“I don’t want to upset you, but I called your parents and explained the situation. They have a right to know.” He raised his hands defensively. “They won’t be coming because I asked them not to. I told them you are under police protection, and you didn’t need to be worrying about their safety. You do need to call them and your grandma Sadie. I had a nice talk with her also.”
“You’re right. I’m not thinking straight right now, of course they should know. I’m going to need some help. I basically can’t do anything. I may be fooling myself. Maybe I should just pack it in and move home.”
“Only you can decide that, and I wouldn’t blame you if you did. But you are one of the strongest women I’ve ever known, who is sweet to boot. What is it that Gary calls you? Sunshine, which seems about right to me.”
For a while they opened the cards together. He opened the envelope and handed the card to her to read. The church sent flowers again and told her they would all take turns helping her. Grandma Sadie, the police officers, her parents, and Dylan had all sent her beautiful bouquets and cards with beautiful sentiments. The last card simply said in bold letters “Strike Three You’re Out!”
Jessie handed Matt the card to read. He was angry. His gut was twisted in a knot. He knew Buddy wasn’t back in town. They had been watching, but someone was using his MO. Jessie didn’t react at all; Matt was a little concerned by her apathy. While Jessie slept, the nurse explained it was the medicine they had given her after her hard morning. She promised that Jessie would be a little more alert at lunchtime.
Jessie’s process of healing began surrounded by Katie and many new friends, daily conversations with her parents and Sadie, all of whom wrapped her in love and well wishes. People were there to support her and help her until she was back on her feet.
As for the case, it was the time they needed to get all their ducks in a row and be ready for the next stage. Jessie and Jeremy used her down time to get more information on members of the Harvest Club. There were thirty people involved in their area who could be identified as active participants in the club. They were able to distinguish the buyers from the brokers through their deposits into their account. Jessie was positive Gordon was the head man or a leader in the group, but there was still someone whom they couldn’t identify who might be the actual killer.
She was finally certified to carry a gun and wrote an amazing article about those who participated in the buying and selling of organs on the black market. Max was happy to run the story, and it became one of the most responded to articles in the history of his paper. Neil told her it was one of the best pieces she had ever written. He took the time to offer her a job, back where she had been safe.
It all came down to today. This was the day. It had been put off several weeks, but she was going with Matt to Mayor Cummings’ office. They were about to plant the seeds that they knew about the Harvest Club. At the same time, Dylan was bringing in Brad and Ed in for questioning.
One could only hope they would want to cop a plea by becoming witnesses for the state. But the hold Gordon had on them made it difficult to believe it could happen.
Matt and Jessie walked into the mayor’s office five minutes before their appointment.
“I was surprised to see your name on my schedule today, Matt.” He looked up, confident and smooth as ever. “It’s good to see you.”
“Jason, this is Jessie Reynolds, a good friend.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Jessie. I remember meeting you at Rick’s funeral.” He motioned to the chairs. “Please have a seat, both of you. Can I have my secretary bring you anything?”
“No, we’re good.” Matt answered for them both. “Something has come to Jessie’s attention, and I thought she should make you aware.”
“As you know I wrote a piece for the local newspaper about black market dealings with organs from India and Africa.” She waited for his nod. “In my research I have found a group operating in this area known as the Harvest Club. I haven’t been able to identify all of its members to date, but I have found out the names of a few of them.”
“As a matter of fact, one of my officers is bringing in two for questioning right now,” Matt added. “This is a major ongoing investigation with county and FBI participation.”
Jessie took up the story. “My sources tell me there are somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty active members, so we are trying to identify them as we speak. Matt thought it was important that as mayor you be made aware of what’s going on in the investigation.”
Both Jessie and Matt watched Jason to see his reaction. He remained calm, his expression one of expected concern. “I appreciate you briefing me. What would you like my office to do? Is there any way I can help?”
“Not at this time, but I’m sure in the future we’ll be calling on you. We appreciate your support in this matter.” Matt stood up to leave. “We know you’re a busy man, so we don’t want to take up any more of your time.” Jessie stood up, too, and they both walked out together closing the office door.
“I imagine about now our honorable mayor is on the phone, alerting club members.” Matt sounded confident.
“Do you think? It didn’t seem like he reacted at all.” She pushed the strap of her purse that had slipped down her arm back to her shoulder.
“Jason was a picture of composure except for his fisted hands and the look of steel in his eyes. He’s calling them all right. Now all we have to do is be on guard and sit tight.”
Matt opened the car door for her, got in on the driver’s side, and started the engine. He paused to check his messages as Jessie listened to a message from Jeremy.
“Hi sweet thing, do you remember asking how to get around that firewall? I figured it out, and I’ve sent the directions in the email. Have fun and keep yourself from harm. If you need me to do anything, get back with me. Talk to you later.”
“What was that all about?” Matt asked.
