by T. L. Haddix
Carrie’s voice broke in. “Sheriff, I have Ethan for you.”
“Thanks. Ethan, what’s your status?”
“I’m at Lori Sterling’s house with Lori and her mother. We’re waiting on Maria to pull these tapes, see if they can give us anything.”
“Maria’s with me. We’re a few minutes out, maybe six. What the hell happened?”
Over the speaker, Ethan expelled a breath. “From what the babysitter said, Chris Sterling broke in about four o’clock with a gun. He locked the sitter in a closet and took Leah.”
“Four o’clock? Why the hell am I just now being called about this?”
“Because it didn’t get called in until about thirty minutes ago,” Ethan explained. “Lori worked until after six this evening. She didn’t get home and find out about it until almost seven.”
“What about the sitter? Is she okay?”
“Traumatized, but unhurt. Her boyfriend came and picked her up just a couple minutes ago. I had a unit escort them over to the hospital so she could get checked out, just in case. She’s pregnant.”
Hearing the added tension in Ethan’s voice, Maria exchanged a glance with Wyatt. Pregnancy was a sore point for the detective.
Wyatt swore, and his hands clenched on the steering wheel. “Where’s Stacy?”
“She’s out at the Patch. We got a tip Sterling was there.” A sprawling sixties-era neighborhood that had been built with seemingly little rhyme or reason, ‘the Patch’ was short for ‘Rabbit Patch.’ The name had come about due to the area’s twists and turns, and the way the run-down houses were hidden in ravines and around curves. It had become notorious as a place where ex-cons and parolees went to ground. Despite its small size, only around fifty houses, it tended to give law enforcement fits.
The tension in the vehicle ratcheted up considerably. “Are we putting up roadblocks?”
“Yeah, but the tip was pretty strong, so we’re focusing our efforts on the Patch.”
“Okay. We’ll be at Lori’s house in about two minutes.” Wyatt disconnected the call and stayed silent until they reached their turnoff. “This won’t be pretty. I know you don’t generally deal with the public.” He turned the vehicle onto the long driveway that led to Lori’s small farmhouse.
“I’ll be fine. Remember, I know Lori. I won’t mess things up.”
He shot her a perturbed glance. “I didn’t think you would. I just don’t want you to get upset if things turn out badly.” Having reached the house, Wyatt parked next to Ethan’s unmarked car. Deputy Jason Hudson stood guard on the front porch, nearly hidden in the darkness. He stepped forward as they approached the house.
“Sheriff, Maria. Ethan’s inside with Lori and her mother.”
Maria glanced at Wyatt. “I’ll head on in, then.” As Jason held open the door for her, she took a deep breath and said a silent prayer for guidance, wisdom, and strength. She had the feeling she was going to need all three.
~ * * * ~
As Wyatt stood on the porch with Jason and watched Maria disappear into the house, he thought about what she’d said, about how she knew Lori Sterling. Finding out Maria was involved in a volunteer program had surprised him, but he couldn’t say why, exactly. Maybe because she was so young – Wyatt pictured women who volunteered as bored socialites or retirees. Before he could follow her inside, his phone rang. The screen showed it to be his second detective, Stacy Kirchner.
“Stacy. Talk to me. What’s going on?”
“I’m at the Patch, Sheriff. We’ve got Sterling cornered at his brother’s trailer, and SWAT is on the way.”
“The little girl?”
“We think she’s inside with him.”
His heart sank. “Okay. I’m just now getting to Lori’s. I’ll head that way in a couple minutes, after I talk to her. Where exactly are you setting up?”
She didn’t answer. The reason why quickly became apparent. Over the phone, he heard the sound of an engine revving, then gunshots accompanied by shouting and panicked yells for someone to stop. The staccato pops of gunfire seemed to go on forever, only stopping after a loud crash of metal grating on metal. Next came a droning car horn, and the radio Jason wore on his uniform erupted into chaos.
Wyatt dashed to his vehicle. “Update Ethan. I’m heading over there. Stay here, no matter what!”
