Foretold (A Ghost Gifts Novel Book 2)

by Laura Spinella

  He shook his head. “That’s absurd. My wife is under a doctor’s care. She barely functions.”

  “Let’s clarify that,” Levi said. “Barely functions outside her obsession, which is to get her son back. To be prepared when he arrives. Would that be more on point?”

  “What point? Suzanne can put all the energy she likes into the prospect, but unless you know of a way to raise the dead . . .”

  “You might be surprised.”

  In reply, Bruno shot a queer look at Aubrey.

  “Nevertheless, would it be fair to say Suzanne’s focus has gone from mourning your son to anticipating his return?” Piper said.

  Bruno looked at the warrant on the glass coffee table. “Her care is well documented, along with her progressive psychosis. A few years ago, she started working with a Dr. Klaussner. He’s based in Switzerland, but he’s an expert with this sort of trauma and mental breakdown. Between medication and treatment, it’s our hope that Suzanne will reconnect with reality.”

  “What is his treatment based on?” Aubrey leaned forward, listening harder. “You couldn’t find a doctor in the States to treat her?”

  “We tried stateside psychiatrists. Dr. Klaussner’s methods are . . . unconventional. It has more to do with altering the brain’s wiring than it does grief counseling, which after so many years didn’t seem to be helping. Dr. Klaussner believes that molding from within the fantasy is the way to break the cycle.”

  “Molding from within?” Piper said. “What does that mean?”

  “His treatment, medications, they target deep brain therapy. It’s about rewiring how Suzanne perceived life when Eli was alive. It’s Dr. Klaussner’s assertion that not only was Eli’s manner of death haunting her, but it’s the ongoing psychological trauma. It’s Suzanne’s perceptions about herself as a mother.” He cleared his throat. “That perhaps she wasn’t a very good one.”

  “So kind of like . . . blame?” Levi and his suggestion, again, met with Aubrey’s elbow.

  “It would be a lot for me to explain to a nonprofessional, anyone who isn’t familiar with Dr. Klaussner’s methods. Given permission from me, I’m sure he’d be willing to have a conversation with you. But I’m certain you’re mistaken about any handgun, and I still don’t understand why you’re—”

  “Mr. Serino,” Piper said. “Take this as a nonprofessional hypothesis, but part of the doc’s treatment, would that include allowing Suzanne a do-over on motherhood, whereby she possibly reinvents the past?”

  “In layman’s terms, that would be part of the process. A reenvisioning of life events is the preferred terminology. He feels strongly his treatment will eventually reverse her perceptions.”

  Aubrey heard laughter. “Yeah, right. For that to work, I’d need different parents . . . Mom never gave a damn about anything but her next vacation, and you never gave a damn about anything but work . . .”

  “And this cutting-edge treatment, how’s that been working?” Levi asked.

  Bruno glanced past the inquiring group and toward the seaside view. “I’m due for a report this week. I’ve been busier than usual with Serino Enterprises, out of the country a great deal.”

  “Even so, surely you’ve monitored your unstable wife for safety—if not hers, other people’s.”

  “Suzanne is not a threat to anyone. And you don’t understand the demands of my position. My older brother, Jude, he’s been on sabbatical. That increases my responsibilities tenfold. Jude’s been out of touch for more than a month. Suzanne’s condition is not new, and I have to prioritize.”

  “Even if that’s the case, you couldn’t have employed an entire entourage to oversee her care?” Levi said.

  “It’s unnecessary, regardless of what you may think. I prefer not to draw attention to my wife’s mental state. How would that look for Serino Enterprises?” He huffed at the seaside view and looked back at Levi. “As it is, I believe I’ve seen signs of improvement. Suzanne’s disposition has gone from permanent melancholy to, as she said . . . hopeful.”

  “And when did you notice this change in behavior?” Piper asked.

  He thought for a moment, as if trying to recall what he ate for breakfast last Saturday. “Around the time Suzanne started to divide her time between residences. She seemed to find hope while staying at a Springfield, Pennsylvania, property.”

  “This is a Serino residential development?” Piper’s tone sharpened.

