If It Walks Like A Killer (The Carolina Killer Files #1)

by Kiersten Modglin

  Avery: Have you watched the news today?

  He hadn’t watched the news, in fact, because he had spent the last twelve hours tirelessly flipping through every file he had on the case.

  Hampton: What did you do?

  He typed his response quickly, his gut filling with dread. The door to the hall opened and he shoved his phone into his jacket pocket. Rachael walked out of the hallway, a small smirk on her face directed toward him.

  “Hi,” she said softly.

  “Hi.” He smiled, hoping he’d wiped the worry from his face.

  Stanelle grabbed Rachael’s cuffs from Dennis, he gently nudged her forward, toward the door. Hampton jumped in front of her, holding the door open. He walked quickly to his black BMV and opened the passenger door.

  “Be safe.” Stanelle nodded toward Hampton formally.

  “Thanks,” Hampton replied, sliding into his car.

  He’d pulled out of the station before Rachael spoke up. “You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Why?”

  “You seem different today.”

  The woman was good. “I’m tired. I was up all night.”

  “Oh?”

  “Nothing yet, but if there’s something to be found I’ll find it.”

  “I know. I trust you. I just feel like we’re running out of time.”

  “Don’t stress over it. I know that’s impossible for you, but just relax and let us handle it. Seriously.”

  “Relaxing is not something I’m good at.”

  “I’ve noticed.”

  Rachael laughed. “Hey, have you talked to Caide or my kids? They haven’t come by and they aren’t taking my calls. Are they okay?”

  He attempted to smile at her. “What did I just tell you? Stop worrying. They’re fine.”

  “So you’ve heard from them?”

  “I talked to your husband after the trial. Just once.”

  “What did he say? Did you tell him the kids could come to see me?”

  “I did. He’s just been really busy. I’m sure it isn’t easy without you.”

  Rachael nodded. “I just miss them.”

  “You’ll see them again, Rachael.”

  She nodded, though her mind was clearly already elsewhere.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Shayna

  Shayna’s door crept open.

  “Miss Steele,” Kortnee said quietly, “Mrs. Abbott is here.”

  Shayna glanced at her watch. “Oh, of course. Send her in.”

  Kortnee stepped back, allowing Rachael to walk in the door.

  “Rachael. Good morning, how are you?”

  “I’m okay, thank you, how are you?”

  “I’m well, thank you. Would you excuse me for just a second?” She sat her mug down on the coffee table and rushed out of the office. “Hampton!” she yelled, watching him walk out the door.

  A startled Kortnee jumped at her outburst. Shayna smiled apologetically before hurrying out the door behind him. “Hey.”

  He stopped, turning around to face her. “Yeah?”

  She panted heavily, catching up to him. “Have you seen the news today?”

  “Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

  “You need to watch it. Before you pick her up.” Her voice was firm, her eyes locked with his.

  “Why?”

  “Trust me,” she said, turning to walk back toward the door.

  “What station?”

  “All of them,” she called over her shoulder before walking in her lobby and shutting the door behind her.

  “Is everything all right?” Rachael asked as Shayna made her way back into the room.

  “Everything’s fine. I just needed to speak with Hampton for a second. So, now since our first two weeks are nearly over I’d like to get into a few more relevant topics. You’ve told me how you and Caide came to be married, tell me more about your marriage.”

  She took a breath, tapping her fingers on the arm of the couch. “My husband is a great partner. He really is. Despite our imperfect beginning, I do love my husband and he does love me. Getting married young, it means we’ve been through it all together. We’ve been poor and well-off, we’ve had wrecks, we’ve graduated, bought cars, built a home—I watched him become a father. We’ve struggled and celebrated and every moment of that has been together. I didn’t plan for my life to have gone the way it has, but despite the obvious flaws I wouldn’t trade it. Caide gave me my two greatest blessings, so even if I go to jail, even if he cheats on me until I die, I’ll always love him for that. Sure, we’ve fought. We’ve been young and headstrong and stubborn, but we’ve also been really, insanely happy.”

  “What is your favorite thing about your husband?”

  “Seeing him with our kids. He really is such a good dad. Even though Caide misses a lot, when he’s there he’s really great. Our kids adore their father.”

  “Rachael, I notice when you talk about your parents love: how inspiring it was, how it influenced you, you talk about how they loved each other, how their love never died. It’s interesting to me that when you mention love, despite never knowing your mother, you talk about how they loved each other yet, when you discuss your marriage, your love, you only mention how good he is to your kids. How great of a dad he is. How happy he makes you when you’re with the kids. Why do you think that is?”

  She spoke immediately. “My kids come first. My children are everything to me. I’m happiest when they’re happy.”

  “So you don’t have any expectations from your husband as far as simply being your husband?”

  Rachael frowned. “I don’t think I’ve ever really thought about it. We’ve always had the kids. They’re always there. I don’t think about Caide and I without them.”

  “Don’t you ever have date nights?”

  “We don’t have family to watch the kids. We have a babysitter, but she’s there so often as it is, I try not to use her unless it’s necessary.”

  “Rachael, when is that last time you and your husband were intimate?”

  Rachael blushed, pressing her fingers to her lips.

