Trail of Secrets

by Sandra Robbins

  Callie straightened her shoulders and headed into the cafeteria toward the coffee machine, but Lieutenant Weaver’s voice behind her stopped her. “I’ll get our coffee. You find us a table.”

  With a nod she glanced around the cafeteria and spotted a table in the center of the room. She’d just slid into her chair when he ambled up to the table with two cups in his hands. He set them down, placed his hat on the table and dropped into a chair. She took a sip from her cup and stared at him over the rim.

  He was younger than she had first thought yesterday, probably mid-thirties. His dark, curly hair had some streaks of gray around the edges, but it added a distinguished look. But it was his eyes that made chills run down her spine. She had always believed the old saying that eyes were the windows to the soul, but when she looked into Marty Weaver’s, they appeared completely blank.

  “Thank you for the coffee,” she murmured.

  He took a swig from his cup, set it down and crossed his arms on the table. “You’re welcome. So tell me about yourself, Callie.” He hesitated a moment. “May I call you Callie? I’ve heard your uncle talk about you so much I feel I already know you.”

  She frowned and took another drink. “I didn’t realize you knew my uncle that well.”

  He nodded. “Oh, yeah. I’ve known Judge Lattimer for quite a while. I volunteer at the youth center where he does.”

  “I didn’t realize that.”

  “Yeah. He told me you’re a college professor.”

  “I am. I teach at the University of Virginia.”

  “Too bad about what happened to him. He’d said the two of you were going to Hawaii for his retirement.”

  Lieutenant Weaver’s words were friendly enough, but they lacked any kind of emotion. Added to her growing unease was the picture of this man standing over Carlos Allen’s lifeless body. As she remembered it, Marty Weaver hadn’t appeared to be concerned at all.

  Her hands began to shake. She clenched her fists and stuck them in her lap. What was keeping Seth? She took a deep breath and tried to smile.

  “It was nice of you to keep me company, Lieutenant Weaver...”

  “Marty,” he interrupted. “Please call me Marty.”

  “All right, Marty. As I was saying, it was nice of you to keep me company, but I really don’t want to detain you. If you need to get back to headquarters, I understand.”

  He shook his head and took another drink of his coffee. “I’m in no hurry. To tell you the truth, I was glad to see you when you stepped in that elevator. I’ve been thinking about you since I saw you yesterday outside that bar. You looked very upset.”

  “I was upset. It’s not every day I see a man killed. Especially someone I had hoped would have information about the attempts on my uncle’s life.”

  He nodded. “I can understand that.” He leaned closer. “I know you’re having a tough time right now with your uncle hurt, but I want to let you know I’d be happy to help you any way I can.”

  The words surprised Callie, and she blinked. “Help me?”

  “You know, like try to take your mind off things for a while. Maybe you’d have dinner with me one night.”

  Callie swallowed hard and stared at him. “You want to take me to dinner?”

  “Yeah. How about it?”

  A shadow fell across the table, and Callie glanced up to see Seth towering over them. “How about what?” he asked.

  Marty shrugged. “Nothing to concern yourself with, Dawtry. This was a private conversation between Callie and me.”

  Seth darted a glance at Callie. “Really? Am I interrupting?”

  Callie shook her head. “No, Marty and I were just having a cup of coffee together. How was your visit with Uncle Dan?”

  “No change. He didn’t respond at all to me.”

  Callie sighed, stood up, then looked back at Marty. “I have to go now. Seth and I have something we have to do. Maybe we’ll meet again.”

  He stood up and glanced from her to Seth. “Maybe we will. Think about what I said, though. I really meant it.”

  She bit down on her lip and nodded. Marty picked up his hat and placed it on his head before he strode toward the door. Seth didn’t speak until he was out of sight.

  “What was he asking you when I walked up?”

  Callie scooted her chair up under the table and shrugged. “Nothing, really. He said he’d like to take me to dinner.”

  “He what?” Seth’s words exploded from his mouth, and two people at a table across the room looked up in surprise.

  “Seth,” Callie whispered, “keep your voice down. I said he asked. I didn’t accept. I couldn’t go out with him. There’s something about him that scares me.”

  The muscle in Seth’s jaw flexed, and his nostrils flared. After a moment he took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Callie. It’s none of my business who you go out with. I’m sure you can make your own decisions without any help from me. Now let’s go. I’d like to get down to the homeless shelter before they open the doors for the night.”

  Callie’s mouth dropped open, and she stared in disbelief as Seth turned and strode from the room. Did he really think she could have any interest in Marty Weaver? The way he was acting she might think he was jealous if she didn’t know better.

  Ever since she’d been back, he’d been quick to let her know that his feelings for her had died two years ago. Maybe he didn’t want her anymore, but he didn’t want anyone else to have her, either. That seemed like such a childish attitude to her.

  Then she remembered Glenda’s comment earlier that Seth would make a great husband and father and how she’d reacted to it. Neither she nor Seth had moved on since their breakup, and maybe it was time she did something to give them a shove to do so.

  She needed something to help her begin to move forward, but it wasn’t going to be a date with Marty Weaver.