He pointed the SUV back down the driveway, flipped on the light bar and siren, and pushed the pedal to the floor as soon as he reached the paved highway. Heart pounding, he kept trying to get through the radio chaos that had erupted along with the gunfire. Shots fired during a hostage situation were never a good sign, and knowing how badly it could all turn out, Wyatt said a prayer.
Chapter Three
Inside the living room, Maria heard an engine start. She watched Ethan’s face go neutral, and he excused himself and went outside.
Lori’s mother, Janie, sat on the corner of the sofa, sobbing and moaning in turns. Every so often, she would mutter something under her breath about how she had predicted “something like this” would happen. Her behavior was a sharp contrast to her daughter’s deathly pale face and rigid posture. Tuning out the overset woman, Maria focused on pulling the video up on the screen.
Lori moved to stand beside her. “Did you find it?”
“I did. I just have to cue it up to the appropriate timestamp.” When Janie moaned again, Maria saw Lori’s fists clench. Lori was obviously nearing her breaking point, stress causing the thick ridges of scar tissue that covered one side of her face and neck to stand out in sharp contrast to the undamaged side of her face. Cautiously, Maria reached out and touched one of Lori’s fists with her fingertips. When Lori looked down at her, Maria removed her fingers and gently shook her head.
“Try to let it go. We have more important things to do here than feed her ego.” Though the words seemed harsh once out of her mouth, Maria knew that her friend would understand. They’d commiserated about their mothers on more than one occasion. Before Maria could pull up the footage, the front door opened, admitting Ethan and Jason.
Ethan went straight to Lori, stopping a few feet away from her. “We have Leah. She’s fine. A few scratches, and she’s upset, but she’s okay, Lori. She’s okay.” As his words sank in, Lori crumpled. Moving fast, Ethan caught her and eased her down into a chair. “Take some deep breaths. You don’t want to pass out on us.”
Tears streaming down her face, Lori managed to regulate her breathing. “She’s alive?”
A wide smile split Ethan’s face. “She’s very much alive. She’s on her way to the hospital with one of our deputies. They want to check her over, just to make sure.”
Maria was surprised when Lori threw her arms around Ethan’s neck in a fierce hug. Ever since the attack that had left her scarred and nearly dead, she had suffered a deep-seated aversion to being touched even in the most casual way. The only person she ever welcomed physical contact from was Leah. From the stunned look on his face, Ethan understood the significance of the move. The hug didn’t last long, but he had to clear his throat and look away after she pulled back.
“Detective Moore, what about Chris?”
He met her gaze straight on, his tone solemn. “I’m afraid Chris didn’t make it.”
Janie let out another wail at the words, but Lori kept her eyes on Ethan. After a minute, she squared her shoulders and sat up in the chair.
“Good riddance, then. When can I see my daughter?”
Ethan backed up and gave her some room. “Deputy Hudson is going to give you a lift to the hospital, if that’s okay.”
She nodded and stood. “Thank you. I’ll get my coat.” Turning to her mother, she spoke firmly. “I’ll call Frannie and have her come get you, Mother. She’ll take you home.”
“But I need to see my granddaughter. Surely you won’t stop me from doing that?” The woman was clearly affronted by the notion that she should stay behind.
“You can see her tomorrow. Leah is upset, you heard the detective. She doesn’
t need your wailing and gnashing of teeth tonight.” From the stunned look on her mother’s face, Maria wondered if that was the first time Lori had ever stood up to her.
The decision made, Lori excused herself to get her coat. Returning less than a minute later, she and Jason left. A short time after that, her mother’s neighbor showed up to take the older lady home. Maria gave a sigh of relief as the door closed behind her.
“God forgive me, but I was ready to lock her in my car.” Ethan sank onto the couch with a weary sigh. “It makes me appreciate my own mother even more.”
Maria agreed. “Your mother is extraordinary. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a Stella in their lives.” Ethan’s mother, Stella Moore, worked at the library in Leroy, and Maria had dealt with her many times through the literacy program.
“She’s great, but she’s been a little… distant lately.”
Maria frowned. “That’s odd. Is she okay?”
