Gravedigger (The Rayburn Mysteries Book 1)

by Ceeree Fields

  “Maybe, or maybe this Glenda person is saying what we want to hear. It doesn’t matter anyway, the woman we’re headed to meet will never testify. Luckily, she’s willing to talk to us, because she owes Glenda, and Glenda owes Dad. I’m hoping for a solid lead we can use to track the guy.” Karma’s right hand toyed with her ponytail, a contemplative expression on her face. “All we need is just one piece we can get our fingernails under to peel back.”

  “Why can’t we bring her in and just ha—”

  “She’s a prostitute and a junky. Her specialty is graveyards,” Karma fired back.

  “Shit.” Sullivan rubbed the back of his neck. “Those people are unreliable, Karma. The woman probably saw pink elephants flying the body down from heaven.”

  “If you listen close enough sometimes those pink elephants have enough of a story based in reality to figure out what we need. I want to talk to her to see if she can give us something.”

  Jo bit into her thumbnail at hearing this. The excitement from earlier deserted her.

  “Was her client there too?” Sullivan quipped. “Is he a regular? If so, he’d be a more reliable source.”

  “I don’t know. All I know is she specializes in clients that like to get their freak on.” The shiver that passed over Karma alarmed Jo.

  “What kind of freak?” Jo’s imagination went into overdrive. Bondage? Exhibition? Never being part of Vice, she didn’t have a lot of knowledge to draw from except when the Vice detectives shared their more outlandish collars. Jo shivered at one of the stories involving peanut butter, a wax kit, and acupuncture needles.

  “Like I said, she specializes in cemeteries. Which means getting fucked on crypts, or headstones. There are people that get off on that.”

  Gross, she thought.

  “Gross,” Sullivan said, echoing her thoughts exactly.

  Karma tapped Maker’s seat. “Turn left up here. The house is up there on the right. The light blue with white trim.”

  “I see it.” They rolled to a stop and Maker lowered the window. “Glenda?”

  “Maker?” A raspy voice questioned.

  “Yep.”

  The door opened to a rounded form that was a few inches taller than Jo. Glenda clambered into the front seat and slammed the door shut. The car rocked as she settled. “Let’s go. Lulu’s already at the cemetery. Told her you all were interested in getting it on up there but wasn’t sure how to get in without getting caught.”

  They drove for almost a half hour before pulling off onto the shoulder of a road that ran parallel to the far eastern corner of the Elmwood cemetery. Glancing at the dashboard, Jo saw it was well after seven. With the full moon glowing eerily through the windows, she did not want to get caught too late in the woods. The cemetery, yeah, she could spend the night there and sleep like a baby. The woods . . . not so much.

  Glenda directed them to a small patch of grass with just enough room to allow them to pull fully off the road, making the SUV harder to see. “Make sure she don’t know you’re cops.”

  Surprised, Jo leaned between the seats. “How’d you know?”

  “Please, I saw your badge when I got in.”

  “Dammit.” Sullivan took his badge from his belt and put it in his inside jacket pocket. Jo unclipped hers and tucked the piece of metal into the pocket of her jeans.

  Glenda crossed her arms over her ample chest. “Only two of you can go. Lulu gets real nervous with too many people around.”

  She met Sullivan’s gaze in the dim light of the interior. “Maybe Karma and Maker take point?”

  He rubbed his chin. “I think either me and Karma or you and Maker. Then both of our departments are represented.”

  “It should be you and Maker,” Karma stated, her eyes on Jo.

  Running the various scenarios through her head, she agreed. Karma and Sullivan would never be able to stop sniping long enough to get the information. They radiated tension whenever they were together and not the hot kind of tension, more the I-want-to-shoot-you kind. Jo’s gaze moved to Maker and Sullivan. Maybe they could pass for a gay couple . . . She watched Maker pick something out of his teeth with his pinky and Sullivan narrowing his eyes in disgust at Maker’s antics. Or not.

  She and Karma wouldn’t work either because the second the woman saw their eyes she’d realize that Jo and Karma were related.

