“What did she want?” Matt’s eyes narrowed.
“She told me I could tell you, but she doesn’t want us to run right over there.” Jeremy looked sober. “Your instincts were right. He can’t be too far away. Our friend left a note in her room. She’s sending it to me in an email now. She wants us to mull it over and get back to her.”
“That does it!” Matt bolted to his feet. “If he entered her room, then I’m headed there too.”
“You’re not thinking straight.”
“The hell I’m not!” Matt’s hand curled into a fist at his side.
“Look, Matt, we are in the perfect place. She’ll let me know what’s happening, and we can stake out the area and keep an eye on her. We can do all that without interfering with her vacation.”
“Okay.” Matt conceded, not liking it at all, even if Jeremy was making sense. “Get her on the phone and let’s have a look at that note; I’ll watch from here for now.” He pulled up a chair beside Jeremy.
“Hey, sunshine, Matt’s beside me, and we’re in agreement. We can watch you from a distance, but we’re close enough to get to you if you need us. Let’s go over this.”
“Hi, Matt. Did I tell you I’m happy you’re here?”
He smiled. “Okay, Jess, let’s hear it.”
They went over the note line by line. “Tucked in nice and tight, tells me she’s tied up or she can’t get away. What do you think, Matt?”
“Sounds feasible to me, anything to add, Jeremy?” Matt looked at Jeremy with a frown. He hated these cat and mouse games, but he would go along with it for now. “What about the next line?”
“She’ll never be taken without a fight, tells me she’s being guarded.”
“I’ll buy that, but by what?” Matt jotted down some notes. “Are we talking about people, animals, or is the place booby trapped? All things we need to consider.”
“It doesn’t look like you’ll have much time to find her, so what do you want to do?” Jeremy asked.
“Of course the local authorities need to be notified.”
“I’ve done that, Jess. You wouldn’t be here without protection. The minute you asked if he could track your phone, I knew I needed to talk to them and did.”
“Thank you.” He could barely hear her soft voice.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. What else are you thinking?”
“I’m going to need Frank and Radar.”
“I agree. Tom is setting it up with the authorities here. I took care of getting an article of clothing belonging to Adriana the day we met Evan, just in case. Let’s finish this note.”
“Well, even though this is a desert and it’s warm, she’s not, so he’s caring for her. She’s not near or far so she must be somewhere in between here and wherever. There’s not much to go on, other than I’ll be getting another clue.”
“I don’t agree. He’s telling us about himself in this note. Jeremy and I are going to work on this, and I’ll get back to you later. What’s a good time?”
“How about between nine and ten? Will that work for you?”
“That works for me. I’ll take care of the rest of the details.” He circled Frank’s name on his notes. “Where are you headed tonight?”
“We’re going somewhere in town for dinner. I had a perfectly glorious day until I found the note. I have to admit I’m worried about how he got in here.”
“I’ll take a look around your place when you leave. Maybe I can figure out how he got in. Do you want me to come now?”
“No, but I’m glad you’re in town. You’re my partner after all, and you should be in on this.” Her voice softened again.
“Okay, sweetheart, I’ll be watching your back tonight and I’m only a call or text away.” Matt smiled as he hung up.
“You look happy.” Jeremy’s voice was flat.
“I am happy. We’ve gone toe to toe over this before. The fact that she recognizes that she needs help means we’re making progress. Every good investigator knows you never work without a backup.” He slapped Jeremy on the back. “Now let’s get to work and tell me what you think. We have a stake-out to do.”
Chapter 10
After Jessie had put her phone down, she lay on her bed staring at her laptop. The ugly gray tape across the camera lens was a reminder of her present situation and the things she didn’t want to remember. Her forehead creased. She started scrolling through her article archives. She wondered how she’d had the guts to do any of those stories. After reading a few it hit her, she could have made many powerful enemies. Why hadn’t that registered with her at the time? She was just doing her job, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she must have known it was dangerous. No wonder she had jumped at the chance to leave it all behind and head for Blue Cove. She wasn’t a bit tempted by the possibility of a significant promotion, but the thought of a quiet life had intrigued her. She frowned again. Like that had worked. She tapped her finger against her head. Look at the mess you’re in now, girl, she scolded herself. You’re still doing the same thing only this time with real bullets and bombs for special effects.
