“I did. He apparently saw what Irwin was going to do. None of us could see him. I owe him, and so do you.”
She nodded. “It’s strange isn’t it? A person can make many wrong choices and in one moment do such a selfless act. I’m not sure I’ll ever understand people.”
“He probably changed the game at the last minute. I think he meant to kidnap you until he saw what Irwin was going to do. At that moment, he decided.”
“I guess we’ll never know for sure.” She gave him a sideways glance. “I want to believe my version more than yours. I want to believe he chose to do something good.”
“You believe it, sweetheart. I’ve seen too much over the years. Anything is possible, I guess. You may convert me yet.” He grinned at her and opened the car door.
Chapter 30
Matt left Jessie in capable hands. He headed back to the crime scene, parked the car, and got out.
“How’s Henderson?” Matt walked up to Tony. “Has he come around yet?”
“He’s sitting in the ambulance with a pretty big headache.” Tony pointed to where the agent was.
“I can imagine. Did he see anything?” Matt crossed his arms.
“Nothing. He doesn’t even remember being hit.” Tony scratched his head. “It makes you wonder, doesn’t it?”
“All night I watched for the professor, and only Jessie knew when he got near because she could feel him. How do you deal with something like that?” Matt’s hands clenched, and his jaw tightened.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
“It’s been the same in every case but with a little different twist to it.” Matt shook his head. “Our first case together it was a ghost. I would have never believed it, but when they were fighting to save Jessie’s life, I saw it for a moment.” He shook his head. “Now this case, with its dreams and voodoo.” Matt frowned and shook his head again. “I’m afraid we are going to need Jessie to find Irwin. My gut tells me he’ll be here because of her. She has thwarted his plans more than once. He can’t like her very much.” He looked at Tony. “Tell me how I can ask her to put herself out there again after this? She’s tough, but I don’t know how she’s going to process this. How much can I ask of her? I just don’t know.”
“That’s a lot to think about, but if he’s angry, he’ll keep coming after her. You know how it works, no matter what you do to protect her, he’ll keep trying. I wonder if Irwin is even in the area. There’s no sign of him. I don’t understand how he slipped the noose.” Tony let his breath out in a gusty sigh. “He must have slipped away in the confusion when it first happened. He might think he’s invincible.” Tony scowled. “I have to tell you; I was surprised by what Mallory did. I thought he might try to grab her.”
“I think he intended to and changed his plan at the last moment, but that’s just my guess. He wanted her.”
“I never thought I would see a day when a guy could toss you on your backside.” Tony shook his head. “You’re not exactly a little guy. He sure was moving. None of us could have saved her, and at point blank range she would have suffered some damage even with the vest on.”
“Oh, I’m grateful, believe me, whatever his reason.”
“This has been a frustrating night. Even with all the planning we did, we have one person dead and no idea where Irwin is.” Tony leaned against the lamppost and folded his arms across his chest. “I’m thinking Jessie is the only way we have to get to him, just like you said. Maybe with her and the dog we’ll catch him. Between the two of them I think the odds are in our favor.”
“Do you have anything you want me to do here tonight?” Tony asked as they watched a scowling Henderson get down out of the ambulance.
“I guess we should check with Henderson.”
“I think I’ll stay here and talk to Frank.” Matt grinned at Tony as he walked away. He went over to stand beside Frank. “What are you thinking, Frank?”
“I can’t figure out why Radar couldn’t find him. I’m stunned.” Frank shook his head. “Experience tells me he’s in the area somewhere. He’s probably watching us right now. If that’s true, and he is, then Radar should have found him with no trouble. I guess this evening didn’t go the way he had planned, either.”
“True, he wanted to kill her, and was willing to do it in a crowded place filled with witnesses. He had to have seen the heavy police presence, which tells me he’s bold and isn’t afraid of being caught. His survival was a long shot, and yet he didn’t see it that way. Why?” He shook his head, angry. “What are we missing? Something!” Matt frowned, throwing his hands into the air.
“I was thinking about the same things. Didn’t you tell me that scary things happened at the sheriff’s department that was first handling the case?” Frank stared directly at Matt.
