She searched in her handbag, removed the container of pepper spray, put her finger on the nozzle and waited.
Annie heard him moving across the floor and then a sigh as he dropped into the chair. A magazine rustled, a lighter flicked, and the distinct smell of cigarette smoke filled the air.
It appeared he was here to stay and she couldn’t hide for long.
She took a deep breath and stepped out from behind the barrel. She stood six feet from Mouse, between him and the steps, and held the container of spray at arm’s length in front of her.
Mouse’s eyes widened, his mouth dropped open, and the magazine fluttered to the floor.
“Stay still or I’ll spray you.”
“Who … who’re you?” he demanded as he recovered from the surprise and leaned forward in the chair.
She threatened him by swinging the container to the side as she tapped the nozzle lightly. A fine mist shot out. “Don’t move. This is pepper spray and you’ll be sorry if I use it on you.”
He frowned and sat back. “What do you want?”
“I want to know who killed Hannah Martin.”
His eyes narrowed. “Who’s Hannah Martin?”
“I think you know.”
He glared at her a moment, then at the can of spray. “I don’t know who killed her.”
Annie waved the spray and repeated, “Who killed Hannah Martin?”
“Who’re you?” he asked.
“I’m Annie Lincoln. Now talk or I spray.”
His mouth dropped open again. “Are you Jake Lincoln’s wife?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re not a cop and you have no reason to be here.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Annie pointed to the container and tightened her finger on the nozzle. “I don’t need a reason.”
Mouse held up his hands. “I’ll tell you if you let me go. It … it wasn’t me. I didn’t kill nobody.”
“Then who did?”
He hesitated, then said, “It was Eli Martin. He does all the killing. I just do as I’m told and don’t ask no questions.”
“And who dumped her body in the forest?”
He shrugged. “I did. But she was already dead. I swear, I didn’t kill her.”
“And what about Mrs. Gould?”
“Same thing. Eli Martin killed her and I just dumped her body by the road.”
Annie pointed up the stairs. “And is that the van out there you used?”
He nodded.
“Where’s Eli Martin now?”
“I … I don’t know. He doesn’t tell me where he goes. He just goes. I don’t ask.”
Annie glared at Mouse, the pepper spray never wavering in her hand. “We know you were the one who robbed Walter Coleman at the bank.”
He glared. “I just did what I was told.”
Annie waved the spray. “Stand up,” she ordered.
“Why?”
She raised her voice. “Stand up?”
He stood and she motioned toward the room. “In there.”
He shook his head and said nothing.
“Now. Get in there or I spray.”
He moved reluctantly toward the room, glancing at her over his shoulder. He stopped at the door and turned around. “Can I have my cigarettes?”
“You don’t need them.”
“Please?”
She hesitated and then waved the can at him. “Go inside the room and I’ll get them.”
He turned, opened the door, and stepped inside. “It’s dark in here.”
“That didn’t seem to matter to you when Hannah Martin was in there.”
No answer.
She shut the door, stepped back to the chair, and picked up the package of cigarettes and lighter. She returned, opened the door, tossed them inside, and shut the door again, securing the bolt in place.
That would hold him until the police arrived.
She put the can of spray back into her handbag and climbed the stairs to the outside. She shut the door behind her, made sure it was left unlocked, and left the lot through the gate. She stepped onto the sidewalk and sat on the grass under a tree.
Retrieving her cell phone, she called Jake’s number. A voice said the caller was unavailable.
That’s strange. Why would he turn his phone off?
The police should’ve been here by now and she wondered if Jake had called Hank yet. She decided to call Hank herself. The van was enough evidence for a warrant to search the building, and when they found Mouse, he would surely live up to his name and tell them all he knew.
Chapter 57
Saturday, September 3rd, 5:22 p.m.
JAKE WASN’T SURE exactly where Eli Martin had pulled off, but the laneway they’d just passed seemed like the most likely spot.
He spun the Firebird around and eased back the way they’d come. He pulled the vehicle to the shoulder a hundred yards from the laneway, shut down the engine, and turned to Rosemary. “You’d better stay here. I’ll go take a look.”
She shook her head adamantly. “No way. I’m going with you.”
Jake watched her a moment, thinking. For someone who’d been through what she had, she had a lot of spunk. But it could be risky and he didn’t want to put her in additional danger.
She interrupted his thoughts by opening the car door and climbing out. She leaned down and looked at him through the open door. “Are you coming?”
It looked like he had no choice. She was coming with him whether he liked it or not.
“Shut your door quietly,” he said and he climbed from the vehicle and eased his door shut.
They walked up the side of the road to the laneway. Set back from the road, perhaps five hundred feet, a small house—more like a cabin—could be seen. Martin’s SUV was nowhere in sight.
“Stay behind me,” he said as he turned and headed up the lane.
She paid no mind and stepped up beside him, striding to keep up with his pace.
He frowned down at her, held her by the arm, and stopped. “Look, I just want to see what Martin’s up to. With both of us, there’s more chance of being seen.”
“I’ll be careful. You don’t have to worry.” She pulled her arm loose, gave him a quick smile, and continued up the laneway.
