the trash.
Andrew settled the kids on the sofa once more, then returned to the kitchen to finish cleaning up. “Anything new?” he asked Clay.
“Briggs is working on it, but he said that he didn’t think those guys know where Harper is. They were apparently all angry at him for leaving them to take the fall, and Briggs said they turned on him as far as the trafficking and even the charges of assault and murder. They were more than willing to help in order to try to save their own skins.” Clay kept his voice just above a whisper, probably for the sake of the kids.
“Shit,” Andrew swore under his breath.
“Yeah. Red and Carter are actively working to help follow his trail. But they aren’t trackers, and those woods are thick, if I remember right. I also suspect that Harper had a vehicle hidden somewhere, got to it, and is long gone. He certainly isn’t in that area, judging by his phone traces.” Clay sounded anxious. “My gut is telling me that we need to leave here. Maybe go down to Baltimore in the morning. The kids can try to see their mother, and it will be impossible for Harper to track us down there.”
They probably should have done that before. Andrew beat himself up as his nervousness shot higher and higher by the second.
Clay tried to soothe him. “It will be okay. We’ll let them do their jobs. I have a ton of people who will call if they learn anything, and in the morning, we’ll move again.”
Andrew wasn’t thrilled about that, but it was the best plan they had at the moment. “All right.”
“Relax and let me do what I’m good at,” Clay told him.
Andrew took a deep breath and blew it out. Not that it did a damn bit of good. But they had a plan, and that cut some of the tension.
ANDREW GOT the kids into bed and ended up staying awake most of the night, jumping at any strange noise. Petey seemed to know he was upset and curled next to him on the bed. Clay stayed on the sofa, and Andrew found him early in the morning, half awake. He covered him up and let him sleep for a few hours while he made coffee and sat at the table, worrying and watching Clay sleep. The man was gorgeous and so relaxed, the house quiet.
“Uncle Andrew,” Auburn said as she padded into the kitchen.
He put his finger to his lips and pointed to Clay. “Are you hungry?” He gave her a cheese stick and a small glass of milk. She sat on the stool in her nightgown and ate quietly. Andrew poured himself a mug of coffee, sipped it slowly, and once he was done, headed upstairs with her. Duane was just getting up, and Andrew got him something to eat as well. Then, while Clay was still resting, he got the kids dressed and their things packed and placed by the door.
“Where are we going?”
“Uncle Clay and I are going to take you to Baltimore so we can try to see your mom.” Andrew set them up in the bedroom with the television on while he packed his and Clay’s things as best he could. Then, finally, he got Clay up and going.
“Are you ready to go?” Clay wiped his eyes.
“Just about. You need to get your last things together, and I need to put any of the food in a bag for the drive. Then we can get out of here.” While they should still be safe there, he was so stir-crazy and needed to be gone. “I’m going to start loading the car.”
Andrew grabbed the kids’ bags as well as his own and went outside. He’d unlocked the car, put the suitcases in the trunk, and closed the lid when a twig broke behind him. Andrew turned as Harper Grange stepped out of the wooded area next door. He was even bigger than Andrew remembered, with tattoos on his arms that extended to the back of his hands, tattooed bald head catching the sun, and a sneer on his lips.
“Damn, it took a hell of a lot to find you.” His lip curled upward. “Now I get to even the score.”
“What the hell did I ever do to you to deserve all this?” Andrew stepped back, the car right behind him. “So you were in my c-courtroom…,” he stammered, glancing around, wishing he had someplace to go, but the kids were inside and he had to keep Harper away from them at all costs.
“Yeah. And just imagine, sitting there while the big, powerful, self-righteous, know-it-all closet case sat there judging me.” Harper stepped closer, and Andrew’s heart pounded. There was no gun, which surprised him, but Harper was a mountain of a man. Andrew wondered how far he’d get if he made a run for it. He figured about two steps.
“It was my job,” Andrew said quietly. “I didn’t request your trial—it was assigned to me. You know that.” He shrugged. “And I was fair with you.”