  * * *

  Seth tried to concentrate on the traffic as he drove, but his thoughts kept returning to what had happened in the hospital cafeteria. He couldn’t believe how irrationally he’d acted. What did it matter to him who Callie dated? But Marty Weaver? He’d never liked the man, even though he knew Dan had been friends with him through the youth center. Dan, who always looked for the best in everyone, had often told him he needed to be more accepting of people he didn’t understand, that it was difficult to know a person until you’d walked in their shoes.

  He wondered how Dan would feel knowing that Weaver had seemed unconcerned with the death of a man they’d needed to take into custody yesterday. Seth still hadn’t accepted the fact that the officers outside had shot first instead of trying to disarm him. But then he hadn’t been able to do it inside the bar, so maybe he didn’t need to judge those outside so quickly. That was one thing Dan had always cautioned him about—don’t come to a conclusion until you have all the facts.

  His throat closed, and he felt tears sting his eyes. He couldn’t stand to think of Dan in that hospital bed, so still and unresponsive. For years he’d been a role model for Seth, and he didn’t know how he could go on without him. And if Dan died, what would happen to Callie?

  She’d made it clear two years ago that their future wasn’t together, but he still cared what happened to her. He wanted her to find someone who’d make her happy. Even if he didn’t like Marty Weaver, it wasn’t up to him to make choices for her about her life.

  He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted back there in the cafeteria. You have the right to date anyone you choose. If you want to go out with Marty, I’m okay with that.”

  She turned a cool gaze on him, and he almost shivered at the frosty look in her eyes. “I must say that makes me feel a lot better, Detective Dawtry, to know that all my dates don’t have to apply to you for approval.”

  His mouth dropped open, and his eyes gr
ew wide. “What is that supposed to mean? I was trying to be nice.”

  “Well, don’t do me any favors,” she snapped. “I will go out with whoever I want and whenever I want. And when I decide to do so, I won’t be asking your permission.”

  Before he could voice a reply, she turned her head and stared out the car window. He exhaled deeply and directed his attention back to the afternoon traffic. Neither of them spoke as he drove toward the shelter.

  When he pulled into the parking lot at the Midtown Mission, he wasn’t surprised to see several homeless people standing on the sidewalk in front of the building. Since there weren’t enough beds to supply the ones needing them, many had started showing up early in hopes of being lucky enough to get a place before they were all gone.

  Seth pulled to a stop and turned the engine off. He curled his fingers around the steering wheel and tightened them before he turned to look toward Callie. She had her hands folded in her lap and stared down at them.

  He swallowed and took a deep breath. “Callie, I’m sorry for the way I acted. Please forgive me if I made you feel uncomfortable in any way. All I want is for you to be happy.”

  She glanced up, and tears sparkled in her eyes. “That’s all I want for you, too, Seth, but I’m afraid our being together so much isn’t working out very well. Maybe it would be better if I went to a hotel.”

  He shook his head. “No, you can’t do that. We’re not sure the threat to your life is over, and I need to keep you close so I can protect you in case anyone comes after you again.”

  “But Seth...”

  He held up a hand to stop her. “No. We’re going to make this situation work. Last night we were determined to be friends for Dan’s sake so we could all enjoy spending time together when he recovers. Today we seem to have forgotten that.” He reached over and touched her arm. “I’m really trying to let go of what happened between us, but I have to admit it’s hard. I still don’t understand why you left, and I may never, but I’m sincere when I say I want to be your friend.”

  She stared down at his hand before she covered it with hers and smiled. “I want to be your friend, too, Seth. I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you, but you need to understand that you can’t decide who I will go out with.”

  “I understand that.”

  “And I want you to feel free to date anyone you choose. So let’s not argue over things that we can’t control for each other. From now on let’s concentrate on finding out who Hope is and why someone is trying to kill Uncle Dan. If we can do that, then I’ll leave Memphis as soon as he’s well enough to travel, and you won’t be troubled with me anymore.”

  He started to protest that she didn’t trouble him, but he decided against it. Instead, he nodded. “Let’s go see what we can find out inside.”

  They got out of the car and walked toward the mission. As they approached the front door, several homeless men who’d been standing in front of the door moved out of their way and stared at them as they walked past. There was a stir among the people on the sidewalk as the smell of bread baking drifted outside. Seth held the door open for Callie and followed her inside.

  It had been several months since Seth had been inside the building, but it looked no different now than it had then. The room they entered served as the dining room, and rows of tables lined the floor. Folding chairs had been placed at each spot, which would later in the evening provide a seat for a hungry person to enjoy a free meal.

  The banging of pots and pans echoed from the room at the back, and he headed to the door that led into that area of the building. He stopped just inside the kitchen with Callie behind him and let his gaze drift over the room. Steam rose from several large pots on a stove where a woman wearing a long, white apron appeared to be overseeing their progress. Another woman chopped vegetables at a table, and a third looked up from smoothing the icing on top of a cake.

  “Hello, may I help you?”

  Seth nodded. “I’d like to see Dorothy Tipton if she’s available.”