  “Okay, Maker, looks like we’re it.”

  Instead of replying, he tipped his chin and stepped from the parked SUV.

  Teeth chattering from the biting February wind, she zipped her leather coat up while moving closer to Maker. Darkness surrounded them before Maker flicked on the flashlight. She’d been right, the light from the moon cast an eerie light through the trees. Taking a fortifying breath, she followed Glenda and Maker into the woods.

  It had to be the woods.

  “Lulu doesn’t go anywhere near the entrance. It’s got an alarm that’s monitored.” Glenda rounded a massive oak.

  Just as Jo and Maker caught up to the woman another form appeared ahead of them. Heart racing, her hand touched the empty space where her holster should have been. She hated the fucking woods, and her without her damned gun.

  “Hey, Lulu. Didn’t think I’d ever find that damned oak with the giant boulder, girl.” Glenda smiled brilliantly.

  “Hey, Glen. This the couple?”

  “Yeah, they want to get their freak on in a cemetery.” Glenda waved toward them. “Seems they’re into the public sex kink.”

  Jo winced. That was not her. Meeting Maker’s eyes, she caught him winking at Lulu, his chest puffing out.

  Was he into public sex? He didn’t seem uncomfortable. Didn’t shift from foot-to-foot. If so, did she want to know? The answer to that would be a resounding no. It’d be like asking her brother if he got it on in public. A heavy dose of alcohol would be needed for her to get those pictures out of her head. She jolted when Maker wrapped an arm around her waist and yanked her close.

  The quiet man became someone different. Someone relaxed and approachable. He’d been carrying the entire conversation while she’d been distracted jumping at shadows.

  “Our favorite was sneaking into a hedge maze last year.” Maker’s fingers dug into her hip.

  Getting into character, Jo leaned against Maker’s side and patted his chest. “I read a regency romance and thought making love in a hedge maze would be romantic.”

  “More like uncomfortable, because those bushes were no help supporting us. Ended up crashing through one of them.” He grinned rakishly.

  “Anyway,” Glenda interrupted. “They want to try a cemetery. But you know me, not only am I out of the profession, I do not do cemeteries.”

  Lulu grinned, patting Glenda on the arm. “I know. Not many do, just got a couple of clients who enjoy it. Seems I’m the only game in town right now who’s not scared of these places.”

  Before she could push the issue, Lulu pointed to her and Maker. “You two come with me. I’ll show you how to get in and avoid the cameras. Glenda, you gonna stay here?”

  “Hell’s no. Not by myself. These two know where my car is. I’ll meet them there.” With that, Glenda darted back the way they’d come.

  For as large as the woman was, she sure could disappear quickly.

  “She does know she’ll be sitting in the car by herself, right?” Lulu shook her head. The large looped earrings caught the moonlight.

  Without Glenda between them, Jo got a better look at Lulu. Stick thin and gaunt. All limbs and elbows barely covered by a tight red lace dress which stopped at mid-thigh. Expecting to see heels, instead, Lulu’s feet were encased in sturdy hiking boots, and thick white socks peeked over the tops.

  Lulu laughed. The sound wasn’t pretty. More of a high-pitched cackle than warm chuckle. “Like I’d go trompin
g in the woods in heels. You two coming or ya’ gonna go back? Because I sure don’t have all night.”

  “Glenda told us your going rate, we’ll make sure you do have all night to get us in and out of the cemetery,” Maker stated, falling in behind Jo.

  “Get in and out the same way. Just follow the stones.” Lulu pointed to small pebbles to the left of them. Her voice held a raspy quality that would attract men. Almost as if she smoked.

  The stones laid out like breadcrumbs were ingenious in Jo’s opinion and would make it much easier to find their way back. With those on the ground, they wouldn’t need Lulu to lead them out.

  “Is this the only cemetery you come to?” Jo couldn’t help but continuously search the woods. Nerves on edge, she wanted to get away from them. Too many places for someone to hide.

  “No, I usually go to the one near Irondale. The cops there are a bit more understanding.”