“I did, which means Irwin could be manipulating some of the edges of the case. I also believe I’m missing a logical piece too.” He leaned against the front of the building. “In our first case, we had a touch of the supernatural, but I missed the guilty party right in front of me because I was afraid to accept that he was involved. The chief was a nice man, my mentor, and like a father to me. I couldn’t wrap my head around his involvement. I know I’m missing something simple.” Matt scowled in concentration. “What is it?”
“Good question. I’d like to know how he got away so quickly. Even if he could fade into the crowd in the confusion, Radar should have picked up his scent, but there was nothing. Could he use mind control on a dog? Is that even possible?”
“I suppose anything is possible.” Matt shrugged and shook his head.
“Could be there was too much going on for Radar to pick up his scent. He was off his game or distracted.” Frank looked confused.
Tony walked up to them. “Henderson said you are free to go. We’ll wrap it up here, but there’s nothing more for you to do.”
“Good, we’re out of here then. See you tomorrow.” Matt pushed away from the wall.
Tony nodded. “I admit I’m perplexed about a few things that happened tonight.” Tony scowled. “It all feels off to me.”
“We understand the feeling, man. We’re overlooking the obvious, but damned if I know what it is.” Matt motioned to Frank. “Let’s go.”
“Radar, let’s go, fella.” Frank picked up the leash as the dog stood up.
****
Matt walked into the suite and found Sadie waiting up for him. She looked worried, and he didn’t know how to tell her not to be. “How’s she doing?”
“I think she’s still in shock. She fought us about taking the pill. But finally she took it, and she’s sleeping.” Sadie fiddled with the pillows on the couch. “What kind of medicine was it, did they tell you?”
“A sedative so that she could rest. What she went through is traumatic. It may not all have registered yet. When it does, she’ll need our help to cope with the guilt of it.”
“When you put it that way I see what you mean.” Her eyes searched his face. “What happened out there, Matt?”
Matt retold the night’s events up to the time where Jessie held Mallory as he died. “I swear, Sadie, she was trying to comfort him. The look on Mallory’s face, when he drew his last breaths was one of peace as if he was looking at an angel. Whatever she said gave him great comfort.”
“She told us that she thanked him.” Sadie’s eyes filled with tears. “She told us about all the abuse he had experienced as a child.”
“How did she know that?” Matt sat down across from Sadie.
“Jeremy said she found it out when she was doing research on him. You’ll have to ask her.”
“I will. I guess Mallory was looking at an angel, aye Sadie?” He smiled at her. “She’s probably writing an article on him.”
“You know me well enough to know that I think she’s an angel.” She glanced at Matt. “Young man, you look tired. I think what you need is sleep. You’re going to get him. Jessie told me earlier today that you were the best and won’t stop u
ntil you’ve got it figured out. Rest so you can start with a fresh head tomorrow.” She stood up, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and started for her room. “You know I like you, Matt. You’re good for her. So don’t blame yourself for anything tonight. She’s safe. Someone is watching out for her.”
“Thanks, Sadie, I appreciate it. I feel like I’m missing something important.” He shook his head. “Good night.” He watched her walk toward her room. “By the way, I believe she’s an angel too,” He said softly.
Matt stretched out on the couch and stacked his hands behind his head. He sat back up and grabbed his phone. “Dylan, I know it’s late, but I need you to check on some things for me.”
Matt explained what had happened. “I want you to start looking into everyone at the Rocky Pointe Bank. See if you can trace anyone who hung out with or knows Irwin. Now that Mallory’s dead, Irwin is our frontrunner.”
“We already found out that Irwin came into the bank all the time. He befriended Randy Wallis and Jordon Daniels. I don’t believe Jordon Daniels is his real name. I can’t find evidence that Randy knew what was going on. He didn’t seem to like Irwin much. Jordon is questionable. They both said he was strange, and they were often afraid of him. That came up in several interviews we did. Randy said more than once that Irwin would suddenly be standing at a place where he hadn’t been a minute before. He could sneak up on them without a sound.”