  “Don’t be embarrassed.”

  “No, it’s not that.”

  “What is it?”

  She was quiet, looking down. When she finally looked back up, she met Shayna’s eyes with shame. “I can’t even remember. We’ve only recently gotten Davis into his own bed at night and he usually comes home long after I’m asleep.”

  “A rough estimate will be fine.”

  “Maybe when I was pregnant with Davis? Two years ago? I can’t remember any time after that.” She trailed off.

  Do not make a face. Do not make a face.

  “I see.”

  “I know that’s bad. We stay so busy. Our kids have school and dance and doctors and Caide has work and I have recitals and school projects for Brinley. There’s just no time. We forget.”

  I’ll bet Caide doesn’t forget.

  “Rachael, I need you to be honest with me. I know you are a good mother. I see that. I trust that. I need to know if you’re a good wife.”

  A nerve had been struck, it was written all over her face. She didn’t speak at first, staring at her hands. Finally, she looked up. “I was there. I was there when no one else was. I was there when his family dropped him and he had no one else. When all of our savings were spent and we were splitting cans of soup for supper, when he had the flu and I had two sick children on my hips, when he leaves something at home that he needs for court and I have to drop whatever I’m doing and drive an hour away to bring it to him, I’m the one who’s there. I’m the one who wakes up at four in the morning to bake him a birthday cake or iron his pants. A wife is supposed to be a partner. I may not have always had my legs waxed or my hair done or been awake at midnight when he drags in dog tired or drunk just waiting to be had; usually I’m passed out, covered in snot and wearing whatever I woke up in. I may not have been the greatest lover or the best housekeeper, but I was a damn good wife.” Rachael breath
ed heavily as if merely talking about her life exhausted her.

  “Okay.”

  She heard a sniffle.

  “You know, I didn’t deserve this. Not any of this. I’ve been good to him and faithful to him. I’ve taken care of our house and our kids. Then I get to be told that my husband is cheating on me in front of a crowd of people just waiting to judge me. I get to sit and watch him cheat on tape, and I don’t get to act mad or yell at him like a normal wife. I have to hold my composure because people are watching, waiting for me to lash out. I had my heart ripped out and stomped on in front of fifty people, all of whom I’ve never met. I didn’t even get to grieve because all I get to think about is the next question or next witness, the next piece of evidence. Do you have any idea how that feels?”

  “Tell me how it feels,” Shayna urged her.

  “It feels terrible. I feel helpless and pitiful and alone and worried about my kids and scared to go to jail and pissed off at Caide and pissed off that no one believes me and pissed off because I have no idea what’s going on inside my own head. It’s like my own body is betraying me. I’m just so exhausted all the time.” She stopped, her sobbing preventing her from talking anymore.

  Shayna was quiet, feeling unsure of where to go from here. Rachael’s cries were so genuine she felt as if it were only logical to console her. She knew, however, it was ill-advised. Through great sorrow comes truth and Shayna knew this was as close to a breakthrough as she’d ever come with Rachael. Now was the time to push.

  “Rachael, how do you feel about Blaire? Knowing what you know?”

  She wiped her eyes, grabbing a tissue and trying to catch her breath. “Up until now, Blaire was always just some sweet girl in Caide’s office. He never mentioned her and I never honestly gave her much thought. I always insisted he buy her a Christmas present like he did for the rest of his office, but other than that she never crossed my mind. Now, if I’m being honest, I hate her dead as much as I would have alive. Audrey gave me too much credit. I wouldn’t have forgiven her. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m sorry about what happened to her, it’s terrible and no one should die like that. She was young and she probably had a lot left to do with her life. But that’ll never change what she did. I’ll never be able to un-see my husband sliding up her skirt.” She looked into Shayna’s eyes, hurt filling her face. “She knew me, Shayna. She was nice to me. She wasn’t some unsuspecting girl my husband pulled one over on. She knew he was married, and no matter what good she’s done, no matter how horrible her death, there is a lump of hate in my heart for her and I don’t know if that will ever go away.”

  Shayna pressed her lips together. “Rachael did you know your husband was cheating on you? Or that he ever had?”

  Rachael swallowed, her eyes slid to the left. “No,” she said simply.

  That was the first lie.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Hampton

  Argus Hampton pulled up to his ranch style home at half past ten. His stomach was filled with a bubbling fear. He climbed out of his car, his giant sheepdog fumbling up to him, tongue outstretched.

  “Hey there, Gus.” He patted the dog’s fluffy head.

  He walked around his wrap-around porch to the side entrance and walked into his kitchen. Laying his keys on the bar, he walked toward the living room, sinking into the couch. Grabbing the remote he took a deep, agonizing breath and pressed the power button.

  He flipped through several channels of infomercials and cartoons before he finally landed on a photograph of Rachael. He recognized her instantly, though the photograph must’ve been from years ago. She was around twenty pounds lighter with her blonde hair chopped short and highlighted red. Her arms wrapped around a younger Caide’s neck with ease. She was smiling brightly just past the camera, while he smiled at her. Hampton found himself captivated by how happy she looked. His smile was wiped away instantly as he noticed the caption.

