Wicked Warning (An Ivy Morgan Mystery Book 5)

by Lily Harper Hart

  “I wanted you to stay,” Jack said. “You know that, right?”

  Ivy nodded.

  “This is a big case, Ivy,” Jack said. “I’m sorry you felt left out. I don’t ever want you upset … unless it’s a little fight and we can make up afterward.”

  “Ha, ha.” Ivy shook her head. “You still haven’t told me what happened.”

  “Well, here’s the thing: I’m not sure what happened,” Jack admitted. “We found the backpack and a pair of shoes. The shoes were Skechers. We called Jessica’s parents and they said she was wearing pink Skechers the day she disappeared.”

  “So they’re her shoes.”

  “Probably,” Jack confirmed. “The parents are going to look at them at the station tomorrow. I guess Jessica isn’t going home yet like was originally planned because the reporters got wind of a potential move and Mitchell said there are news vans parked in front of their house. He doesn’t want Jessica’s homecoming to be marred by that.”

  “I know. I went to the hospital.”

  Jack wasn’t surprised by the admission. “How is Jessica? Did she take the news of Dorsey’s arrest well?”

  “She didn’t seem to care,” Ivy replied. “I can’t figure her out. It’s all just so … weird.”

  “It sounds weird,” Jack said. “She’s emotionally stunted by her captivity, though. She’s going to need counseling – and a lot of it. It’s not going to be an easy walk to her old life. It’s going to be a long hike through a desert and there’s going to be a lot of tears and heartbreak.”

  “I know that, Jack,” Ivy said. “I just thought she would feel better knowing someone was in custody. I showed her a photograph of the bunker I snapped on my phone, by the way. I wanted her to confirm if she recognized it. Do you know what she did?”

  “What?”

  “She shook her head and shrugged,” Ivy answered. “She said that it could be the place, but she wasn’t sure because her memory wasn’t great and then asked if she could watch Pretty Little Liars.”

  “Ivy, she’s traumatized,” Jack said. “She’s doing the best she can. She wants to pretend it didn’t happen. That’s actually normal for victims in cases like this, especially at the beginning. Everyone is coming at her from a hundred different directions and they want answers … and they want her to act a certain way … and she might not know how to respond. She’ll slowly start coming out of it, but that’s going to be another can of worms.”

  “I know,” Ivy said. “What about Dan? Has he been charged?”

  “Kind of,” Jack hedged. “He’s being held on poaching charges for right now. The mental health expert got nowhere. We tried questioning him, but he refused to talk. We mentioned finding Jessica’s stuff in the bunker and that shook him a bit.

  “The sad thing is, I think he was more upset that we found his bunker than anything else,” he continued. “He didn’t seem to care at all about Jessica when we brought up her name. He did finally speak when we brought up the bunker.”

  “And?”

  “And he told us if we took his stuff we’d be sorry and then he asked for a lawyer,” Jack replied. “He didn’t speak again after that. A court-appointed attorney is heading his way tomorrow so we can do it all over again.”

  “Something about this doesn’t feel right, Jack,” Ivy said, knitting her eyebrows together. “Dan has never been a great thinker, but to leave that sweatshirt on his property like that … it doesn’t make any sense.”

  “I hate to say it, but I agree with you.”

  Ivy scorched Jack with a dark look.

  “Not like that,” Jack said, chuckling. “I just meant that it would be easier if Dorsey was guilty. I’m not sure he is, though. If he’s not, we have an even bigger problem.”

  “Someone set him up,” Ivy surmised. “That means he knows who is framing him. He has to. Only so many people could be aware of the location of that bunker.”

  “Exactly,” Jack said. “We went through that bunker with a fine-toothed comb. There was a room with a lock down one hallway. It had a cot and a toilet. It smelled as if it had been recently cleaned.”

  Ivy was intrigued. “Did it look like the room from the dream?”

  “Not even remotely,” Jack said. “I don’t want to base my investigative tactics on that dream because there’s a chance Jessica’s dream was representational instead of figurative.”