  The woman wiped her hands on her apron and walked over to them. “Mrs. Tipton is in her office down the hall. Who should I tell her wants to speak with her?”

  Seth pulled out his badge. “Detective Seth Dawtry with the Memphis Police.”

  She nodded and stepped around them. “Follow me.”

  They followed her down a narrow hallway that led from the dining room toward the back of the building and stopped outside a closed door. She knocked on the door. “Mrs. Tipton?”

  “Yes.” The muffled voice could barely be heard through the closed door.

  “There’s someone here to see you.”

  A moment later the door opened, and a woman who looked to be in her late fifties stood before them. “Who is it?”

  “He’s a police officer, Mrs. Tipton. He needs to speak with you.”

  She glanced past the woman to Seth. “Of course. Won’t you come in?”

  The woman from the kitchen stepped out of the way, and Callie and Seth walked into the room. Mrs. Tipton pointed to two chairs facing the desk. “Please have a seat.”

  “Thank you,” Seth said as he and Callie took their seats.

  Mrs. Tipton waited until they were settled before she walked behind her desk and sat in the chair there. She folded her hands and leaned forward. “Now how may I help you?”

  Seth straightened in his chair. “I’m Detective Seth Dawtry with the Memphis PD, and this is my friend Dr. Callie Lattimer. Her uncle is Judge Dan Lattimer. You may know him.”

  A sad look creased her face, and she looked at Callie. “I do. I was so sorry to hear he’s been in an accident. How is he doing?”

  “He’s holding his own. We’re very hopeful he’s going to be all right.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “We’re here, Mrs. Tipton,” Seth said, “because we thought you might be able to help us with something. The police have reason to believe that one of the people who might have been responsible for Judge Lattimer’s wreck was Carlos Allen, who seems to have a long history with this mission. I wondered if you could tell us anything about him.”

  She chewed on her lip and nodded. “I know Carlos. This mission also serves as a type of halfway house where individuals can do court-ordered community service hours. Through the years Carlos has served a lot of time here. I’ve always liked him, and I believe he could really make something of his life. But he’s never been able to break away from that criminal mentality he’s had for years. I haven’t seen him in a while, so I hoped he was finally doing better.”

  “I’m afraid you won’t be seeing him at all anymore. He was shot to death by police last night.”

  Mrs. Tipton’s eyes widened, and she gasped. “Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “I was, too,” Seth said. “But you said he’d been here a lot over the years. Do you know why he kept getting assigned here instead of spending time in jail?”

  She shook her head. “I’m afraid I can’t answer that. I only follow the court’s recommendations and take the offenders they send. If you’d like more information, I suggest you talk with Assistant District Attorney Abby Dalton. She’s one of our greatest supporters, and she keeps an eye out for offenders she thinks might benefit from doing community service hours instead of spending time behind bars.”

  Seth nodded and pushed to his feet. “I’ll do that. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Tipton. I appreciate the help you’ve been.”

  She rose and walked around her desk to the door. “If you think of anything else you’d like to ask me, come again. I’m here every day, even Sundays. We have a morning worship service before lunch.” She opened the door and stuck out her hand to Callie. “I am praying for your uncle’s recovery, Dr. Lattimer. Please let him know.”

  Callie shook her hand and smiled. “Thank you, and please call me Callie. I
was wondering, though, what kind of qualifications you need to volunteer here?”

  Mrs. Tipton glanced from Callie to Seth. “Are you thinking of volunteering? We already have a doctor and nurse who provide us with health needs.”

  Callie chuckled. “I’m not that kind of doctor, Mrs. Tipton. I’m a PhD who is willing to roll up her sleeves and help when she sees a need. I know my uncle supported this place, and I would like to do it in his honor.”

  Mrs. Tipton smiled and squeezed her hand. “Whenever you want to come here, give me a call. I can always use an extra pair of hands.”

  “Thank you. I’ll let you know.”

  Seth couldn’t believe the exchange he’d just heard, and he followed Callie from the building without saying a word. He didn’t speak until they were back in the car. Then he swiveled in his seat and faced her. “What was that all about?”

  She turned to face him and blinked. “What are you talking about?”

  “Why would you ask about volunteering?”

  “I may not be a trained police officer, Seth, but I can tell when something doesn’t make sense. Why would a repeat offender like Carlos Allen keep getting community service instead of going to jail? There’s something wrong in the system somewhere. It’s either in the courts, here at the center or they’re working together. It might help to have somebody undercover to find out where the problem is.”

  He shook his head. “I can guarantee it’s not going to be you undercover.”

  She smiled and reached for her seat belt. “We can deal with that situation when we decide where the problem may lie. For now, why don’t we go to see A.D.A. Dalton?”

  Seth started to restate his opposition to her proposal, but he groaned and pulled his seat belt tight as he decided to pick his battles. He really didn’t know if he was more upset at the prospect of her going undercover at the mission or the fact that she had thought of doing it before he had.

  Having a pair of eyes inside the shelter might help the investigation. “It’s not a bad idea, Callie. But like you said, let’s talk to Ms. Dalton and find out how Carlos Allen got away with doing so much community service time instead of being behind bars. She should have some interesting answers for us.”