Caliber Detective Agency Box Set 2

by Remington Kane

  “Let me see that ring again?”

  Kelli held out her hand and Claire studied the ring.

  “That diamond did not come cheaply.”

  “Jake has money, family money from the business.”

  “You wouldn’t know it to look at him.”

  Kelli sighed.

  “Can’t you say anything nice about him?”

  “Yes.”

  “What?”

  “He was smart enough to win your heart, and baby, I truly hope you’ll be happy.”

  The two women embraced, as the phone in the kitchen continued to go unanswered.

  CHAPTER 20

  The kid wasn’t wrong about his boat being fast and Shea was near Atlantic City before she realized it.

  The kid, Joe, slowed the boat considerably, as Rayne searched ahead with binoculars.

  “Why are you following this guy, Rayne?”

  “I’m a P.I.; I work for Jake Caliber.”

  “No shit, hell, that guy is like the best there is, you must be good too.”

  “I just hope I’m good enough to catch up to this man, Hollie.”

  “If he’s headed to AC, he’s ours, and you should spot that boat of his any minute.”

  Rayne looked up at the sky.

  “I’d better spot him soon, or it’ll be dark.”

  She went back to searching and a few minutes later let out a shout.

  “I got him, and I can even make out his white hair with these things.”

  “Should I move closer?”

  “No, we’ll just follow him for now, and good work.”

  Joe grinned.

  “I told you we’d catch him.”

  Rayne attempted to use her phone but couldn’t get a signal.

  “You have to use the radio out here, who did you want to call?”

  “My partners, they’re inside one of the casinos.”

  “If it becomes an emergency, I’ll call the Coast Guard and try to pass a message through.”

  “How long would that take?”

  “I’m not really sure, I’ve never tried it, but hey, what’s this guy up to?”

  “We think he wants to murder two people.”

  “Out here on the ocean?”

  “No, they’re in the casino.”

  “Then, why come out here?” Joe said, and as Rayne considered the question, she began to wonder if Hollie chose to arrive by boat for a reason she hadn’t considered.

  ***

  Kelli hugged her mother as the two women stood in her doorway saying goodbye.

  Claire Ross looked at her daughter and sighed.

  “I hope I’m wrong about Jake, and that you’ll be very happy.”

  “He loves me, Mom, and I trust him completely now. Please don’t ever try and break us up again.”

  Claire picked up her suitcase. She was standing halfway in the hall, and with the door open, you could hear the sound of someone entering the building.

  “When I get back home to Westchester, I’ll begin planning an engagement party for you.”

  Kelli smiled.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, dear, and I’ll do my best to get along with—Aaaaahhhgg!”

  Claire cried out in shock and Kelli looked on in horror as her mother’s face twisted in a grimace of agony.

  “Mom! What’s wrong?”

  Claire dropped the suitcase and slid down along the doorframe. That’s when Kelli saw the killer withdraw the long, blood-covered stiletto from her mother’s back.

  ***

  Kelli let out a shriek of despair as she watched her mother hit the floor, then, turned and bolted for the kitchen.

  The killer stumbled over Claire’s form in the doorway, but regained his balance and went in pursuit.

  When he reached her, Kelli was dumping the contents of her purse atop the kitchen table, while mewing in fear at his approach. With his left hand, he grabbed her hair and yanked her backwards. Kelli screamed from the pain, but twisted in his grip, and sprayed him directly in the eyes with pepper spray.

  ***

  Kelli felt a surge of hope as she heard the killer scream in pain, but could still not get free of his grip. The man was calling her a string of vile names, even as he attempted to wipe his eyes clear by rubbing his face upon his shoulder.

  She reached out, gripped the edge of the countertop and pulled herself forward, lurching away from the madman with the knife, and in the process, she left a clump of her hair still firmly gripped in his hand.

  The man made a swipe with the knife, but it was a move of desperation and Kelli could tell that the pepper spray had blinded him. More curses followed along with several arcs of the blade, and after each one, Kelli attempted to leave the kitchen, but then pulled back.

