Bound By Shadows (The McAllister Justice Series Book 2)

by Reily Garrett

  “Sounds good. So, I’ll take notes?”

  “No, I got it covered. I record conversations whenever I can. Since you’ve got a good eye for detail, just keep them open, and we’ll talk after the interview.”

  “You think they had something to do with her disappearance?”

  “No, not at all. But I want them as relaxed as possible considering the situation. During casual conversations, people frequently divulge tiny details they wouldn’t think about when they’re nervous, maybe an idiosyncrasy, preference, something about close friends, whatever. Sometimes it’s those tiniest of details that help solve a case.”

  Fields prepared for spring planting ceded to a wealthy suburb with well-manicured lawns and artistically trimmed hedges. The lifestyle belonged to those cut from a different cloth. He and Ciera had existed as flame and dynamite, destined to terminate in a pile of ash. A sour wad of regret lodged in his chest with his failure to help her in the way she needed.

  When he stopped before an ornamental gated drive with iron inlays of graceful deer and large black bear, Caden inwardly cringed at Kaylee’s quiet gasp. Below the camera situated to view guests as they spoke into the attached mic, he pressed the button to announce his presence. More cameras on either side of the fenced yard monitored the vehicle and occupants.

  “You dated a girl living in a palace?”

  “For a while, yes. Huh, hard to imagine.”

  “Until you discovered she was into drugs?”

  “That was one thing I just couldn’t handle. Not even casually.” A small shudder of remorse shook his confidence. Maybe if he’d been more patient with Ciera, she’d have cleaned up her act and still be alive.

  “Caden McAllister?” The woman’s voice, so strong a year ago, now held the hollow consistency of fear and regret. “Come in. We’ve been waiting to see you.”

  The ironwork structure that had dazzled him at one time, now rolled back smoothly in its channel, giving way to an even colder interior. “These people are good folks that care about Ciera, even if they don’t show it on the surface.”

  “I’d rather grow up dirt poor than endure a family with flat emotions.”

  “I think my zany family is half of what Ciera couldn’t resist. In many ways, we were so different.”

  “Sort of like Lexi and Ethan. Except in your brother’s relationship, they share the same core values.”

  “On the nose, again.”

  The two-story, massive colonial continued its fancy façade with an arched portico supported by contemporary columns detailed to match the elaborate door’s sidelights. Rounded stone steps welcomed all into the cold, formal interior.

  “Maybe if she hadn’t dressed like a homeless waif, she’d still be inside and safe. Even in the tunnel, I could tell she was refined, not used to a common life. She belongs here, in a place like this.”

  “Yeah, she was the darling socialite, groomed to take her place among society’s elite. She believed we’d have a life together, but we just didn’t feel real. Not in the way I wanted.” Not how I feel with you. “Despite our differences, she taught me a bit about myself, and it shifted my priorities.” Caden cut the engine, his solemn revelation like a bucket of ice water.

  “To look for beauty on the inside versus only the outside?” Kaylee hesitated with her hand on the door’s lever.

  “Yeah, but men are handsome, not beautiful. Even a McAllister can evolve. Let’s go see if we can learn a bit about Ciera’s recent activities.”

  “If her family doesn’t express their grief, it’ll come out in anger or some other form, but it will surface in some way.”

  Bringing Kaylee along meant immersing her back into the nightmare, yet was the only way to ensure her safety. Her stride was steady until reaching the bottom of the brick steps. She faced another new situation, acting as his assistant, with a firm set of her shoulders. Caden linked their fingers and offered an encouraging smile.

  “Think of it as field training.”

  “I’ve never aspired to be a detective, private or otherwise.”

  “Then think of it as part of your adventure,” he murmured as he urged her up the steps.

  He expected the tearful welcome from Ciera’s mother and open animosity from her brother. As of a year ago, Nelson hadn’t yet learned to keep his emotions in check when it came to family and would throw blame on the most convenient target for Ciera returning to the snake she married. If the younger man got out of hand, he’d lead Kaylee out and return later.

