“He seemed in good spirits,” Megan said as they exited the hospital.
“But I can tell he’s still working on the case.” Garret cautiously looked left and right. “I could see the wheels spinning in his head while we told him about last night at Marco’s.”
“Maybe he’ll come up with something helpful.” She glanced around too.
“Stay near me.” Garret wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close. “And let’s walk fast.”
Soon they were inside his SUV, but Megan continued to keep a watchful eye while Garret drove them to town. Fortunately, they didn’t see anyone following them and when they got to the newspaper, she was relieved to see that her car was parked in front and the tires were intact. She pointed to the patrol car parked conspicuously in front of her car. “And I’ve even got protection,” she said as she got out.
“Even so, I’m going in with you,” he insisted as he got out of the car, walking her to the door. But before she could insert her key, the door swung open and Arthur and Barb both welcomed her with warm hugs, and an armed officer sat in a nearby chair with a mug of coffee. “I can see you’re in good hands,” he said after he greeted the employees. “Call me if you need anything.”
She promised to do so and then he exited the building with a feeling of determination brewing within him. He wanted to surprise Kent with this unexpected morning visit. Hopefully, getting caught off guard would help him to slip up. Garret’s plan was to play oblivious. At least to start with. Then, if Kent wasn’t cooperative, Garret would play tough.
He parked in front of the shabby-looking apartment complex and quickly surveyed the scene. To his relief, Kent’s unit, although upstairs, was visible from the street. But as he went up the exterior stairs, Garret silently prayed. And then, without wasting a moment, he knocked firmly on the door.
When it opened, the stench of old cigarette smoke and filth rolled out and Kent, wearing a sleeveless T-shirt and boxers, looked red-eyed and reeked of alcohol. “Hey, Kent,” Garret said cheerfully. “I was hoping we could talk.”
“What about?”
“Well, for starters I’ve been concerned about you. Thought maybe you were sick or something.”
“I’m not sick.” Kent rubbed his unshaven chin. “What’d’ya want, anyway?”
“I’m just checking on my employee,” Garret said evenly. “Want to know why you’re not showing up for work. Or did you quit and forgot to tell me?”
Kent looked slightly confused.
“I mean, I noticed you’re working at Marco’s on the Waterfront now.” Garret gave him a blank look.
“Yeah, but that’s just nights.”
“So you want to keep working for me?” Garret frowned doubtfully.
“I dunno.” Kent glanced over his shoulder with a slightly nervous expression.
“Because I have to say, I’m not that impressed with your mechanical ability.”
“Yeah, well...”
“What’s going on with you and the Marco brothers?” Garret demanded. “Do you know about their mob connections or are you just one of their expendable pawns?” He leaned toward him with narrowed eyes.
“I don’t have to talk to you.” Kent started to close his door, but Garret blocked it with his foot.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Garret said. “You’re in deep with the Marco boys, aren’t you? And that makes you a prime suspect in the murder of Rory McCallister.”
The door opened a bit more. “You can’t pin that on me.”
Garret peered into his eyes. “I think I can. Wade just told me this morning that he remembers seeing you lurking around the marina on Thursday morning. And yet you didn’t report for work that day. But you had access to Rory’s boat. You had time to do something to it. I think that’s what happened.”
“You can’t prove that.”
“You’re wrong, Kent,” Garret bluffed. “The evidence is already stacking up against you. Your best hope is to come clean and see if the cops will cut you a break for—”
“Get outta here!” Kent yelled.
“I just wanted to give you a chance,” Garret said calmly. “But looks like you’d rather do this the hard way.”
Kent swore loudly and somewhat incoherently as Garret removed his foot from the doorway. The flimsy door slammed closed and Garret knew Kent was involved. He felt relieved to see other neighbors looking out, curious about the noise as he hurried away from the apartment complex. Once in his SUV, he called Detective Greene and shared this new information. “I think you should bring him in for questioning,” Garret told him. “Scare him enough and you might get him to talk. Because I’m certain he was involved in Rory McCallister’s so-called accident.”
As Garret drove through town, he felt worried about Megan and suddenly realized he hadn’t bothered to get her new cell phone number. Although he knew she should be safe with Arthur and Barb with her at the newspaper office, he just wasn’t certain. But when he called the newspaper’s phone, Barb answered, assuring him that Megan was just fine.
“And the policeman’s still there?”
“Working on another cup of coffee as we speak.”
“How’s the search going?” Garret asked. “Getting warmer?”
“No,” she said glumly. “I really don’t think that envelope is here.”
“Yeah, that seems like the most obvious place, doesn’t it? Rory was smarter than that.”
“Do you want to talk to Megan?”
“Not right now. Just tell her I’m going back to the marina to take care of some business. But tell her to call me when she has a moment. I need to get her new cell phone number.”
“Arthur and I are both so glad she has you to lean on, Garret. I know Rory would be very appreciative, too.”