  The killer was still in the way and if he swiped at her while she passed by, he could very well slice her open. She looked around through eyes filled with tears, and when she spotted the blades in the butcher block, she rushed over and removed the carving knife.

  The sound of her footfalls gave away her position and the killer rushed towards her, while swinging his blade in an arc about chest high.

  Kelli ducked below the swing, made a desperate thrust with her own blade, and buried it to the handle in the man’s abdomen. It was a sickening act, and the accompanying sensations, such as the spray of blood and the feel of squirming intestines, nearly made her vomit. The subsequent howl that erupted from the killer was so animalistic, that it made Kelli tremble.

  ***

  The killer felt the blade enter his body and his considerable madness increased.

  Killing the delicate, yet resourceful creature before him became all there was, and he reached down, felt the arm holding the blade, and followed it past the shoulder, to take hold of its tender neck, and to squeeze it as hard as he could.

  The creature’s hand left the knife and began prying at the fingers squeezing the life from it, and although he could no longer see, he imagined the she-beast as he drove her to the floor, her back braced against a corner of the kitchen counter, with nowhere to run.

  As choked cries of pain issued from her throat, the killer released her, raised his knife, and prepared to hack her to pieces.

  ***

  Kelli couldn’t breathe, and the hand around her throat felt as if it were made of steel. She clawed at the ever-tightening fingers, drawing blood, but having no effect whatsoever, and then she felt herself being driven down to the floor and knew that she had only seconds to live.

  When the hand at last loosened its grip, she felt the briefest moment of relief, before terror again gripped her heart, as she saw the killer raise his bloody blade high in preparation to strike. Kelli raised her right hand in a feeble attempt to ward off the inevitable thrust, and screamed one word from her damaged throat.

  “Jake!”

  ***

  The killer thrust the blade down and felt sweet pleasure as it sliced through the flesh of his victim, so much so, that a giggle escaped his lips. However, the laughter died in his throat, as he realized that he and his prey were no longer alone.

  ***

  Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

  Jake fired frantically into the back and head of the killer and saw his shots tear the man to pieces.

  He reached the body as it was still falling and shoved the fresh corpse backwards and away from Kelli, then made a choked sound in his throat as he saw her wound.

  Kelli stared up at him with a mixture of pain, relief, and wonder, and then gazed at her hand, and the knife jammed through her palm up to its hilt.

  Blood pulsed from the wound with each beat of her heart. Jake reached up, grabbed a dish towel, and wrapped it as tenderly as he could around the hand, while murmuring words of comfort. He then lifted Kelli from the floor, ran past her wounded mother in the doorway, and exited the building, and as he did so, a police car pulled up.

  The cop that emerged from the passenger seat was Delaney’s friend, Tomás Rivera, and when he saw th
e embedded knife, and the blood dripping from the ends of Kelli’s fingertips, he cursed in Spanish, opened the rear door of the patrol car, and waved Jake over.

  “The perp?”

  “Dead, and there’s a woman inside who’s badly injured.”

  “My mother,” Kelli said in a hoarse voice. “Jake, stay and help my mother.”

  A second police car arrived and Jake kissed Kelli, and then watched as Rivera’s partner ferried her away to the hospital with the lights and siren going.

  Minutes later, the three remaining cops and Jake gathered around Claire Ross while waiting for an ambulance, as it was determined that she shouldn’t be moved without proper care.

  Claire was barely conscious, but Jake kneeled beside her in the hall and held her hand.

  Her lips moved, but no sound could be discerned, and so Jake leaned over and put his ear to her mouth.

  “Kelli?” she said.

  “She’s safe.”

  Claire gave a slight nod, and then passed out.

  The ambulance arrived, and care was administered on the scene before they loaded her onto a stretcher and drove off.

  Delaney arrived a moment later with Shea and Hector.

  “Kelli?”