He sighed and took a couple of long steps to catch up. She was one of the victims and if she was determined to come along, then so be it.
As they drew closer to the cabin, Jake could see the building had known better days. The front yard was overgrown with weeds. A couple of windows were broken, the paint was peeling, and the closed door sagged on its hinges.
Rosemary followed Jake’s lead as he circled around to the far side of the building. If Martin was inside, it was unlikely he could see them from there. They ducked under a single window and continued to the back corner. Jake peered around. From that vantage point they could see that Martin’s SUV was there, but Martin was nowhere to be seen.
“He must be inside,” Rosemary whispered.
Jake nodded. “I’ll take a look.” He crept back and took a quick glance through the dusty window. There were no lights on and Jake doubted if there was any electricity coming to the building. Martin couldn’t be seen in the main room. There were a couple of adjoining rooms but their doors were closed.
He ducked back down. “I don’t think he’s in there.”
“That’s because I’m right here.”
Jake spun around and Rosemary gasped. Eli Martin stood ten feet away, a pistol in his hand, a forced smile curling his mouth.
“Jake, my friend, do you think I’m stupid?”
Jake didn’t answer as he put his arm in front of Rosemary, nudged her back, and stood between her and the gunman.
“I was well aware you were following me. I’d recognize that beautiful car of yours anywhere. It is a magnificent machine, Jake.”
Jake glanced at the pistol. He didn’t see any chance of disarming Martin and he didn’t want to take a chance with Rosemary there. It would be too dang
erous for both of them.
“You can’t get away with this, Martin,” Jake said. “The police know who you are and they’re on their way now.”
“Oh, is that so? Then why didn’t you wait until they got here before you came barging in?”
Martin had a point.
The kidnapper continued, “No, Jake. Nobody knows you’re here, and now it’s just you, me, and dear Rosemary.”
Jake looked around desperately trying to come up with an idea, some way to get the better of Martin. He knew he could make a dive for the killer and hope for the best. If he was shot at and the shot missed, he could disarm him. If the shot didn’t miss, the vest would stop the bullet, but he would be knocked flat on his back. And then Rosemary would be in more danger.
The best bet would be to bide his time and wait for a better chance. He was glad Annie had insisted he wear the vest.
Martin seemed to sense Jake’s thoughts and waved the pistol for effect. “You can’t get away, Jake. You must face it.”
Rosemary eased out from behind Jake and took one step toward Martin. “Why were you trying to kill me?”
The pistol moved toward Rosemary. “My dear, dear woman. Surely you must know.”
She shook her head. “I have no idea.”
Martin laughed. “Perhaps you’ll find out why before you die.”
Rosemary jutted her chin. “Go ahead. Shoot me.”
Jake put a hand on her shoulder. “Rosemary, please relax.” He moved in front of her again.
“Well done, Jake. Well done.” Martin chuckled. “Now, please turn around, both of you.”
Jake met Martin’s gaze and glared at him a moment before turning around, careful to keep himself between Martin and Rosemary.
“Walk to my vehicle.”
Martin stayed back a few feet as they moved toward the SUV.
“Now, get down on the ground, both of you, and lay face down.”
Jake turned and scowled at Martin before doing as he was told and then watched as Martin opened the rear door of the SUV, rummaged around, and removed a yellow nylon rope. The killer slipped a knife from under his jacket and cut the rope in two. While holding the pistol in one hand, he tied Jake’s hands and feet securely. The knot was pulled tight and Jake was helpless.
Rosemary was next and she put up more of a struggle, but Martin managed to tie her as well. He stepped back and a smile appeared on his face. “This is so much fun,” he said. The smile turned into a laugh as he tucked the pistol under his belt. He leaned down and rolled Jake onto his back, and then Rosemary.
They lay side by side, helpless.
“Why don’t you kill us?” Jake asked.
“In due time, Jake. Please be patient. I have much better plans.”
Martin went to the SUV and returned with a cell phone in his hand. “Smile for the camera,” he said and the camera clicked. He turned the phone around. “Ah, an excellent shot. You make a great couple. Annie will be delighted to see you two so nice and cozy.”
“Leave her out of this,” Jake roared. “You don’t need her. You have me.”
“But she’s already involved, Jake. I couldn’t leave her out if I wanted to. Besides, that wouldn’t be fair, would it?”
Chapter 58
Saturday, September 3rd, 5:36 p.m.
ANNIE LEANED against the tree, her phone in her hand. She’d been unable to get a hold of Jake and she was anxious to inform Hank of what she’d discovered. Before she had a chance to make the call, her cell rang. She looked at the caller ID. Unknown number.
She answered, “Annie Lincoln.”
“Annie Lincoln, I’m so delighted we finally get to talk,” a deep voice said.
It was him. It was Eli Martin.
Why would he be calling now and why would he be calling her? Annie said nothing, her mind in a whirl, as breathing came over the line.
“Are you still there, Annie?”
“I’m here.”
“You’ll be happy to hear your husband is safe.”
Whatever did that mean? What was he talking about?