“I asked Jeremy to help me get around a firewall. I have a theory, and I was checking it out, but I couldn’t get in. He figured it out and sent me the instructions.”
“What are you thinking?”
“The Club has a lot of lawyers and politicians. I figure they’ve built in a lot of protection. Once they’re in, the only way out is death. I have a feeling there is a dirty cop in there somewhere, and that’s what they’re scared of. There may be one undercover, but I think there is one who’s benefited by keeping quiet. You know what I mean.”
“I do. I’ve been checking out some things, too. I’ve been waiting for someone to get back to me. I’m impressed with your hunch here.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“I can’t believe that bitch survived being shot. She had a vest on, but still the bullet should have penetrated and caused a fatal wound. Why did she have a vest on? Did someone leak information? Someone had to be looking out for her.” Gordon slammed his fist down on the table top in front of him.
“What’s that supposed to mean? I told you not to do anything. You let your desire for revenge push you to do something stupid. Stupidity is what catches most criminals. I’m trying to figure out what to do next, now that you botched it.”
“You had better hurry. They’re closing in on the club. The article she wrote has created a stir, and the two of them were in Jason’s office as big as you please this morning, telling him they knew about the club and some of its members. They mentioned they had taken two in for questioning. I haven’t been able to find out who they are yet, but I will.”
“If you remember I told you to keep your temper in check. I also told you to let Gina move away, but no, you wanted her dead. Instead of her being lost somewhere you left her body at the church to be found. You’re just plain stupid if you ask me. I believe Gina was your first mistake, and Jessie was your second. Neither of them knew anything about the Harvest Club. Without Gina’s death, no one would have been the wiser.”
“You just do what you need to do and forgo the lecture.”
****
It had been a couple of days since they had questioned Brad and Ed. They had already been released. At this time it was about letting them know they were aware of the group’s activities, psyching them out, and hoping they would turn on each other. The evidence was mounting against them, especially from the international side, where more than a few people were willing to sell the Americans out.
Jessie arrived early to work. Kip was in the parking lot to watch her when she left the building. This was the day that John was back on the job as the pastor and a new associate pastor was also moving into the office. He was a year older than Jessie and unmarried. Already the women in the church were planning to set Jessie up with him, unbeknown to her.
Kevin Delaney was an energetic young man full of innovative ideas, primed and ready to try them out on a hurting congregation. John was the more seasoned, tenderhearted one, willing to carry them along for as long as it took.
Several of the ladies were there to welcome them and make sure the offices, which had been completely done over after the vandalism, were clean. Coffee was made, and some homemade baked goods were arranged nicely in the small kitchen area. Jessie was happy to be well, in one piece, and back full time at work.
Pastor John walked in the door, and Jessie stood up to greet him. “Good morning, Pastor, it is so nice to see you, and I’m so happy you’re my new boss.”
“Thank you, Jessie, I’m glad you are no worse for the wear and you have chosen to remain with us after all that has happened to you. I want you to meet the new pastor.” He turned around to look for Kevin. “I thought he was right behind me. The ladies all had to talk to him, a single man you know. Here he comes now.” He motioned to Kevin. “This lovely young lady is our secretary, Jessie Reynolds. Jessie, this is Kevin Delaney.”
“Jessie.” The brown haired young man strolled through the door, his green eyes bright above a wide smile. “I heard about all that you’ve endured to be the secretary in the church; I for one and I know Pastor John as well, are glad that you are here.
“Thank you. I enjoy my job and the congregation.” She smiled at him.
Kevin was just a head taller than she, with a nice face, not drop dead handsome, but there was a kindness in his expression. Every time he walked through her office to get something he smiled, his eyes lit up, and two dimples appeared in his cheeks, putting a double emphasis on his great smile.
He was talkative and attentive to anyone who stopped him to chat, which was so different than Rick. Her mind instantly seized on the idea that Katie would take to him right away and would probably become an active church member. Katie could do worse, because Kevin was a really nice man. Jessie was more impressed with him as the day went on.
Placing books on the shelves, Jessie helped John in his office, answered the phone when it rang, and stopped to talk to all the ladies coming and going in the office. The morning flew by.
She was growing accustomed to the ever-changing landscape of her life. She had no idea what her life in Blue Cove might end up looking like. Who knew what would happen next?
She carried a gun, and she didn’t even like guns. Her rib cage was still a little sore, her ankle and toe were healed, but she couldn’t run outside alone anymore, she had to have a constant shadow. She worked as a secretary and was aiding in a major sting operation with investigative research. The blissful, peaceful life that had enticed her here in the first place had never materialized, not since the moment Gina had entered it.
Her cell phone’s vibration startled her. “Hi, this is Jessie.”
“Jessie, Zach Johnson called, and he wants to talk with us at lunch. Do you have time to go today?” Matt asked.
“Let me check.” She turned to Pastor John. “Is it okay if I take some time for lunch today, or do you need me to stay around?”