  “Yes. One of several Serino Enterprises owns. It’s been one of our most profitable. I feel sure it’s a sign; Suzanne’s truly turned a corner since taking such a keen interest in our housing developments. It’s the most stable behavior I’ve seen from her in years.”

  “Mr. Serino, you’re not lis—”

  He cut Piper off. “No. You’re not listening. In each community, there’s an exquisitely decorated model home. Decorating is something Suzanne once had a passion for. Naturally, I encouraged her to get more involved. With that property, any of them, really.”

  “And so you supplied her with a playhouse in Springfield?”

  “I don’t see the problem. Admittedly, I found it curious she didn’t have a greater desire to winter at our Florida complex. We have a gated community there as well. But Suzanne insisted on the Springfield development, especially after we discussed . . .”

  “After you discussed what?” Levi asked.

  “This will sound indulgent to an outsider, but Dr. Klaussner insists on supporting emotional health with tangible treatment when possible. Things that encourage Suzanne’s positive parental imagery.”

  “Meaning what specifically—in terms of the Springfield property?” Piper said.

  He hesitated. “Suzanne wanted an ice rink installed on the lower level of the house, like the one on Acorn Circle. That wouldn’t be possible in Florida.”

  “No basements,” Aubrey said.

  He shook his head. “Sound mind has been in short supply regarding my wife, but money isn’t. So I—”

  “Indulged her,” Levi said. “Just like you did your son.”

  Bruno narrowed his eyes. “I followed her doctor’s advice.”

  “And after you built this mind-numbing ice rink,” Piper said. “Where did you spend most of last winter?”

  “As noted, I travel a great deal, Miss Sullivan.”

  “Deputy Chief,” she corrected, the two trading irritated stares. “And your wife was left to her own devices during these periods?”

  “Certainly not.” He pointed in the direction Marina and Suzanne had gone. “As you saw, we have help. Granted, Suzanne goes through a good many companions. She can be difficult; she doesn’t perceive herself as ill.”

  “Funny thing about crazy people,” Piper said. “They’re always the last to know.”

  He ignored the remark. “I was sure that eventually we’d hit on the right personality combination of caregiver . . . companion.”

  “So this rotation of hired help, they’re not medically qualified, and they see to a variety of duties?” Levi said. “Someone who, in addition to overseeing your wife’s medical state, tends to menial tasks like watering plants and changing bed linens?”

  “It was an appropriate compromise. It’s not as if Suzanne is a danger to anyone.”

  “You don’t think so?” Piper scooted to the edge of her seat, her frame tensing. “Let me run a little scenario by you. After last winter and the Springfield property, I’m guessing Suzanne wanted to relocate again. This time to the Serino development in Santa Claus, Arizona.”

  “How do you know—”

  “How don’t you know!” Piper snapped.

  “I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

  Piper looked at Levi and Aubrey. “I’ve heard enough. Let me get Keystone and Grand Canyon State warrants moving.” She stood, shaking her head at Bruno Serino. “It’s amazing.”

  “What’s amazing?”

  “That you could make graver mistakes with your wife than your son.” Piper left the ro
om, making a call on her cell phone as she went.

  Levi pointed to the chair. “You might want to sit again. And you’d better pray that Suzanne’s eccentricities don’t go beyond kidnapping.”

  “Kidnapping? What the hell are you talking about?”

  From there Aubrey and Levi went on to explain about Trevor Beane and Liam Sheffield. When Aubrey suggested that their Santa Claus, Arizona, property also contained an ice rink, Bruno Serino sneered at the idea. Then he made a phone call to the property manager of the elite gated community. “I see,” he said after listening for a few moments, then abruptly ended the call.

  “And what did you learn?” Levi said.

  “It, um . . . according to the property overseer, Rudy Gale, amid the standard swimming pools and tennis courts, an ice rink was installed several months ago.” He dropped his phone into his lap, gripping his finger around the arm of his wingback chair. “Dear God, she’s completely mad.”

  “And you’ve been completely oblivious.” Levi rose from his chair.

  “You don’t understand. The demands of my position are arduous. The travel alone is almost constant.” He was quiet for a moment, his gaze slowly moving back to Levi. “Two boys. You really believe Suzanne abducted two boys? For what? Why would she do such a thing?”