Martin continued, “He and the lovely Rosemary are a little busy at the moment. Perhaps you’d like to see what they’re up to. Wait, I know. I can send you a photo. I happen to have a lovely shot of just the two of them.”
She gasped as an image appeared on her screen: Jake and Rosemary, tied and helpless.
“I’ve always wanted to be a photographer,” Martin said. “I think it’s in my blood.” Silence. “Did you receive my latest masterpiece, Annie?”
“I see it,” Annie said, almost a whisper.
“I’ve no intention of hurting your husband.” More silence, then, “Do you believe in love, Annie?”
“Of course.”
“Your husband thinks a lot of you. He actually offered himself up if I would spare you.”
Annie listened quietly, fearfully.
“Would you do the same for him?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like that chance? A chance to prove your undying love?”
Whatever was he driving at?
“Please forgive me,” Martin said. “I’m a hopeless romantic.”
His low laugh sent a chill up Annie’s spine as she waited.
“It’s your choice, Annie. I’ll spare Jake and take you in exchange. Would you consider that?”
Of course she would, but that wasn’t going to be necessary. At least … she hoped it wasn’t. “I would do that,” she answered softly.
A chuckle came over the line, then, “Excellent. So, shall we put it to the test?”
What choice did she have? “Yes,” she answered.
“There’s one condition, Annie. You must come alone. Otherwise, it’ll be impossible for me to keep my end of the bargain, and I’m afraid that would result in a horrendous outcome.”
“I’ll come alone,” Annie said.
“Marvelous. It’ll be amazing to finally get to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and your marvelous escapades, and now.” He sighed, then said, “I have to admit, Annie, I’m a fan.”
“Just tell me where you want me to go and I’ll be there.”
“Well, well, aren’t we just a little bit impatient?” Martin paused. “Very well, then. Do you know where Hamlin Road is?”
“I do.”
“Such a lovely neighborhood. Pleasant and quiet. No nosy people to disturb you. However, once you get out of the suburbs, it’s even more peaceful. One could shout—even scream—as loud as they wanted and would never be heard.”
Silence.
“And that’s where we can meet up, Annie. Hamlin Road soon turns into a long, lonely highway, and just five miles east of the city you’ll go around a rather large curve and then … then you’ll be close. Keep your eye on the right-hand side for a delightful little laneway. It’s a long lane, beautiful really, all lined with wildflowers and colorful shrubs, but it’ll take you right into our meeting place.”
“I have the directions,” Annie said. “I’ll be there.”
“Wonderful. And please hurry. I’ll be waiting and so will Jake.”
“What about Rosemary Coleman? Will you release her as well?”
He hesitated. “Yes, I will—if you come alone. You have exactly one hour to get here. Otherwise I can’t be responsible for the consequences.”
“I’m downtown,” Annie said. “I need a bit longer to get there.”
“Very well. You have one hour and fifteen minutes. Not a second more. Drive carefully now.”
The line went dead.
Annie dropped her phone in her lap, lay back against the tree and closed her eyes. She realized at that moment she would give her life to save Jake, but even if that were the only answer, Eli Martin could never be trusted to keep his word. Never.
She had to come up with a plan and quickly.
She stood and hurried to her car, wondering if she should call Hank. She decided against it. Martin likely expected her to and would be ready. He was stringe
nt with the rules he’d set and she wasn’t going to take any chances. Lives were at stake. Her husband’s life was at stake.
She climbed in her car and sat still, hatching a plan—a daring plan—but it just might work. It had to work. She would only have one shot at this.
Annie thought about Rosemary Coleman and about Walter Coleman. Should she let him know what was going on? He had every right to know since his wife was in mortal danger.
She drove faster than usual through town, hoping she wouldn’t get pulled over for speeding and in a few minutes arrived home. She ran into the house and straight to the office.
The iMac came to life when she touched the space bar. She spent a few minutes on Google Maps, made a printout, folded the paper, and tucked it into her back pocket.
When she unlocked the side drawer of the desk and gazed at the Smith & Wesson, she wished Jake had taken it with him. But he hadn’t, and so now, she would make good use of it. Jake was in danger and nothing else mattered.
The harness had to be adjusted to fit her, and when she slipped the gun into the holster, it felt heavy. She adjusted the harness again and popped the magazine in, thankful Jake had taken the time to show her that much. She knew how to load it, but wasn’t sure how well she could shoot. She hadn’t had much occasion to practice in the past, but was certain it couldn’t be that hard.
Just aim and pull the trigger.
Binoculars. She pulled a pair off the shelf and tucked them into her handbag. A knife. A kitchen knife would have to do. What else? A jacket. Dark green. It was Jake’s and rather large on her, but it would be fine. And a cap. Also Jake’s.
She was ready.
Ready and determined.
She looked at her watch. One last thing to do. Walter Coleman would just be on his way home from work. She picked up the office phone and called his cell number. He answered right away.
She told him who she was and said, “I have some disturbing news for you, Mr. Coleman.”
“Yes?”
Annie explained all she knew, who the kidnapper was and what he was demanding of her.
“You shouldn’t go alone,” he said, concern in his voice. Concern for Annie, but primarily for his wife. “Let me come with you.”
Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) Page 21