  The formal living room could have come straight from a magazine with its deep-tufted sofas, aristocratic wingback chairs, and overstuffed ottomans. Rich, jewel-toned fabrics adorned the perfectly coordinated set and anchored expensive oriental rugs. The conventional seating area he’d once found imposing at first sight now held all three family members, who took note when he sat close to Kaylee, expressing their status without words.

  Across from them, Mr. and Mrs. McFadden kept an austere façade. If not for the deep shadows under the older woman’s eyes, one wouldn’t suspect her world had been turned upside down. As usual, not a hair strayed out of place or a smudge of makeup could be seen.

  “Thank you for coming, Caden. I know the police are working hard to find our daughter, but it helps to know you’re looking, also. You probably know her better than anyone.” Ciera’s mother tugged a tissue from the pocket of her cardigan and blotted her nose.

  “Before he dumped her and sent her back to that no-good louse she married.” Spoken by the younger McFadden, Ciera’s brother proceeded to hold nothing back in his viewpoint of his brother-in-law or Ciera’s ex-boyfriend.

  With his years on the police force and several more as an investigator, Caden understood the well of grief producing the mixed reception. He’d learned to read the convoluted culture even if he didn’t want to be a part of it.

  “Can you tell me a bit about the charities she’s been working with lately along with anyone she might be tight with?” He’d never spent much time mingling with Ciera’s friends.

  Kaylee remained mute during the detailed analysis of Ciera’s life, given in part by Nelson and in part by the grief-stricken mother.

  “As the attorney for two of the charities, I oversaw expenditures, nothing out of the ordinary.” Turning his analytical mind toward Kaylee, Nelson added, “You’re not an investigator. You must be the other kidnap victim.” Grief and anger shone from the younger man’s gaze.

  Kaylee’s jaw opened and closed twice, but no words broke the silence. To be outed as such was unconscionable. They would not force her to relive the nightmare.

  “I’m not a victim. I’m a survivor, and I’ve told the police everything I know.”

  Caden reached out and covered her hand with his own, suspecting Nelson was about to vent his spleen. Her pallor and slight tremble didn’t prevent her from straightening her spine. If he took control of the conversation, he’d also undermine her self-confidence at a time when she needed it most.

  “So you just left my sister down there in a cage?” A sneer detailed an obvious class difference while hostility emanated from his aura. Hands resting on his thigh clenched repeatedly.

  “Enough, Nelson. Kaylee, why don’t you wait in the car? I won’t be but a few more minutes.” She would not become a target or whipping post for the brother’s grief.

  “No.” Her gaze met Nelson’s with a universally understood determination. “I couldn’t get her out. The crate had a heavy lock, and the thug was too big to overcome. Plus, there were two other men along with a woman down there, and I’d been drugged. If I had stayed, she’d still be there, and no one would have a clue where to look for her now.”

  “She was in a crate? Like a dog?” Mrs. McFadden gasped for breath, unable to maintain her composure.

  Kaylee paled. Sweat erupted on her brow.

  “Stop. Nelson, there was nothing, nothing Kaylee could’ve done to help Ciera. If she’d tried, we wouldn’t have our present leads. As. In. Nothing.”
>
  “What did you get her involved in?” Nelson’s approach, albeit from a different angle was equally inexcusable as he focused his venom on Kaylee.

  “She’s not involved in anything, Nelson. She just moved here less than a week ago.” Steel edged Caden’s warning. “In fact, the pictures she’s taken as a professional photographer have given us yet another lead.”

  “Please, tell us she’s okay.” The mother’s heartfelt plea spoke volumes in any universe. Each man turned to her, their expressions softening in desperation and compassion.

  “I…I don’t know. We’re doing everything we can. There’s already a task force working on this.” Caden had difficulty holding the older woman’s gaze.

  As much as anyone would want to reassure a frantic mother, Kaylee sat mute, her mouth closed over lies that could lend false comfort. She didn’t utter them.