  “My guess,” Aubrey said, “is she’s reenvisioning the past—especially after she was given a road map, encouragement, and permission from her doctor and husband.”

  Bruno’s jaw slacked, but he had no rebuttal.

  “Suzanne told us she’s been practicing. Those were her words, Mr. Serino. Your wife’s sole mission for the past year has been about preparing to be a better mother to Eli—when he comes home.”

  “But Eli, he’s never coming home.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that either.” Aubrey left the room, leaving Bruno Serino with nothing but the perplexed look on his face.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Several hours later, Aubrey, Levi, and Piper stood in a tight circle outside the Hyannis seaside rental. A swarm of agents had descended on the interior. With her phone gripped tight to her ear, Piper nodded and replied with what sounded like positive information. “Right. Will do. As soon as we get her processed, questioned, I’ll be on a flight.”

  “Well?” Aubrey said as she ended the call.

  “That was my counterpart in DC. He coordinated team efforts that simultaneously breached the Santa Claus and Springfield properties. They found both boys—safe! Scared, sealed into ice-rink tombs, but safe.”

  “Oh, thank God.” Aubrey closed her eyes. She could appreciate but, thankfully, could not conceive of the terror Trevor’s and Liam’s parents had lived with in recent months. As always, there was tremendous relief in not having failed in her efforts to locate a missing child.

  “That’s good news,” Levi said. “How did Suzanne manage it, kidnapping the boys in the first place?”

  “I only have preliminary findings,” Piper said, “but according to a statement obtained from Trevor Beane, the older boy, Suzanne approached him as he came out of the ice rink where he worked. He’d closed up that night. Nobody else was around. A middle-aged woman who claimed car trouble didn’t seem like a threat to him. Once he got in her car to try the engine, apparently, he felt a sharp stick to his neck.”

  “She drugged him,” Levi said.

  “Apparently, Dr. Klaussner passes out sedatives like whiskey shots,” Piper replied. “Next thing the boy knew, he woke up in a dark garage, his mouth and hands bound with—”

  “Green hockey tape,” Aubrey said.

  Piper nodded. “Here’s the kicker. While delusional enough to pursue her fantasy, Suzanne had enough of a grip on reality to know she’d need assistance.”

  “The handgun,” Levi said.

  “Correct. It’s how she maintained Trevor’s cooperation—likely Liam’s too. Then she sealed them into their ice-rink prisons.”

  Aubrey’s fingers rose to her mouth. “Those poor boys. They could have frozen to death.”

  “Actually,” Piper said, “they were thoughtful prisons. According to my DC counterpart, the rinks had adjoining interior rooms—dormlike setups, mattresses, toilets, food supplies. Junk food—”

  “I suspect all Eli’s favorites,” Levi said, and Piper nodded.

  Aubrey touched his arm. “Including sour green apple bubble gum.”

  Piper inched back. “DC did mention cartons of Hubba Bubba Sour Green Apple found at both locations. How did you know . . . ?”

  “That gum, the flavor, it’s the only taste I’d been associating with Eli.”

  “The things teenage boys will find appetizing. Most importantly, Aubrey, thanks to you, we can add two more kids to the win column. You should feel good about it.”

  “So should Eli,” she said.

  “To a point.” Half a smile rode Levi’s face. “Without a channel, a conduit, ghostly information would be nothing but static.”

  “It’s a fifty-fifty deal,” she said. “If Eli hadn’t come forward . . . if not for my father’s ghost gifts . . .”

  Piper finished their thought. “Who knows how long Suzanne would have continued to reenvision motherhood.”

  “No argument there,” Levi said. “Knowing their purpose, I imagine Suzanne’s newer ice rinks were even more fortress-like than the one in Surrey. And that one had no egress, no daylight.”

  “I don’t even want to speculate on what she might have done if she realized the hitch in her plan, that her son is never coming back,” Piper said.

  “Makes me kind of long for newspaper days. All of it is one hell of a headline.” Levi sighed, shaking his head. “So the boys, they’ll be okay?”