  It was the cemetery where the Gravedigger hunt began. “Too busy now?”

  “Nah.” Lulu stepped from the woods into the graveyard. The moonlight glistened over the woman’s dark skin. In this light, Lulu looked pretty and exotic, though the fidgety hands distracted from the look. The fear on her face, however, made Jo hesitate leaving the woods. “Look, I can show you how to get in over there, but I’d stick to this one for a bit.”

  “Why?” She stepped closer to Lulu, edging away from the dark woods.

  Maker kept to the shadows, letting her take the lead.

  “You’ll think I’m nuts, but I’ll tell you.” Lulu’s eyes darted around the area before falling on Jo again. “There was a man there. Guy was massive. Easily six-four, maybe six-five. He was scoping the place out late last night when I took one of my clients there. Only reason we avoided him was ‘cause we came in near the back.” She crossed her arms, rubbing her upper arms as if chilled. “I used one of the mausoleums that night. My guy’s not normally into those things, but I told him I felt raindrops.” A slight huff. “Anyway, you get the drift. Mountain man was gone when we left. Now I’ll be using this one for a while.”

  “You seen that hulk over here by chance?” Jo’s gaze darted over the cemetery and scanned the tree line again.

  “Maybe. Why?” Lulu’s eyes narrowed, her tone frosty. Tension pulled her body taut.

  “‘Cause I don’t wanna run into him even with my man here. Especially if I’m naked.”

  “Yeah, that makes sense. I think the guy was here early last year, but he was messing around out by the entrance. Never saw him in here before.” Lulu shifted, a guilty look flashing over her face. “Can’t be sure it was him or not, just keep to the edge of these here trees and you’ll be fine.”

  Tingles shot down Jo’s spine at the information. She bet Lulu had been the anonymous tipster last October, the one to call about the body related to the governor. Jo wanted to ask but knew the second Lulu heard ‘cop’ the woman would bolt. Maybe the mystery needed to remain unsolved.

  However, if Lulu saw the man there again, then the guy had changed his pattern. He’d always left at least a year between cemeteries, until now. They must’ve spooked him between the Tennessee fiasco and Terry getting shot. He’d altered his schedule. Hopefully, this lead panned out.

  “Thanks, Lulu. We’ll follow the stone path out.” Maker stepped forward, several bills between his fingers. “We’re going to go find us a bit of cemetery lawn.”

  Lulu grinned, then pointed to the left. “Softest spot over there between an angel statue and a big ‘ole cross. Got a blanket tucked between the two headstones if you wanna borrow it, feel free. I’ll leave you alone. If you need me again, Glen knows where I am.”

  A nervous scan of the area and she slid quietly back into the woods. Probably to go get a fix now that she was flush and didn’t have to work, at least for tonight.

  “Give her enough time to go and we’ll head back to the car,” Jo whispered.

  “You think it’s our guy back at Forest Cemetery, don’t you?” Maker’s green-eyed gaze eyes met Jo’s.

  “Yeah, I do.” Jo’s heart raced and adrenaline spiked. This was their break. One cemetery instead of six. More backup. All the equipment could be focused in one place. They were going to get the guy this time.

  Chapter 18

  Sullivan cornered her in the break room.

  “Why didn’t you tell me the tip came from your dad?”

  “Because he’s not my dad, Carl is. That man happened to get Mom pregnant and leave us to go off God knows where.” Jo bit the inside of her cheek before she said too much. “Carl married Mom and adopted me, he’s the only father I have. You know this Sullivan, since we talked about it the first time Karma and co. came to visit.”

  “Fair enough.” Sullivan rubbed his jaw. “How does your biological father get owed a favor by an ex-hooker?”

  “I’ve no idea.” She didn’t want to examine the relationship too closely. Because Glenda was an ex-hooker Jo’s mind immediately thought of her bio-dad’s sex life. Which skeeved her out. She was definitely going to need a shot of vodka after this case.

  “Was he a cop?”