  “You think she could’ve imagined herself in a different dungeon room for her dream,” Ivy said. “Maybe the dream wasn’t a memory but instead something she worried would happen if whoever took her found her again.”

  “Yes,” Jack said. “I’m not ruling Dorsey out, but I’m not convinced it’s him either. We have to keep hammering at him, and we have to keep questioning Jessica. At a certain point, she’s going to have to tell us what happened.”

  “Well, maybe I can make some headway on that tomorrow,” Ivy said. “She’s staying in the hospital for observation, but the doctor and her parents agreed to let me take her on a road trip tomorrow. They think a change of scenery might do her good.”

  Jack’s shoulders stiffened as he stabbed an asparagus spear with his fork. “Excuse me?”

  “Oh, don’t go all Neanderthal man on me,” Ivy warned. “I’m taking her to see Felicity. I thought getting her out of town for a few hours would be good for her. Dr. Nesbitt and her parents agreed. In fact, her parents were relieved because that meant they could get a break tomorrow. They look as if they’re about to fall over.”

  “But ... do you really think that’s a good idea?” Jack challenged. “Someone could still be out there and after her, Ivy. That puts you in danger.”

  “Except no one is going to know she’s with me,” Ivy reminded him. “We’re going to sneak her out the back. The media is going to think she’s there the entire time. I’m going to take her to Felicity’s shop, let her look around, and otherwise just get some fresh air.

  “She can have some tea and then I’ll take her for ice cream,” she continued. “It will be an innocent and completely safe day. No one is going to jump me in Bellaire in the middle of the afternoon.”

  Jack ran his tongue over his teeth as he decided how to answer. Felicity Goodings was Luna Morgan’s sister. She owned a magic shop in a nearby town and she had a way of putting people at ease.

  “Fine,” Jack said, taking Ivy by surprise with his capitulation. “I think Felicity is good with people and she might be able to help you make Jessica comfortable, which in turn might make her willing to trust you.”

  “I’m not questioning her tomorrow, Jack,” Ivy said. “It’s just going to be a fun day trip. I want Jessica to see what’s out there. She went from one prison to another. This trip is supposed to show her what freedom is all about.”

  “I understand that,” Jack said. “You’re extremely loyal and people gravitate toward you. If Jessica grows to trust you, that can only mean good things for everyone concerned.”

  “Really?” Ivy narrowed her eyes. “I thought for sure we would have a big fight about this.”

  “I’m not in the mood to fight,” Jack said. “I want to eat my dinner and then get that back rub you promised me. After that? I’m exhausted, honey. I just want to snuggle up with you and sleep.”

  “Well, I can live with that,” Ivy said. “Eat your dinner and I’ll rub you until you’re putty in my hands.”

  “Oh, Ivy, I’ve been putty in your hands since the moment we met. The back rub will merely be a nice addition to what is already a better day because I got to spend some time with you.”

  “Okay, you’re going to get really lucky after the back rub,” Ivy said. “That was … the best thing I’ve heard in hours.”

  “I guess my evil plan worked.” Jack winked. “I really did miss you today.”

  “Right back at you.”

  “THAT WAS … exactly what I needed.”

  Ivy, her breathing still coming in gasps, rested her head against Jack’s chest as he pulled the covers around t
hem. After Jack’s promised massage, things turned romantic. It wasn’t the playful coupling they usually enjoyed – or even the fiery sort they loved after a fight. This union was soft, offering both of them solace.

  “You and me both, honey,” Jack murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Now I can sleep.”

  Ivy knew he was almost ready to pass out and it wasn’t the time for a heavy conversation, but that didn’t stop her from starting one. “Can I ask you a question before you drift off?”

  “Hmm.”

  It wasn’t really an answer, but Ivy plowed ahead anyway. “Are you ever sorry you met me?”

  Jack snapped his eyes open. “What? No. Why would you ask that?”

  “Because earlier you said that you didn’t want to base your investigative tactics on the dream,” Ivy replied. “You wouldn’t even have to think about stuff like that if it wasn’t for me. I’m making your life more difficult.”