Garret thanked her and hung up. As he drove to the marina, keeping a lookout for anything suspicious, he thought about Rory. Had he even realized what a hornets’ nest he’d poked into when he started his investigation? Had he ever considered that his life could be endangered, or his daughter’s? Garret didn’t think so. But he knew Rory well enough to know that he’d been impetuous and strong-willed. He marched into places that others avoided. Like David and Goliath, Rory had been unafraid to take on the giants in his life. Hopefully, his old friend’s efforts wouldn’t be for nothing.
It was close to one by the time Megan called. Her voice was tired and discouraged. “I’m done here and I just told Arthur and Barb to go home.”
“So you’ll be there alone?” Garret didn’t like the sound of that.
“My armed guard is still here. Besides, I’m getting ready to leave, too.”
“Why don’t you meet me for lunch?” he said eagerly.
“That actually sounds good.”
“How about The Bridgeview?” he suggested, remembering how he loved going there as a kid. “We could do it in memory of your dad.”
“Oh, Garret, that sounds wonderful. Let’s meet there.”
“Only if you ask your armed guard to escort you.”
“He looks like he might be ready for lunch, too.” She chuckled.
“Whoever gets there first can save a table,” Garret told her.
* * *
Despite her disappointment at not finding the envelope, Megan’s spirits lifted as she thought about dining at The Bridgeview. What a great idea to eat there in honor of her dad. It was just what she needed. She hadn’t seen the place in years. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too crowded because, even though the cool, foggy weather wasn’t too welcoming, the tourists were still all over town.
With her police escort tailing her, she drove past Marco’s on the Waterfront and shuddered. She had no desire to return there—ever. Not that they would care since they already had a line outside their entrance.
Driv
ing on, she saw that The Bridgeview’s parking lot held very few cars. Hopefully, they were open. She got out and hurried through the damp air, the haunting sound of the foghorn reminding her of her childhood. To her delight, the front door was open. But as soon as she stepped inside, she felt the difference. Something had changed in here.
Looking around, she could see the restaurant was run-down. The wood floors needed refinishing, the tables and chairs were worn and shabby and the walls looked dreary and sad. Even the restaurant’s old owner, Marty, looked like he’d seen better days. Although his eyes lit up to see her.
“I’m surprised you’re not busier,” she said after they exchanged greetings. “Especially on Memorial Day weekend.”
Marty just shook his head. “Between Marco’s and the casino’s restaurants, we haven’t been too busy the past couple of years.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, I told the wife that if business doesn’t pick up, we’ll have to shut down.”
“I sure hope that doesn’t happen.”
Megan spotted Garret entering the restaurant. “There’s my, uh, lunch companion.”
“Garret Larsson?” Marty nodded with approval. “Good for you, Megan. Good for both of you.”
Megan’s cheeks warmed at the insinuation. And yet she liked it, too. Who cared if someone assumed they were a couple? She smiled as she eagerly waved to Garret. Glad to be reunited with him, she felt safer as he came closer. Marty and Garret shook hands and before long they were ordering lunch—both of them chose fish and chips with coleslaw.
After Marty returned to the kitchen, Garret told her about Kent. “He had guilty written all over him.” He scowled. “I can’t believe I ever let Wade talk me into hiring him.”
“Did Wade know what he was really like, what kind of person he was getting you involved with?”
Garret shook his head. “No, I don’t think so. Wade isn’t the sharpest crayon in the box, but he’s not malicious. He doesn’t like the Marco brothers any more than I do.”
“Why didn’t the police take Kent in last night?” Megan asked.
“Good question. Apparently they felt certain they had the two main suspects. Kent didn’t interest them.”
“So Kent is still out there...” Megan nervously twisted the paper napkin. “As well as the creep who knocked me down in the hospital parking lot...along with who knows how many other thugs.” She glanced anxiously around the restaurant, where only a few tables were occupied, and then out over the river, where a thick blanket of fog was rolling in. She no longer felt safe. Not even with Garret there.
It wasn’t long before Marty brought out their lunches. They thanked him and then Garret bowed his head and not only said a blessing, but also gave thanks for the life of Rory McCallister and asked God to help them bring justice to Cape Perpetua.
“Thank you for that prayer,” Megan said quietly after they’d both said amen.
“Bon appétit,” Garret said as he picked up a piece of fish.
Megan did likewise, giving it a contented sniff before taking a bite. “Yum,” she said as she set the piece down. “Just as good as I remember.”
For a while neither of them spoke much as they enjoyed their meal. Once again, Megan wished that they were involved in a real relationship, out for an afternoon date with nothing much to talk about beyond the weather and getting to know each other better. It sounded so blissful. Instead, they had this gloomy cloud hovering over them, sort of like the fog that now completely obliterated the river.
“The Bridgeview really does have the best fish and chips in town,” he said as he shook out some malt vinegar.
“I agree.” She picked up another piece of fish. “Dad said it’s because Marty uses halibut. A lot of places use cod but it’s not nearly as good.”
“Your dad would agree.” He chuckled. “I remember how he’d throw it back if he thought it would live. Otherwise he’d give it away.”