There was a knock on the door followed by Sadie’s voice. “Jessie, are you awake?”
“Come in.” Jessie closed the program she was in and sat up on the bed.
“Are you okay?” Her faded blue eyes looked worried. “Matt told me a few days ago about the note. He wanted me to be aware and call him if there was any trouble.”
“I wish he hadn’t told you. I don’t want you to worry.”
Sadie grabbed her hand as she sat down beside her. “I’m a big girl, Jessie. I would do anything I could to keep you safe. At my age, it may not be as much as in my younger days, but I still have a few tricks up my sleeve.”
“Oh, Grams, I love you.” She hugged Sadie. “I wouldn’t have come if I had thought I would put your life or Katie’s in jeopardy. I didn’t think someone could follow me if I didn’t know where I was going.”
“Like a baby playing peek-a-boo.” Sadie placed her hands over Jessie’s eyes. “They close their eyes and think you can’t see them because they can’t see you.” She removed her hand. “Honey, you know better than me that we live in a high-tech world. You always have to be one step ahead of those who are plotting against you.”
“I know…You’re right.”
“I don’t want to be right.” Sadie patted her knee. “I just want you safe. You think he’s here, don’t you? I could tell that last night. I knew exactly the moment you felt it when we were walking back here after dinner. I don’t think Katie has a clue, but you and I must put our heads together. I think I need to call Matt and tell him.” Sadie took her hand.
“I already told him, and he’s here in town, but he wants to give us space.” Jessie handed her the piece of paper.
“That’s good; I feel better knowing he’s in town.” Sadie took the note and read it. “Oh, my! I hope Matt’s close.” Sadie turned the piece of paper and then she read it again. “I wonder if there is more than one person involved.”
“Why?”
“One person can’t be in two places at once. I’m thinking a person here and one back in Blue Cove sounds more likely.”
“You could be right.”
“I believe we should notify the local authorities. It would be the smart thing to do, dear.”
“Matt already notified them, so they’re aware. The police are willing to work with him. The FBI became involved when Adriana was abducted and moved across state lines. I can call either of them for help because they know about the case.” Jessie clasped her hands in front of her.
“Maybe you and I should pay them a little visit tomorrow. That way they’ll know who you are. I have to admit this note intrigues me. He’s sounds like he’s playing games, but maybe he’s giving you a chance to find this other girl.” Sadie stood. “Let’s put it out of our minds for now and we’ll talk a little later. Why don’t you get dressed for dinner? Maybe that’ll help.” She paused before walking out the door and smiled. “I think
a quiet dinner is just what the doctor ordered.”
Jessie knew her grandmother. If she didn’t miss her guess, Sadie was in her room calling Matt right now to make sure he was in Palm Springs.
When Jessie walked out of her room, Sadie was all smiles and Katie was talking a mile a minute. “I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”
“Only a few minutes, dear.” Sadie smiled at her.
“I’m starved. Let’s go.” Katie stood and pulled Jessie toward the door.
“Wait for me. I’m a little hungry myself.” Sadie placed her hand on Jessie’s arm.