  “Do you know the identities of the kidnapper? We’ve not received any ransom demand.” Hope infused the father’s tone.

  “No, but we have a visual likeness of one of them. From there, we’ll get a name and be able to track him.”

  “I pray it’s in time to help Ciera.” Nelson’s concession to logic helped ease tension.

  “Ms. McFadden, has Ciera made any new friends lately?” Caden redirected Nelson’s gaze if not attention.

  The brother spoke up. “She’s seeing someone on the side. The contractor who’d been working on the guest house.” Nelson glanced away from his father’s harsh glare before adding. “Not that I blamed her. That prick husband of hers has kept a woman on the side for months.”

  Ciera’s mother gasped. “No. She wouldn’t. Why would you say such a cruel thing, Nelson?”

  “I caught them in flagrante several weeks ago while checking on his progress. It seemed to be taking an inordinate amount of time to make the upgrades and paint a few rooms.”

  “Jesus.” The older gentleman spoke with the overwhelming grief and despair written in his face. “I suspected her husband was the type to play around and she was biding her time while gathering enough evidence for divorce.”

  “Had she hired someone yet or talked with her attorney?” As Caden watched, a new layer of solemnity overcame the parents, anger turned inward to form a guilt etching their faces.

  “I referred her to the top divorce attorney in the state, but she wouldn’t share the conversation.” Soft drumming of Nelson’s heel on the thick carpet punctuated his frustration.

  After finalizing a few details, Caden suggested they look at Ciera’s old room. In keeping with the rest of the house, elegance took the form of cream-colored walls, silk bedding, and hardwood floors. He searched each drawer then picked up a small laptop. “Mind if I borrow this? I’ll bring it back in a day or so.”

  “Good luck. Everything’s password protected.” Nelson shook his head. “She carried that thing everywhere she went, which means she didn’t want anyone else to see the files. She never used to care about electronics.”

  “Thanks. I have a friend who’s a keyboard prodigy. I’ll let you know what I find.” Caden tucked the device under his arm.

  Kaylee frowned when she walked into the bathroom, her reflection in the elegant wall mirror indicating she’d picked up something pertinent. In peering over her shoulder, various containers of blush, foundation, and other essentials filled a large lazy Susan on the vanity. Everything a woman could want for her daily makeup routine. Various bottles of shampoo and conditioner adorned the shower’s shelf, seen through the glass enclosure.

  “Why keep all this here when she lived just miles down the road? Unless she’d planned on staying.” Kaylee turned a decorative container to view the label before glancing beyond at the massive closet. Only a few items resided in the built-ins.

  Behind her, Ms. McFadden commented. “She kept clothes and makeup here for when she’d spend the night—occasionally. She hadn’t said she was going to stay.” In the mirror, her gaze slid away from Kaylee’s, the telltale blush speaking volumes.

  Again, guilt rode him hard. Caden thought back to Ciera’s brief summary of her prior relationship and the embarrassment of hiding bruises when her ex’s temper had taken physical form.

  Back in the bedroom, each remained silent, steeping in private wells of guilt while unspoken words riddled the room with what ifs.

  The things he’d done not three feet from where they now stood burned like fire in his brain. Ciera wearing his favorite hockey league T-shirt, then naked in his arms, screaming his name. Ciera wild and passionate in the shower, then sated and sleeping with her head on his chest.

  After discovering her penchant for chemically induced fun, a long conversation had ended with her promise to clean up her act. He’d given her a pair of earrings, an intricate, inspirational twist of moon and stars to celebrate her decision.

  Weeks later, discovering she hadn’t kicked the habit had nearly broken him.

  “She never told us the circumstances of your break-up.” Mrs. McFadden’s desperation to gather any information about her daughter could break the strongest man.

  Ciera had begged him not to end their relationship, finally throwing the jewelry at him in a blind rage. He’d never retrieved the T-shirt. “We just weren’t right for each other.”