Megan laughed—and then stopped. “Wait a minute!”
“Huh?” Garret stopped with a bite of coleslaw halfway between his mouth and the plate.
“I’ve got it.” Her face flushed with excitement.
“Got what?”
She blotted her mouth with her napkin and stood “I know where the yellow envelope is, Garret. I’m certain of it.”
“What? Where?”
She pushed her plate toward him. “Can you give Marty my apologies and ask him to put this in a to-go box?”
“But what are you—”
“I’ve got to go get it. Now!”
He reached out to grasp her arm. “Where is it?”
She leaned down, speaking quietly. “Dad hated cod. But when I reloaded his freezer yesterday, there was a large package marked cod.”
He frowned. “So?”
“So, don’t you remember how I told you Dad had once hid his novel manuscript in the freezer for safekeeping?”
“Oh, yeah.” Garret nodded with wide eyes.
“I’m going out there now,” she said.
“Not without me, you’re not.” He nodded over to the police escort who was still eating his lunch. “And not without him, either. I’ll go let him know what’s up.”
Megan waited impatiently as Garret spoke to the cop. Jingling her car keys in front of Garret when he got back, she urged him to hurry.
“I’ll just pay the bill, then follow you.”
“Great. I just know this is it, Garret.”
Megan’s heart pounded with happy excitement as the three of them got into their vehicles and drove down Rawlins Road. She just knew this had to be it. It felt exactly like something her dad would do. If only the package was still there! In her eagerness, she knew she was driving too fast—but wasn’t this an emergency? Nearly to the beach road turnoff, she realized that Garret had slowed down behind her. What was taking him so long? Didn’t he know this was urgent? She turned onto the beach road, then slowed down so much that she was barely moving. But she still didn’t see him turn yet, nor the policeman behind him. What was wrong?
NINETEEN
On Rawlins Road, Garret noticed the flashing lights behind him. As he pulled over for the oncoming cop car, he was well aware that Megan had been driving over the speed limit and that he’d been trying to keep up. But he should be able to explain to the cop what was going on. But the police car as well as an ambulance zipped past him. Now he felt a rush of panic. Had something happened to Megan?
No, that was impossible. She was less than a mile ahead of him. Probably wondering where he was. Seeing that the police car and emergency vehicles turned the opposite way on the beach road, he decided that they were off to help someone else and, once again, he stepped on it. He did not like having her out of his sight.
As he came to the intersection of the beach road, he looked in his rearview mirror again. Where was the cop who’d followed them from the restaurant? Shouldn’t he be right behind him? There was no point waiting for him. Leaving Megan on her own for even one minute seemed too long.
When Garret got to Rory’s house, he was relieved to see Megan’s Prius parked out in front—with her still in it. “What took you so long?” she demanded eagerly as he got out to meet her.
He explained about pulling over. “Maybe there’s a wreck on the North Beach Road. Probably tourists.”
Megan had her house key ready. “Let’s hurry and get it and get out of here,” she said, leading the way to the front door. “I just know it’s in the freezer.”
Garret looked up and down the quiet road. “I wish that cop would hurry,” he said as he followed her to the house. “Maybe we should give Greene a call.”
“Let’s get the envelope first.” Megan unlocked the door, letting them into the silent house. “Everything looks pretty much like it did yesterday,” she
said quietly.
Garret stepped in front of her in a protective way, reaching for his holster, making sure his firearm was ready—and wishing they’d waited for police backup.
As they quietly moved through the house, Megan could hear her heart beating in her ears. But fortunately, that was all she heard. Wasting no time, she headed straight for the garage and opened the freezer chest, desperately digging for the suspicious package of cod while Garret watched out the windows in the garage door, with his revolver ready. When she finally found the package, she tried to bend it in her hands and when it gave slightly, she knew it wasn’t a frozen fish. It was paper. “This is it,” she told Garret.
“Trouble,” he said quietly, waving her over to him.
“What?” she asked nervously.
“That black sedan has both our cars blocked in.”
As she peered out the garage door window, Megan shoved the package into her oversize bag. “There are two guys. They’re going in the front door,” she whispered in horror. “I left it unlocked.”
“And these guys are armed,” Garret whispered back. “We have to get out of here.”
Megan dug in her roomy bag, producing her dad’s Jeep key. “We can take the Jeep.”
Garret pointed a ways down the beach road. “Look at that.”
She peered down at a similar sedan parked down the road. Like it was waiting for them.
“What do we do?” she asked him.
“Take the old river road.”
“Do you think we can make it? No one uses that road. It’s a mess.”
“That’s one reason those sedans won’t be able to follow us.”
She nodded, waiting as he quietly opened the side door of the garage. “You’re going to drive,” he told her.
“Why?”
He held up his gun in answer. “I’ll be riding shotgun.”
Garret slipped out first, looking all around before motioning for her to join him. Together they went along the side of the garage until they reached the front, where Garret peered around the corner.
Against the Tide Page 15