  “Injured, but she’ll be okay, and I need to be with her.”

  “I’ll take you.”

  Jake pointed at Hector’s bike, which lay on its side near the steps. “Let me know if there’s any damage, and Hector, I owe you, brother.” He then went to O’Reilly.

  “Thank you, Shea, if you hadn’t... thank you.”

  O’Reilly winked.

  “It was my first bit of detecting, not bad, huh?”

  Jake laughed, reached down and gave her a heartfelt hug, and then left to be with his fiancée.

  CHAPTER 21

  Gail and Tate had just dropped Becca back at her group home when she received the call about Kelli’s attack.

  She entered the hospital with Tate at her side, and when they reached the elevator, they found the old man and Maggie standing among a small group waiting to go up.

  Gail gave the old man a hug, and then eyed him and Maggie.

  “You two came together?”

  Maggie nodded, as the old man extended a hand to Tate.

  “We don’t seem to meet under pleasant circumstances, do we?”

  Tate sent him a nervous smile.

  “No sir, we don’t.”

  The elevator came, and when they reached Kelli’s room, Tate decided to wait out in the hall for Gail.

  “It’s all right if you come in.”

  “No, I’ll wait here. I don’t even know the young lady, and as your father-in-law said, it’s not the best of circumstances.”

  “All right, but I’ll introduce you to everyone soon.”

  Tate smiled.

  “I look forward to getting to know them.”

  Gail left him, entered the room, and found Kelli in good spirits. Kelli’s hand was heavily bandaged and her throat was bruised. When she spoke, it was in a whisper, as she could speak no louder

  Gail took her good hand and smiled down at her.

  “You’ve had quite a day, young lady.”

  “Yes, but right before you came, we learned that my mother will recover, although she suffered a punctured lung.”

  “That’s excellent news.”

  The old man looked over at Jake.

  “What’s the story on this killer?”

  “His name was Wayne McKay. He was a classmate of Kelli and the other girls, but it seems he’s spent the last nine years inside a mental hospital, that is, until he escaped over a month ago.”

  Kelli shook her head in dismay.

  “I don’t even remember him; I don’t know why he fixated on the six of us.”

  “It probably all made sense in his sick mind,” Gail said. “And in reality, I guess our B-Girls had no connection to him at all, except as a red herring.”

  Maggie looked at Gail.

  “Since that’s true, are you going to change your decision about ending the service?”

  “No, that decision stands, but at least now I know that the girls are safe.”

  Jake was sitting beside Kelli’s bed, but he stood and offered his mother a seat.

  “Thank you, honey, but no, I won’t be staying long... I’ve a friend in the hall waiting.”

  “Who’s the friend?”

  Gail hesitated, but then raised her chin and said, “It’s Jim Tate.”

  Jake stared at her for a beat, and then went out into the hallway.

  Gail watched him go with a worried look on her face.

  “Gail,” the old man said.

  She turned back and looked at him.

  “It’s nice to see you with someone, daughter, and I hope it brings you happiness.”

  Gail smiled, and then glanced at Maggie.

  “I wish the same for you.”

  Jake returned with Jim Tate, and led him over to the bed.

  “Mr. Tate, I would like to introduce you to my soon-to-be bride, Kelli Ross.”

  Kelli smiled at Tate and sent him a whispered greeting.

  Tate smiled back.

  “It’s nice to meet you, young lady, and it’s also nice to be welcomed.”

  Gail mouthed the words, “Thank you,” to her son, and he sent her a wink in return.

  ***

  Rayne had told Joe to use the radio to try to reach Chris and Velma through the Coast Guard, but so far there was no word back.

  Darkness had fallen, but thanks to a moon that was nearly full, Rayne was able to keep Carter Hollie’s boat in sight.

  Joe pointed ahead, where the lights of Atlantic City sparkled on shore.

  “Something’s not right, that guy Hollie is getting too close to shore.”

  “What will happen?”