  “You were never close to being in her league.” Nelson’s sneered words echoed in the quiet. “She probably realized you for a gigolo after you got her involved in drugs. Were you her supplier?”

  “What?” With a hand flying to her blanching cheek and disbelieving gasp, Ciera’s mother stumbled backward. “She’d never get involved in something that stupid. Nelson—”

  “Enough.” The elder McFadden laid a consoling hand on his son’s shoulder. “Caden, I’m sorry my son’s grief selected you as its recipient.”

  “I understand, but know this. I have never been involved with drugs.” Matt warned Caden his Casanova ways would eventually catch up with him. To say anything more would cast aspersions on a soul not present, possibly not still breathing. Caden couldn’t comment. “How about we take this back to the living room and finish up?”

  After concluding the interview, they stepped outside where deep breaths failed to cleanse remorse and culpability from his chest.

  “Wow, Caden. That was tough.” Blinding rays of sun reflected off the SUV’s hood as Kaylee hesitated before opening her door.

  Once settled behind the wheel, he sighed. “You handled that well. I’m sorry Nelson verbally attacked you. He and Ciera are fairly close. I shouldn’t have brought you here, but I didn’t want to leave you alone.”

  “Hey, no problem. Reese would’ve been a lot worse.”

  “Everybody worries in their own way.” Caden rounded the driveway and sped up, eager to leave the sordid memories behind.

  “So, where to next?”

  “Next stop, Conroy Kirpatzel, Ciera’s husband and vice president of K&T Banking. I don’t expect it to be a pleasant conversation so it might be wise if you stay in the truck. After that, I’d like to visit a few shops from your photos.” Considering his past relationship with the missing victim, he’d normally be excluded from such an investigation. But the fact that Ciera’s parents personally asked for his help carried significant weight.

  “I should go in the bank with you, to act as a buffer and witness.”

  “You sure? He’ll spew any filth that enters his mind.”

  “I can handle myself.”

  “You certainly can.”

  The trip to the city yielded minor traffic and less conversation. Warmer temperatures brought out young women pushing baby strollers and older couples walking hand in hand along sidewalks bordering perfectly manicured lawns. Opportunities Kaylee would have lost if not for fierce determination and inner strength.

  Drafting his upcoming approach, Caden considered the risk to Kaylee if in fact, Ciera’s husband orchestrated the abductions. Accumulated information pointed to Conroy being the ultimate hands-on type, preferring face-to-face confrontations to flaunt
his superiority versus hiring street thugs. In the end, he decided it safer to publicize the fact Kaylee wouldn’t be left alone.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Passing storefronts boasted fancy spring dresses and an assortment of Easter paraphernalia, aspects of life Kaylee hadn’t considered in some time. Her gaze lingered on a sophisticated, sexy halter dress when they stopped for a traffic light.

  Fate was showing her different avenues of expression despite the weather bringing the urge to hike and camp as she’d done in previous years. It was time to shed her cocoon and fly, expand her horizons. She’d traveled across the country for a new start, not cultivate her dark persona.

  It seemed she paralleled Caden’s life after his own dark experience. Now she needed normal, any version of normal.

  “Care to go rafting later?” Caden slowed to make the turn into the bank parking lot. “We can stay in calm waters, and I’ll do the work. A little measure of nature might do you some good.”

  It seemed he read her thoughts with just a glance. The smile that could melt the ice between any woman’s legs slid into place.

  He. Just. Knows. Optimistic thoughts sliced through her brief wallow in self-pity. “Sure. I’d hoped to get a kayak and spend some time on the water and hiking trails. Rafting is even better. What class rapids?” She hesitated in unbuckling her safety belt, waiting to see how adventurous his streak ran.

  “Let’s start with the smaller waves and clearer channels until we find our rhythm. Then work our way up to the more fun stuff when you’re ready.”

  “Okay, sounds good.” Though years past would have seen her jumping right into deep churning waters, recent events instilled a new air of caution, especially when approaching a potential criminal. “Good idea to catch this guy when he’s gonna have to concentrate on holding his temper.”