****
Matt examined the doors when he first got there. The guy had to have a key. There was no sign of forced entry. He had also checked the surrounding area to make sure she didn’t have company hiding in the vicinity. Matt would follow her. Officer Carter and a rookie from the local police were keeping an eye on their suite while Jeremy and Taylor went to the restaurant to stake it out. Matt got his first view of Jessie as she left the room, sandwiched between Sadie and Katie. He felt the familiar catch in his throat. He loved the gentle sway of her hips as she walked, and the way her hair bounced against her shoulders. It always felt like silk running through his fingers. She was sexy without even trying. His grin broadened as she laughed with Katie. He could imagine her eyes lighting up. Those damn blue eyes were a major distraction. A man could get lost in them. He had. On more than one occasion. ‘Please,’ she would say softly, and turn them on him, complete with dimples and he melted like butter. He’d be a mess with a daughter. After waiting for them to pass, he started his engine and followed. So far so good. A moment’s relief gave way to anger, as he thought of anyone trying to hurt her.
Matt heard static and then Jeremy’s voice came across the line. “Hey, Matt, I wanted to check the radio to make sure it works.”
“I hear you loud and clear.” Matt smiled. Jessie was right. Jeremy was getting into playing cop. Matt could appreciate his love of his tech toys and willingness to help.
“We’re in place with eyes on the front and the back of the restaurant. Where are you?”
“I’m following them. It’s all quiet so far.” Matt signaled, changing lanes.
“Did Sadie say how Jessie’s doing?”
“She told me that Jessie was handling it all admirably and taking it in stride. According to Sadie, she’s more intrigued by what the guy is doing and trying to anticipate his next move than thinking about what he could do to her.”
“Sounds like our girl to me. Once she’s drawn into a story, she’ll follow it with no concern for herself until afterward.”
“I remember that about her. In our last case, when she saved my life, she faced Booker fearlessly, shot him, and promptly walked into my arms falling apart.” Matt hung back and pulled into on open parking space where he could see the restaurant’s entry.
“It’s like I told you—she has a way of tuning it out. When she sees injustice, she’ll go after it like a mother bear protecting her cub; not one thought for her safety. After it’s over, you’d never know she met any resistance—except for all the tears. All in all, that’s what makes her an attractive package. That and being one beautiful looking lady.” Matt could hear Jeremy’s laugh in the background.
“You won’t get any disagreement from me. She’s an attractive package all right.”
“I guess I better start doing my job. I’ll check back in later on. Over and out. I know it’s corny, but I’ve always wanted to say that.” Jeremy chuckled.
“We’ll talk later. Keep your eyes open.” Matt took a swig of his coffee and unwrapped his sandwich.
He watched the people coming and going. He could see the trio sitting by the front window. The waiter, a young man, was falling all over himself trying to impress them. Boy, did he know the feeling. She looked stunning, and Katie did too. Matt took a bite of his sandwich.
He glanced at his watch. It had been about forty-five minutes since they went in. He still had time. Katie’s hand was gesturing as she spoke, Jessie and Sadie were laughing. His grin broadened. She had brought laughter back into his life. Even his brothers had noticed.
“Matt, are you there? Come in, Matt, come in.” Jeremy’s excited voice came across the line.
“What’s up, Jeremy?”
“I’ve been trying to reach Carter, and I’m getting no reply. Should we go check on him?”
“Stay where you are.” Matt sent a quick text to Sadie. “You keep watch here. I’ll go check on Carter.”
“Will Jessie be okay? Maybe the suspect is setting a trap.” Jeremy sounded breathless.
“She should be fine. You need to stay here. I told Sadie to stay put in the restaurant. She assured me they would be there for a while, she’d make sure.”
Matt called the police station, to get officer backup. A patrol car was there when he arrived back at the resort. Two officers went one way and searched. Matt and the rookie went the other way toward the front of the unit. They looked through the bushes and foliage. They found Carter shoved behind a clump of bushes, slumped over, face down. He radioed the others as he felt for a pulse.
“His pulse is faint.” Matt stood up from his crouched position as the two officers approached. “I don’t see a visible mark on him, but he’s in a bad way.” One called dispatch for an ambulance. Within fifteen minutes, Carter was on his way to the hospital. Matt searched the unit and walked the grounds with the other officers.