“Of course you can go, Jessie. You got here early and have been working all morning. Go take a break.” He smiled and waved her on with his hand.
“I can. Where and what time?”
“Noon at Patterson’s, and by the way, I checked up on our friend Zach and he is legit. According to the FBI he is working under cover for them.”
“Even if it’s not him, I still believe there is a dirty cop in the equation. All my research shows someone had to have looked the other way and was getting paid to do it.”
“Jessie, between you and me, we will be starting to make some arrests beginning in the next few days. I would like you to think about the next aspects of the story, Gina’s, the Harvest Club’s, and all the evil these guys have done in the name of good. I’ve been reading some of the stories coming out of India’s poor villages where they did some of their greatest business. I’ll give you a copy. Their stories need to be told.”
“Okay.” As soon as the words were out of Jessie’s mouth, the cold chills went down her spine. She looked out into the hall and saw Gina standing there staring at here her. Gina’s eyes never wavered from Jessie’s face, her lips curled into a slight smile, and then she was gone. “Actually, I’ve written quite a bit and was waiting for the names of those arrested to be filled in.”
At noon she crossed the street to Patterson’s under the watchful eye of Kip. He went to get something for lunch at Java Joe’s and took it back to his car to eat. Matt and Zach were seated at a table already. They watched as Patterson grabbed her hands and talked with her. He was smiling, and she threw back her head and laughed at something he had said.
“People really seem to like her.” Zach vocalized his observation.
“She’s terrific that way and one hell of a writer. She’s the reason we found out about the Harvest Club. Someday you’ll have to ask her how it all came about. It’s quite a story.” Matt was scowling.
“Hi, Mr. Parker. What has you looking so surly? Maybe I should go back to work early.”
“I’m not angry. That’s my impressed look.” He grinned at her.
She faked a shudder. “Remind me never to make you angry then.”
After they ordered, Zach got down to business. “I don’t have much time, and I don’t want to be seen in public with you two for long. The club members are getting nervous as the noose is tightening around them. I’m a little concerned the big boys are going to go underground and leave the others to take the fall. I know you’re close to making all the arrests.
“I want to add one more crime to a lengthy rap sheet for these guys. I believe Gordon Stockton killed his wife. I base that on a few things he has said to me over the past several weeks. Her body may need to exhumed. There was no love lost when she died. His position made people believe him when he said it was a heart attack. No one questioned her death at all.”
“What do you want me to do? That’s out of my jurisdiction, but I know the police chief at Rocky Pointe. I could put a bug in Carter’s ear.” Matt leaned back in his chair placing his folded arms behind his head.
Zach turned his smoldering gray eyes on Jessie. “Gordon is blaming you for everything. He wants you gone. I think his thirst for revenge is what got you shot at to begin with. He has been talking to me again about it, but I talked him out of it, I think. You’re never sure with Gordon. He’s unstable. I’m going underground for a while. I think the big guys are getting ready to do something, and I want to know what it is. I’ll watch out for you.”
Matt was frowning and didn’t say much for the rest of the meal. She and Matt walked out together.
“Keep your guard up, Jessie. I’m not going to be around much in the next sever
al days. Kip will keep an eye on you and call for back up if he’s concerned.”
“It’s been pretty quiet.” She brushed her blowing hair out of her face with her hand.
“Quiet always bothers me. It doesn’t mean things aren’t taking place just because you can’t hear or see them. It may be nothing, but I’m bothered by Zach.”
“Me, too. I wonder why he would risk his cover to be seen in public with us.” She looked sideways at him and touched his hand. “I’ll be careful and Matt, you do the same.” She hurried up the steps and into the church.
****
There was no way in hell he would let Gordon screw this gravy train up. He had a plan that would take care of the weak link and get rid of Gordon at the same time.
He might have been late to the party, but he was going to get his share and be done. He was already on his way to being a very wealthy man and could go underground if need be and resurface later, but there was no way in hell he would let Gordon do the same.
He called Buddy and told him to get back because Gordon wanted him. He knew he would be arrested, but it was one less person he would have to worry about. He would keep the cops so busy the next several days they wouldn’t have time to think about anyone else.
He after all was an upstanding citizen. No one knew he was even near the Harvest Club. He had made sure of that, and Zach was becoming the convenient target. Zach was no choir boy, and he had gotten his hands dirty in the club, which the records would show. Matt was halfway to suspecting him already. He would keep them real busy, and they would never know he was in.
Chapter Thirty-Two
“Dylan, I was checking in for any updates you have.” Matt called Dylan from his office.
“I was just getting ready to call you. I haven’t seen Brad stir. His house is still closed up, shades drawn, car hasn’t been moved, and that’s unusual for him. Do you think I should check on him?’
“When was your last visual?”
“Yesterday. It was about six when he returned from work.”
The Harvest Club Page 22