  Frightened husband reveals that he no longer believes his wife could be innocent.

  “I don’t want my wife around my children.”

  Hampton cursed, turning up the volume just as a blonde reporter came on. “Sources have confirmed that Caide Abbott, husband of accused murderer Rachael Abbott, is choosing to no longer stand behind his wife in her murder trial. Most of you have heard of this case by now. Mrs. Abbott, local owner of Tutu’s dance studio on Market Street, is being accused of having viciously battered Blaire Underwood to death.”

  Rachael’s picture disappeared, to be replaced by a picture of Blaire Underwood.

  “To make matters worse, Ms. Underwood is believed to have been having a long time affair with Mr. Abbott. Now, just weeks before the final trial date a tape has been released to us. Our source does wish to remain anonymous but tells us that Mr. Abbott admittedly withdrew payment from his wife’s lawyer and no longer believes his wife may be innocent. He also reportedly said that he does not intend to support his wife’s case any further. Mr. Abbott has asked for peace and respect as he mourns the sudden and untimely death of the woman he loved. He has requested that all questions and comments be kept quiet around himself and his children as they embark in these next few months of what is sure to be a rocky road to a new normal. More on this tonight, I’m Jodie Hopkins with Channel Fourteen News. Thanks for watching.”

  Hampton flipped the channel as it went to a commercial and found that seven or eight other channels all bore pictures of Rachael and this ridiculous story. Hampton slammed the remote down on the coffee table, cursing. He picked up his phone, unsure of who to call and found himself dialing Caide Abbott’s number.

  “Hello?” An annoyed sounding Caide answered the phone.

  “What did you do, Abbott? What could you possibly have been thinking?”

  “What do you want?”

  “I want to know what could possibly possess you to do this to your wife. Do you really hate her that much? So much that you would damn her to a losing battle before she even has a chance?”

  “Thought I’d made this clear. I am doing what is best for my family.”

  “She is your family, you son of a—”

  “My children are my only concern now.”

  “You’re only concern is yourself and any mud that may sling on your perfect little name.”

  “You don’t know me, Hampton. You don’t know anything about this except what she’s telling you. I don’t know what it is you think you’re going to get out of this whole thing but I want no part of it.”

  “When I get your wife admonished, she will know what you’ve done. She will never forgive you and she will never forget.”

  “You and I both know Rachael will never see freedom, not ever again.”

  “She waits for you, did you know that? She asks about you. Even after what you did, she asks about you and wishes you’d come see her.”

  “I’m only going to say this once: I never want to see my wife again, not ever, and so help me she will never see my children again. Now, I’m going to hang up. Do not contact me again, unless you want harassment charges filed on you.”

  With that, the line went dead. Hampton slammed his phone shut. His face grew hot with anger as he tried to think of how to get Rachael out of this mess. Suddenly it occurred to him, what if the answers he’d been searching for, the secrets he’d tried to find, what if the answer had been right under his nose the whole time? It was then that realization struck Hampton, there was one option he hadn’t weighed at all.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Caide

  Caide sat at the white marble kitchen table, staring at the very man he’d never planned to see again. Click, click. He heard her heels approaching the dining room before he saw her. Her graying hair was piled high atop her head, her makeup layered pristinely. She wore a white pant suit with a flowery green blouse. He stood as she entered the room, out of habit rather than respect.

  “Hello, Caide Matthew.”

  “Mother.” He nodded.

  She gathered him in a
cool, unwelcoming hug and pressed her cheek lightly on his: the only way she’d ever kissed him. “I suppose you’ve seen the news.”

  “Yes, I suppose so.” He tapped the table, trying to remain calm. “I just want to know why.”

  “Why? Because it had to be done, that’s why. You weren’t man enough to take action, so I did. I was protecting you.”

  “Protecting me? Mother, you betrayed me. You turned me into someone I never wanted to be. You spoke for me and twisted my words.”

  “I used a tape of exactly what you said.”

  “But you used it out of context and without permission. How could I ever forgive you for that?”

  “Whether or not you forgive me, Caide Matthew, is no concern of mine. What is my concern, is the public opinion of you. People pity you, now. They see you as a fool who loved the right woman at the wrong time and now you are paying the ultimate price. People will revere you, articles will be written. Think of all the press you will bring to the family.”

  “I don’t want press, Mother, don’t you see that? I want peace. I want time to figure everything out. Your actions pretty much guaranteed that won’t happen anytime soon.”

  “Son, I agreed to meet with you, but I am a very busy woman. You will not fight what I’ve done or you will be publicly humiliated. Life has dealt you a hand of cards and you have to deal with that. Stand up for yourself and for your children and build yourselves a new life. I won’t waste my time arguing with you, it is of little importance to me anymore. In time, you’ll see that what I’ve done for you was a favor and if you don’t like it, well, I haven’t talked to you in eight years, another eight won’t kill me. So, stop your pity party and guilt trips, it won’t work on me. You brought this on yourself when you married that girl. I will not have my business or my name run through the mud because you made a mockery of your life.” Her face grew red as she spoke. “I will protect my family and my company, and unfortunately as far as the public is concerned that includes you.”