They found nothing, but Matt knew this little drama was all part of the game. He talked to Jeremy on the radio. “The suspect apparently knows we’re here. He staged this scene for our benefit, a little welcome present.” Matt pulled out his phone and texted Sadie. It’s all clear for you to come back. Jeremy and Officer Taylor will follow you back.
“You’re probably right.” Jeremy’s voice came over the radio.
“He’ll want her to know how he bested us.” Matt walked around to the side of their unit.
“How’s Carter?” Jeremy asked.
“Let me check.” Matt turned to one of the officers and asked about Carter. He put the phone on speaker.
“He’s struggling to breathe, but there are no visible signs of injury. His vitals are starting to improve. We almost lost him.” The officer looked grim. “The hospital will call when we can question him.”
“Do you mind if we sit in with you when you question him?” Matt asked.
“I’m sure it will be okay. I’ll run it by the chief first.”
“Did you hear, Jeremy?”
“I did. I’ll catch you later. They’re coming out of the restaurant.”
Matt turned off his phone. He checked again to make sure the lock on the door was secure. He walked around the suite one more time, not sure what he was looking for. Troubled by what had happened to Carter, he was searching for anything that showed how their suspect could have taken him completely by surprise. Something glimmered on the ground in the beam of his flashlight—crimson red smeared upon a pile of rocks with some odd-looking feathers and fetishes. There were makeshift altars at several spots around their unit. They were uniform in placement and in appearance. Matt squatted down to get a closer look. When he reached his hand forward with a stick to lift one of the feathers, a strange sensation went up his arm. A jolt propelled him onto his backside. “What the hell!” he yelled out.
“Is everything okay?” The rookie called out to him.
“Yeah, but before you leave I want to show you something I noticed as I searched the perimeter.” Matt pointed out several small pools of blood around the unit. He left them untouched. “Look at this.” They walked to each altar he had found. Matt couldn’t shake the strange sensation that he felt.
“It looks like some religious symbol.” The rookie crouched down next to Matt to see where he pointed.
“I talked to the Sheriff’s department in charge of Adriana’s disappearance and they found similar things at the station. We’ll need to keep this in mind during our investigation.
” Matt looked at the other officers from his crouched position.
The rookie reached his hand forward with a small tool on his pocketknife to scoop up some of the blood to have it analyzed.
Matt grabbed his hand. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I had to pick myself up off the ground when I attempted it.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“I’m serious. There is something strange going on here.” Matt felt almost foolish saying it, but he knew what had just happened to him. He still didn’t feel quite right. “Let’s try again in the daylight.”
“Sounds good to me,” one of the other officers said. “We’ll be able to better see what we’re dealing with. I think we’ll head back on patrol. To tell you the truth I don’t know how to handle this in my report.”
“I’ve heard from two other agencies that strange things have happened since they started investigating this case. I’m now inclined to believe them. Carter was almost dead with no visible signs of injury.” Matt shook his head. “None of this makes any sense. He walked to the cruiser with them. “I’m going to hang out here until we tuck the ladies in nice and tight. Will you call me when you head over to the hospital?” Matt shook hands with the officers who had helped.
“Sure thing, I’ll call you as soon as we hear.” The officer lifted a hand. “See you later.”
Chapter 11
Against the wall, hidden by the bushes, was the perfect vantage point to watch. The man pulled his dark hood tightly around his head moving deeper into the shadows. It was too damn hot for the hoodie. Sweat was already forming on his forehead. A branch whipped across his face when the breeze caught it, leaving a stinging welt. The place was crawling with cops. Except for the one who was out of commission—he wasn’t moving. A bit of hocus pocus and—bam—there was one less cop. Laughter rolled through him in silent waves. Boy, they were dumb. The boss put one of them to sleep right under their noses, and they hadn’t seen a thing. Surprise, surprise. The cop would have one hell of a headache if he survived. Stupid cops! They had to play by the rules, but not him. He was the game changer and the game changer made the rules. A smile spread across his face when the ambulance rolled up.
The Game Changer Page 9