“I think so. Beth’s going to try to talk to her next time we see my folks, see if she can find out what’s going on.” Beth was his wife, a reporter for the local paper, the Olman County Journal, and sister to Jason Hudson.
“So what happened with Chris Sterling?” she asked. “Are all our people okay?”
“Yeah, but it was a close call. From what Wyatt said, which wasn’t much, Sterling let Leah go, sent her down the road to another house. While everyone was distracted, he made a run for it with his car. Shots were fired, he crashed into the barricade and a couple cruisers, and you can imagine the rest.” He scrubbed his hands over his face, and when he looked at her, Maria saw that he had dark circles under his eyes.
“You look tired. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just haven’t had a lot of sleep the last few days. Beth’s had that stomach bug that’s been going around, and I’ve been up with her.”
Maria winced. “Ouch. I’ve heard it’s a nasty one. Is she doing better?”
He nodded. “Finally. She hasn’t worked since Monday, if that tells you anything.”
She couldn’t hide her surprise. “Wow. Yeah, that does tell me something.”
Just then, Ethan’s phone rang. From the tone of the conversation, Maria guessed the caller was Wyatt.
“Okay. Will do,” he told the caller. Hanging up, he put the phone back in its holster. “Wyatt wants you to bring that computer in and put it in Evidence.”
“Don’t we need Lori’s permission or a warrant for that?”
“She gave it. Wyatt’s at the hospital. Apparently, when Sterling hit the barricade, he t-boned Robbie Bailey’s cruiser.”
Maria’s eyes widened with dismay. “Oh, no. Is Robbie okay?”
“Yeah, just shaken up pretty good, with some bumps and bruises. He wasn’t in the cruiser, but nearby. He had to jump out of the way. Anyhow, Wyatt asked Lori about the computer, and she okayed it.”
“All right. I’ll get it ready to go, then.” It didn’t take long to unplug the various peripheral components from the tower, and once that was accomplished, Ethan used crime scene tape from his evidence kit to seal the computer’s drive bays and removable sides. “Since Sterling’s dead, we won’t need this for trial. There’ll be an inquest, though, and they’ll want to see it.”
They made the drive back into Leroy in near-silence. Maria’s mind kept going back to the date she’d walked out on, and she groaned when she thought about the repercussions she would likely face from Savannah. She had turned off her cell phone when she’d gotten in Wyatt’s vehicle, and she was almost afraid to turn it back on. Just the idea of dealing with her family made her tired.
Ethan slowed the vehicle as they approached downtown. “Something bothering you?”
She shrugged. “I guess you could say that. Although, compared to what Lori’s been through tonight, I feel petty even thinking about complaining.”
“That’s hardly a fair assessment. What she’s been through is not a normal situation. You’re trying to compare it with what, everyday life? That’s apples to oranges. So what’s going on?”
She explained about the blind date. When she recounted how Wyatt had backed the young man down, she couldn’t prevent a chuckle. “You should have seen the look on Damon’s face. Of course, I’m certain I’ll hear all about how his dignity was offended, as well.”
Ethan whistled. “I’d have paid good money to see that.” As he pulled into the sheriff’s department parking lot at the courthouse, he sent her an unreadable look. “You know, when you came in earlier, I kind of hoped you’d been on a date with Wyatt.”
Thankful for the darkness that hid her flush, she gave a nervous laugh. “You’re kidding, right?”
He stopped in the process of reaching for the door handle. “No, I’m not. Why? Is the idea that ridiculous?”
“No. Yes! I mean, he’s my boss. That aside, I’m not his type. You know that. He likes thoroughbreds; I’m more of a draught horse.”
To her surprise, Ethan laughed. Hurt and somewhat offended, she got out of the car. Still chuckling, he followed her to the trunk.
Arms crossed, Maria confronted him. “Why is that so funny, Detective?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh, really. It’s just that I had a very similar conversation once upon a time about my wife. You see exactly where that concern got me.” He pointed to the gold wedding band he wore.
She relaxed when she realized he truly hadn’t been laughing at her. “But Ethan, you and Beth have loved each other forever. You’re different.”