  “Oh, Ivy, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings when I said that,” Jack said, cupping the back of her head. “I just meant that I didn’t want to get tunnel vision and overlook anything because we were focused on the dream.”

  “Okay. I’m sorry. Go to sleep.”

  Jack tightened his arms around Ivy, snuggling her as close as humanly possible without climbing inside of her. “Do you feel that?”

  “Again? I thought you were tired.”

  “Not that,” Jack said, chuckling. “You’re a funny girl, though. I was referring to the way we fit together. It’s almost as if we were designed to be together. Your body fits mine perfectly.”

  “That’s kind of a cute way of looking at it,” Ivy said. “I never considered it that way before.”

  “I wasn’t looking for anyone to fill my life when I met you,” Jack said. “You swooped in and made everything better than I ever imagined, though. I wouldn’t trade you for anything. I hope you know that.”

  “I wouldn’t trade you for anything either – even though you hate morels.”

  Jack closed his eyes as she sighed and melted into his arms. “I’ll learn to like morels,” he said. “No matter what, though, I will never regret you coming into my life. I didn’t know it was possible to be this happy.”

  “I didn’t either,” Ivy admitted. “I just worry things are going to be too much for you at some point. Between the dreams … the ghost thing that happened … and my weird feelings, I’m terrified it’s going to push you over the edge.”

  “I can take all of that,” Jack said. “That’s what makes you the most intriguing woman I’ve ever met.”

  “Thank you for being you … and saying things like that.”

  “No, honey. Thank you for being you.” Jack pressed his lips to her mouth, offering her a sweet kiss. “Do I still have to try liking those feet mushrooms, or will you let that promise slide?”

  Ivy giggled. “Goodnight, Jack. Sweet dreams.”

  “Every dream with you is sweet, honey. Pick a fun spot tonight … like a hammock.”

  “Consider it done.”

  Fourteen

  “Are you nervous?” Ivy smiled at Jessica as the girl settled in the passenger seat of her car the next morning. “It’s okay if you are. This is a big step.”

  “Um … I don’t know if I’m nervous,” Jessica said. “It’s more that I’m excited and a little … okay, yeah, I’m nervous.”

  Ivy chuckled. “It’s going to be okay,” she said. “Do me a favor and duck down, though. I’m going to be driving past the media people and I don’t want them to see you. They’ve gotten used to watching me come and go so they won’t think anything of me leaving the hospital alone.”

  Jessica mutely nodded and scrunched low in the seat. Given her size, it was easy for her to disappear. Ivy had a feeling she’d been trying to disappear for years.

  Ivy was calm as she drove past the media throng, only a handful of curious reporters glancing in her direction. Their interest waned quickly when they realized Ivy was merely making her daily visit.

  Ivy waited until she hit the main drag before speaking again. “We’re safe. Make sure you fasten your seatbelt.”

  Jessica did as instructed and Ivy couldn’t help but notice the girl’s hands shook as she tried to click the metal pieces together. She finally succeeded on the third try.

  “So, where are we going again?”

  “My aunt has a fun magic shop in Bellaire,” Ivy replied. “It’s very small and she’s promised to lock the door while we’re in there so no one will accidentally see you.”

  “I kind of remember Bellaire,” Jessica said, her eyes taking on a far-off quality. “They have a movie theater, right?”

  Ivy nodded. “They do. Do you remember the last movie you saw there?”

  “It was one of the Shrek movies.”

  “Oh, I loved those movies,” Ivy enthused. “I wanted to be an ogre and have a pet donkey for a little bit. I have a cat that acts like a donkey sometimes, and Jack kind of reminds me of an ogre when he feels like arguing, so I kind of got my wish.”

  Jessica giggled, the sound warming Ivy’s heart. “You have a cat? What’s his name?”

  “Nicodemus. I found him abandoned and near death in a Dumpster when he was a kitten. I nursed him back to health and he’s been with me ever since.”

  “I always wanted a cat, but my parents never let me have a pet,” Jessica said.