  “He’ll run aground, that’s what they call a Sharpie, it’s got a flat bottom that’s made for shallow water, hell, he might even make it to shore.”

  “To shore?” Rayne said, and then she looked at the lights of the city again. “Oh my God, he’s not planning on going into the casino at all. He’s going to walk right up the beach to the windows and then open fire, and from inside, I doubt they can see anything outside because of the glare. Joe, you have got to get me in contact with somebody. We’re running out of time.

  ***

  Inside the restaurant, Chris and Velma were sitting at the bar, while Merriweather and Chancellor played cards at a nearby table.

  Jake had called and told them about Kelli being attacked, and also about their engagement. The news had made them both anxious to return to the city.

  Velma smiled.

  “Despite everything, I know Kelli must be in heaven. She’s wanted to marry Jake for a long time.”

  “My big brother hit the jackpot there, Kelli’s the best.”

  Velma reached over and took his hand.

  “I want to say once again that I’m sorry about not telling you about Peter.”

  “I know, and I’m past it. It’s just that a marriage is a big thing, even if it did only last a few days.”

  “What skeletons are in your closet?”

  “I stole a candy bar when I was nine, but I’ll never do it again. My butt still hurts from the whupping my dad gave me.”

  “What was your father like, was he like the old man?”

  “Some, but a little more laid back. I guess I take after him in that respect.”

  “Speaking of family, I’ve actually been thinking of taking a trip back home soon. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen my family and friends back in Texas.”

  “Would you like some company?”

  Velma smiled.

  “Yes, I would love for everyone to meet you.”

  Chris looked around the empty restaurant.

  “This day seems like it’s never going to end.”

  “Yes, waiting for something to happen makes for a long day.”

  Merriweather stood up from the table and p
ointed at the huge window that faced the beach.

  “Hey, there’s something on fire out there, oh man, it looks like a boat.”

  Chancellor followed him to the window to take a look and Velma and Chris left the bar and began walking that way as well. When the phone at the bar rang, Merriweather turned and spoke to Chris.

  “Grab that will you, kid? And just let them know that we’re closed until tomorrow.”

  “Right,” Chris said, as Velma reached the window and stood beside the clients.

  “Hello, Winner’s Steakhouse... I’m Christopher Caliber... the Coast Guard?... oh, yes patch her through please.”

  ***

  “Oh man,” Joe said. “The crazy bastard just set his boat on fire. Why would he do that?”

  “He’s trying to draw them to the window. Oh God, Chris.”

  The radio squawked and Joe snatched it up.

  “Yeah, yeah, Mr. Caliber, she’s right here.”

  Rayne took the radio from Joe.

  “Chris?”

  “It’s me, Rayne, what’s up?”

  “Stay away from the windows and turn off the lights. Carter Hollie is on the beach.”

  Rayne heard Chris say, “Oh my God,” and then he shouted Velma’s name, followed by the sound of gunfire. When she looked over at the beach, she saw the muzzle flash of a high-powered rifle.

  ***

  “Velma! Get down, Hollie’s on the beach.”

  Velma’s eyes grew wide and then she told Merriweather and Chancellor to get on the floor.

  Chris knew that they were all exposed as long as the overhead lights were on, and so he looked for a switch to shut them off. That’s when his eyes fell upon the electrical control box in the hallway. He took out his gun and fired at it, just as a barrage of gunfire blew apart the glass wall.

  Chris called into the sudden darkness.

  “Velma!”

  “We’re safe!”

  “Stay with them. I’ll deal with Carter Hollie.”

  “Do you see him?”

  “Oh yeah, I see him.”

  With the electrical power in the restaurant disabled, only the flames of the burning boat lit the beach, and reversed the advantage that Hollie had enjoyed. Now the restaurant was a black void, while Carter Hollie stood revealed, silhouetted against a fire that he himself had ignited.

  Chris charged out of the blackness towards Carter Hollie with his gun arm extended.