“We have. But there was also a strong attraction there, in addition to the affection. Are you seriously going to try to tell me that you’re not attracted to Wyatt? Because frankly, I won’t believe you if you do.”
She looked across the parking lot for a long minute. “What makes you say that?”
He shrugged, then unlocked the trunk and retrieved the computer. She followed as he started walking toward the building. “Something Beth said a couple months ago. It made me start watching you and Wyatt, the way you interact with each other. You hide it pretty well, but I think there’s something there. On both sides.”
Maria stopped in her tracks, utterly shocked.
He stopped, too, and turned to look at her. “I won’t keep ragging on you about this, but I want to say one more thing. I know what it’s like to feel something for someone and be afraid to act on it because you think you won’t fit into their life. I damned near lost Beth because of that kind of fear. I’m not suggesting you and Wyatt go get married, or even just hop in the sack for a few nights, but don’t you think you owe it to yourself to find out what’s there?”
With a quick shake of her head, Maria started walking again. Once they reached the building, she used her keycard to open the door and held it open for Ethan.
“Will you think about what I said?”
She gave a short nod. “I will.” She knew she would probably think about little else in the foreseeable future.
Chapter Four
Two hours after he’d talked to Ethan, Wyatt returned to the courthouse. Since he was in town, he figured he would pick up a couple files he’d left in his office before heading home. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten. Stopping by central dispatch, he greeted Carrie.
“Hey, Sheriff. How’s Robbie?”
“He’s okay. They released him a little while ago, and he’s on his way home. Everything finally quiet down?”
She made a so-so motion with her hand. “As quiet as it can be on a Friday night.”
“I guess that’s all a person can hope for, then. I’m going to grab a few things from my office and head home, myself. I’ll hopefully see you Monday and not before.”
Carrie laughed. “You and Maria. The two of you need some hobbies.”
Wyatt felt his heart jump. “What do you mean, Maria? Is she still here?”
“Yep. Came in with Ethan a couple of hours ago.”
“Well, that’s remedied easily enough.” With a wave, he headed ups
tairs to the newly renovated administrative offices. Sure enough, a warm light shone out into the darkened hall from inside Maria’s office. Careful to make noise as he walked so he wouldn’t startle her, he headed in that direction. When he stopped in her doorway, she looked up.
“What do you think you’re doing?” He adopted a stern look and crossed his arms. When she just sat back and mirrored his pose, eyebrow arched, he struggled to keep his mouth straight.
“Catching up on paperwork. What are you doing here?”
With a sigh, he moved to stand behind the guest chair across from her, and rested his hands on its back. “Picking up some files to take home, so I can catch up on paperwork. How are you planning on getting home?”
“That’s a good question.” She stood and pressed her hands to her lower back with a small wince. “Since you brought me to this party, do you think maybe you could convey me to my condo on your way home?”
Lips quirking, Wyatt sketched a half-bow. “Your carriage awaits, madam. Grab your stuff. Have you eaten?” When she locked the office door, the sudden darkness in the hall took on an intimacy he wasn’t quite prepared for. His heart rate picked up as he escorted her down the hall, guided by the penlight on her keychain.
“I had a candy bar a little while ago. You?”
“A few gallons of bad coffee, but no food. Tell you what. I owe you dinner, if you’re interested.”
Wyatt couldn’t read the look she sent him. “You don’t owe me dinner. And what about your paperwork?”
“It’ll wait, and yes, I do owe you dinner.”
Maria stopped on the stairs, her head tipped to the side as she studied him. “Hmmm, okay. In that case, I’d like lobster, caviar, and champagne.” When he stared at her in astonishment, her laughter rang out, echoing back up through the staircase. “I’m teasing. How about waffles and hash browns at the Breakfast Hut? They’re open twenty-four-seven.”
“This late, that’s probably the best I can do,” he replied sardonically. They had reached his SUV, and he hit the button on his key fob to unlock it. “I’ll have to give you a rain check on the other.” He expected her to make another joke, but to his surprise, she just smiled.