  It felt like Sullivan was grilling her the same as he did one of their suspects. Unlike his suspects, she was made of sterner stuff. Instead of caving, she crossed her arms and clenched her jaw, pissed that Sullivan felt like she was keeping secrets from him. She was, but she didn’t like being called on it.

  “Hell no. I don’t know what he does, but he’s never been a cop.” Nor had he been in the military . . . Jo had checked. From the background she’d pulled on the man, his father had been in the military and also a survivalist. One who’d had a lot of special ops training before coming home. His paperwork had been sparse for five years before he returned home after his wife’s death and taken over raising Jo’s biological father. “Look, if you want answers maybe play nice with Karma and pump her for information. Because I don’t have them.”

  Sullivan snorted. “I’d rather join a snake handling church and become their minister.”

  Laughing, she jabbed a finger at him. “All the snakes would be dead. Let’s not forget what happened when Arabelle tried to pet the boa at the zoo’s reptile house.”

  “The fanged thing stuck its tongue out to taste her. I pulled my gun just in case it made a wrong move.” Sullivan’s frown would’ve sent anyone else scurrying away, but Jo laughed harder. “Besides, you’re not any fonder of spiders than I am of snakes.”

  She stopped mid-laugh. “That is not the same thing. Spiders are sneaky and hide in tiny places. Snakes make enough noise you’re warned to get the heck out of the way.”

  “You say tomayto, I say tomahto.”

  Throwing up her hands, she spun on her heels. “Let’s go set up our teams for the stakeout.”

  “You don’t like that I’m right,” Sullivan replied from behind her. “And don’t think you got away with changing the subject, I know you’re lying about your biological father. We’ll be talking about that later.”

  Instead of answering, she ignored him. Christ, did she want Sullivan knowing about her father? Her suspicions? Since, again, she had no proof.

  Heading to the meeting their captain had called as soon as he’d heard about the previous night’s events, she pushed everything else but the case from her head.

  Every person in the precinct wanted a piece of the guy who’d hurt one of their own. Jo wanted to make damned sure she was the first in line.

  The day passed with her dodging Sullivan while running down leads.

  Sullivan dragged his coat on. “Come on, partner, we’ve done all we can. Let’s get a beer.”

  She knew avoiding Sullivan for the day had been too easy. With another team led by Abe sitting on the cemetery tonight, they weren’t due over there for a few days.

  After Karma and Maker returned,
then Jo and Sullivan would team up with them. But as her sister hadn’t cleared last night’s excursion with her boss, both Karma and Maker were in hot water. An email from Karma finally came through, late in the afternoon, confirming both them would be able to help with backup. For as much crap as she gave Karma, the woman was resourceful.

  A palm landed on Jo’s shoulder and she tipped her chair back to meet Sullivan’s eyes. Uh-oh, she might have kept one too many secrets from her partner. His face set in determined lines she’d only seen focused on suspects.

  “I’m taking my car.” She stood, pulling her jacket from the back of her chair and tugging it on.

  “Fine, you can follow me.”

  Snagging her purse, she fell in step with him. “Where are we going?”

  They broke out of the too warm office into the damp cold evening air.

  “Based on your reaction, somewhere we won’t be interrupted. How about that Mexican place in Centerpoint?”

  “The one in the shopping area?” Jo clarified, since there were several Mexican restaurants in that area.

  “Yeah.” His tone was clipped, almost icy.

  Outside their jurisdiction and in an area that they didn’t interact with much. She still had a cousin that worked that section, but it was doubtful he’d be on night shift with a new baby at home.

  Silence descended between them. It wasn’t pleasant. Normally, the quiet was comfortable, easy. This one was filled with tension and nerves. Jo had never been so glad to part company with Sullivan than when they reached her car.

  Opening the driver’s door, she faced Sullivan. “I’ll meet you there.”

  ~ ~ ~

  It looked like any mainstream Mexican restaurant. The sombreros on the pale orange walls perched next to brilliant colored ponchos. Other trinkets and paintings hung around the restaurant, and a muted television, tuned to a soccer match, sat on a shelf in the corner above the register.