  “From the short report I got, seems positive. I’m sure there’ll be residual issues.” She blinked, the lump in her throat almost visible. “Hell, they’re alive. It’s a better ending than a lot of parents get. I understand Connie Beane is grateful beyond measure.” Piper turned and headed toward a female officer, who led a bewildered and handcuffed Suzanne Serino from the house.

  “What will happen to her?” Aubrey said.

  “Depends.” Levi shrugged. “Charges . . . punishment, I’m sure it will hinge on a sound mental evaluation. The real shame here is that beyond blind indulgence, being obsessed with his business, Bruno Serino’s committed no crime. None that would let Piper slap some handcuffs on him.”

  Aubrey watched the government vehicle drive away. “Not unless flagrant disregard for your personal life has become part of the penal code.”

  Levi looked at Aubrey. “What about Eli? I heard pinging again, while Serino was spinning his story.”

  “It’s interesting. When we were at the Acorn Circle property, Eli’s presence was intense . . . vibrant. He was here too, but his mission no longer seemed to be about retribution. He wasn’t there because of his parents.”

  “After all those years of pent-up anger? I half . . . no. I fully expected that glass sculpture on the mantel to come flying across the room.”

  “In the past, definitely. But as traumatized as Eli was by his parents’ neglect, the awful things his own father said to him, this wasn’t about retribution. Eli’s overall purpose was about finding those boys—which we did.”

  “And so Eli is now . . . ?”

  Aubrey turned in a tight circle, as if she might find the boy standing behind her. “Oddly absent, particularly after Piper left the room to issue those warrants.”

  “Maybe it’s what you said. None of Eli’s communication was about closure.”

  “Possibly. Maybe it was just about doing the right thing.”

  “Well, it’d be a new trick for that old ghost.”

  Their focus diverted as Bruno Serino came outside. He seemed oblivious to Levi and Aubrey, walking past without a word.

  “Mr. Serino . . . Bruno,” Levi called out. Then he said more quietly to Aubrey, “We do have a Serino in our midst. I can’t do Dan’s job, but maybe we can get a lead out of him. Ma
ybe he can help solve a second mystery.”

  “Your John Doe,” Aubrey said.

  Begrudgingly, Bruno stopped and pivoted. “What is it? I don’t want to be too far behind Suzanne.” He looked at his watch. “As it is, I suspect I’ll need to cancel the day’s appointments.”

  “I had one more question. Your brother, Jude.”

  “What about him?”

  “During our conversation, you mentioned he was on sabbatical. When was the last time you spoke with him?”

  Bruno shook his head. “Weeks . . . perhaps a month. While we both anticipate our annual break from business, it does increase the workload—the perks and responsibilities of running a family-owned enterprise.” He sniffed the sea air. “My trip was to begin when Jude returns. I assume that won’t be happening now.”

  “Yeah. Sorry about your travel plans,” Levi said. “But here’s what I’d like to know: Is it unusual for you to have zero communication with your brother while he’s away?”

  “It would be more unusual for me to converse with him during sabbatical. It’s the purpose, Mr. St John—to disconnect, reenergize. As I’ve failed to make clear to you, Serino Enterprises can be exhausting. Is there a point to this curious shift in inquisition? Your presence has made for such a splendid day so far.”

  Levi hesitated. “No. Not yet. But an Agent Watney is trying to get in touch regard—”

  He waved a dismissive hand at Levi. “Yes, yes . . . I received a voice mail from someone by that name. I’ll get back to him eventually.” He walked away before Levi could interject another word.

  Aubrey took a step in Bruno’s direction and Levi grabbed her arm. “Let him go. We don’t have any legal standing, and Bruno’s not going to cooperate with us. I don’t want to interfere in Dan’s investigation; he’ll catch up with him.”

  A short time later, Aubrey and Levi were on their way back to Surrey. Sitting in the passenger seat, she held the two pieces of green construction paper, now room temperature. Piper hadn’t taken possession of them. The firearm, Suzanne’s travel history, rental car receipt, the boys’ testimony—prosecution would rely on those tangibles. Ghost gifts wouldn’t be the sort of evidence to find its way into a courtroom.