“Interesting. Maybe Henderson didn’t hear him, either. Keep checking for me, Dylan. Think about it, go over the files. Maybe you’ll see what I’m not seeing. Something connects all of this somehow. Email anything you find. You need to check with Tom about a warrant to search Mallory’s place in Rocky Pointe.”
“I’ll keep my ears open. I’m sorry about what happened to Jessie. Take care of her. I’ll send you any information that I find.”
“Sorry to have awakened you. I’ll talk to you later.”
Matt shut off his phone. Sleep came quickly, but a few hours later, Jessie’s scream awakened him. He jumped up and ran into the room. Katie was shaking Jessie, trying to rouse her.
He knelt beside the bed and gently patted her back. “It’s okay, sweetheart.” He stroked her face, pushing her hair off it gently. “Jess, it’s only a dream. I’m right here; you’re safe now.” He watched her calm down as he soothed her.
“Why won’t she wake up?”
“It’s probably the sedative. She’s struggling to wake up. I would say she’s semi-awake, but can’t shake off the effects of the drug.”
“What’s going on?” Katie’s voice caught.
“The reality of what she went through, and what she saw, is starting to catch up with her.”
“Will she ever have a normal life again, or is this her new normal?” Katie scowled at him.
“My guess, knowing her the way I do, is that this is her new normal.” He still stroked her face gently, but she was sleeping quietly now. If it happens again, you know what to do.” He smiled when Katie nodded at him and rolled her eyes.
“You’re a bossy fella, aren’t you?” Katie glared at him, her lips turning up at the corner.
“So I’ve been told.”
When he left her room, Jeremy was standing in his open doorway. “Is she okay?”
“She’s having nightmares, which is to be expected.”
“I thought you should read this stuff about Mallory she let me read earlier. It’ll help you understand some of her emotions in the next few days.” He handed Matt the papers.
He turned on the light, slipped his glasses on, and read. “Wow, that helps me to understand the poor guy. He didn’t stand much of a chance, did he? Sometimes the cards are so stacked against an individual that you wonder how they survive as long as they do. It doesn’t excuse his behavior in any way.” Matt handed the article back to Jeremy. “It’s a shame we always see it after the fact.”
“I thought you needed to see it so you could help her through this. I have a feeling this will be real hard for her.”
“You’re right, and thanks.”
“I’m working on tracking the bank employees and I’m starting to see some connections. I have a few more things to check out. We can go over it tomorrow.” Jeremy glanced at the clock and winced. “I guess I should say later today. Get some rest, man. You look like you could use it.” He walked back to his room and closed the door.
Matt heard her call out a couple more times, but she settled down quickly. He left her in Katie’s capable hands and went back to sleep. The next time he opened his eyes, she was sitting in the chair across from him, smiling. She looked like the sunshine and the angel he had seen last night.
“Good morning, Jess.” He sat up on the couch, still wearing his clothes from last night.
“How could you sleep like that? You look uncomfortable.” She shook her head. “You didn’t even take off your shoes.”
“I’ve learned when I’m on a case to catch sleep when I can. Is that coffee that I smell?”
“Yes, and Grams ordered you a big breakfast. She’s worried that you’re not eating enough. So be sure to eat it.”
“No problem, I could use some food, I’m hungry. I’ll clean up and be right there,” he called back over his shoulder. “Don’t go anywhere. I have some questions I want to ask you.”
“I’ll be here. Someone told me I’m not supposed to go anywhere alone. I’m obeying your command.” Her mouth twitched as she said it.
Matt turned around and stared at her. “Wow, now that’s a first. I wish I could have got that on tape.” The pillow hit his head as he turned around, and he heard her giggle. His aim was perfect. He got her full in the face with the pillow. She fell back onto the couch, laughing. “Sorry, I had brothers. It’s reflex now.”
Chapter 31
By the time he got to the kitchen, Katie and Sadie had left to do some shopping. Jeremy and Jessie were at the table drinking their coffee and talking.