  “You’re an adult now and will eventually get a place of your own,” Ivy pointed out. “I’m sure you can get a cat when you find your own space. Nicodemus is a great companion. He curls up on my lap when I’m reading. Of course, Jack claims he tries to smother him in his sleep. I’m not sure I believe him, though.”

  “You talk about Jack a lot,” Jessica said. “Do you love him?”

  “I … .” Ivy wasn’t sure how to answer. Finally, she opted for the truth. “I do love him. We haven’t said that to each other yet. It will happen one day, though.”

  “How come you haven’t said it?”

  Ivy shrugged. “Jack is a complicated guy,” she explained. “He moved to Shadow Lake after something bad happened to him in Detroit. He wasn’t really looking for a relationship when he got to town.”

  “But you guys are in a relationship. How did that happen?”

  “Jack claims it was fate,” Ivy replied. “I think he might be right. I know that when I saw him I couldn’t help but fall for him. Something drew me to him from that first moment we met.”

  “Is he your soul mate?”

  “I think so,” Ivy said. “I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Like I told you, we’ve only been dating for a few months. We need time to figure things out before we can make grand pronouncements.”

  “I think he loves you,” Jessica said. “He’s always looking at you like you’re some sort of magical creature. He’s … awed … by you.”

  “Jack is the best man I’ve ever met,” Ivy said. “He’s got a huge heart … and he’s protective … and he’s unbelievably handsome.”

  Jessica snickered. “He’s movie-star handsome.”

  “He is.”

  “I hope someone thinks I’m their soul mate one day,” Jessica said, her eyes trained out the window. “That probably won’t happen because I’m so … damaged.”

  “I don’t believe that’s true,” Ivy argued. “You’re obviously not going to be ready for a relationship for some time, but that doesn’t mean that you’re somehow damaged. You’re wounded right now. Wounds heal, though.

  “Jessica, you have more strength than any ten people I know combined,” she continued. “That strength will eventually attract the right man. I have faith that you’ll get everything you want someday. You just have to believe in yourself to do it.”

  “Do you believe in yourself?” Jessica was genuinely curious. “Do you ever have doubts?”

  “I think anyone who says they don’t have doubts is lying,” Ivy replied, not missing a beat. “I like to think of myself as a strong person, but I often have doubts becaus
e it’s human nature to second-guess yourself.”

  “What do you doubt?”

  “Just last night I doubted whether Jack would be able to put up with some of my quirks and I admitted it to him.”

  “What did he say?”

  “That he liked my quirks and he wasn’t bothered by them in the least,” Ivy answered. “He has a way of making me feel safe. You’ll find someone who will do that for you, too. It won’t happen tomorrow, but I believe it will happen eventually.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Jessica said. “Right now I feel as if everyone is watching me … like I’m a bomb about to explode and they’re just waiting to see who I take out when it happens.”

  “People are watching you because they’re worried and desperate to keep you safe,” Ivy said. “We’re working hard to make sure no one will ever hurt you again.”

  “I have nightmares.” Jessica’s words were barely a whisper. “He comes for me each time. He … does things. He’s never going to just let me go.”

  “Then you have to find the strength to help us put him away,” Ivy said simply, refusing to get into a heavy discussion about Dorsey before visiting Felicity. She didn’t want to put a damper on their day. “When you’re ready to help us, we’ll be waiting.”

  “What if I’m never ready?”

  “I don’t believe that will happen,” Ivy said, directing her car toward the highway that led to Bellaire. “You’ve already proven you’re strong. Now you just need to find a little more courage. You’ll get there. Now, roll down your window and take a deep breath. This is what freedom feels like, and I want you to enjoy it.”

  “YOU must be Jessica. I can’t tell you how happy I am to finally meet you.”

  Felicity Goodings never met a boundary she didn’t want to cross, and today was no different. She pulled Jessica in for a tight hug before the girl could even utter a word.

  For her part, Jessica appeared dumbfounded. She didn’t pull away from Felicity, even though the woman’s bohemian skirt and long hair probably threw her for a loop, and instead let Felicity’s warm feelings wash over her.