“Your breakfast is warming in the microwave,” Jeremy told him. “Sadie made me promise to tell you to eat it or else you’ll have to deal with her.” He grinned at Matt. “My job is done.”
“This seems like the perfect time for us to talk. We still have a suspect on the loose, so it’s not a time to let down our guard.” Matt took a bite of his egg.
“I’ll get my computer.” Jeremy walked out of the kitchen.
“I know we need to talk, but it makes me feel sad.” The smile on Jessie’s face faded.
“It will make you feel that way for a while, probably. You have to deal with last night, and it won’t be easy. I’m sorry.” He reached for her hand. “Why don’t you start by telling me what you said to Mallory?”
She told him what she remembered. “He said he was sorry, and he looked at me strangely, and that was all.”
“Can I tell you what I saw?” He smiled when she nodded at him. “I saw a man who was dying in the lap of a woman he had obsessed over. Whatever you said gave him hope—so much so, that before he died he looked like he had seen an angel. You helped him in his last moments in life.”
“Thanks, words failed me last night. How do you thank someone who just gave their life to save you?” She looked away. “No words seemed adequate.”
“From my vantage point it looked to me like they were working.”
“Do they know where Irwin is?” She sipped her coffee, gazing into his eyes.
“No, he got away. Even Frank was a little shocked by that. I think we’ll need to keep a real close eye on you. No more being a target. If Henderson wants to play target, he can do it. He’s tall enough and blond. All he needs are the right clothes and some padding.”
Jessie laughed. “I doubt that he’ll go for it. I think I’m sensing a little vengeance on your part.”
“Who me? Not at all.” He saw her skeptical look. “Okay, well, maybe a little.”
“I don’t trust Irwin. He doesn’t play fair.” Jessie tapped her cheek.
“Sweetheart, no bad guy plays fair.” He saw
her frown. “I’m game, what do you mean?”
“In most of the cases I’ve been a part of, here and in New York, there are some predictable patterns. Mallory was a little hard to figure out because of his imbalance. I thought I had it figured out, and then he threw us a huge curve last night. Irwin, on the other hand, is almost too cocky and sure. He was willing to kill me in front of witnesses. What’s to stop him from doing almost anything to get back at me? He’s a manipulator. He saw the weakness in Mallory and took advantage of it. Can he see a weakness in me to exploit?” She scrunched her face. “The other thing is Adriana never saw her stalker, but she knew when he was there and she was afraid of him. He’s the dark shadowy figure that I’ve been seeing.”
“Damn, Jess, you’re right. I knew I was missing something.” He looked on his phone at the email from Dylan again. “Do you remember when we interviewed Randy, and he told us to check out the strange man that came into the bank who was always looking at Adriana?”
“I remember, but then Jayla told us he was harmless and shifted the guilt toward Randy.”
“That’s right. Randy was pointing us in the direction of Irwin. Randy didn’t like him and was afraid of him. He thought something was off with the prof. He went into the bank where he was very visible. Adriana saw him but didn’t know him as her stalker. She could feel the darkness, but she still couldn’t stop him from getting to her if he had wanted to.”
“That’s why she said what she did to Jayla, about death finding her again.”
“Do you remember what you said to me at the time? You wondered if Jayla was such a good friend, how come she didn’t show more emotion about Adriana when she went missing.”
“Sure I remember.”
“You were spot on in your thinking. I think Jayla is involved in this somehow.” He glanced again at his phone. “Dylan is trying to make a connection now. You’re right about it not following a particular course. I think three different crimes have merged, and they are playing off each other. I have no idea what we’re dealing with. It is all muddled together and unclear. First, it was Mallory; you were to be his prize if he got Adriana for Irwin. Irwin manipulated Randy and Jordon, who set Adriana up, unwittingly or not, for Mallory. I think Irwin knew when he told Mallory he was going to kill you that Mallory would try to protect you or kill you himself. Irwin forced Mallory to react out of his obsession for you. That much we know for sure. Jayla was trying to throw us off Irwin’s track. Why? There’s something bigger here than Irwin, although he is the one we have to deal with now.”
The Game Changer Page 22
