Follow Me Home_An unputdownable crime thriller that will have you hooked

by D. K. Hood

  “Mom.” Zoe’s small hands gripped the sheets. “I want to speak to Sheriff Alton alone.”

  “I really should be here.” Mrs. Channing patted Zoe’s arm. “You need your mother’s support.”

  “I don’t want to speak to you about what happened and I don’t want Dad listening either.” Zoe’s eyes filled with tears. “Please, Mom. I need to do this on my own.”

  Jenna smiled at the anxious woman. “I’ll be five minutes or so. I won’t upset her, it’s just routine questions.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right outside the door.” Mrs. Channing ushered the noisy kids into the hallway, shutting the door behind her.

  “I need to know something.” Zoe’s frightened gaze raked her face. “When you catch the men, my dad said I would have to be brave and tell the judge everything that happened. I’m not sure I can do that in front of everyone.” A tear welled up in her eye and ran down one cheek.

  Jenna pulled up a chair and sat down. “No, you won’t be in front of everyone if it gets to court.” She took a deep breath. “It will be what we call a closed court, and if you need to testify, it will be just you in a room on your own with a camera. No one outside the court will even see your face or hear your name.” She sighed. “Didn’t your dad tell you we close the court to protect you?”

  “He did say something but I don’t want to talk to him right now. Why are you here?”

  Jenna took out a notepad and her cellphone from her purse then turned on the voice recorder. “You mentioned the men on the weekends. During the week, did you sleep in the cellar or with Amos?”

  “Amos.” Zoe’s cheeks pinked and she stared at her hands.

  She needed to move away from the subject and smiled to reassure her. “Who cleaned the cellar after the men left?”

  “They did before they left.”

  “That’s really helpful.” Jenna made a few notes. “Did Amos let you shower at all?”

  “Yes, he wouldn’t let me to waste the hot water during the week but at the weekends he let me to shower and wash my hair with nice soap.” She sniffed. “He locked me in the cage all day.”

  Jenna tried to keep her voice from showing her anger. “If I show you pictures of three men, can you tell me if you recognize any of them?”

  “Okay.” Zoe straightened as if steeling herself.

  Opening her phone, Jenna showed her a compilation of three men: Amos Price, Ely Dorsey, and a picture of a stranger taken at random from the files. “Do you recognize the man that kidnapped you?”

  “Yes, that is Amos. I’m not sure but that one—” Zoe pointed to Ely “—has a brown mark on his neck the same as one of the others.”

  Goosebumps rose on Jenna’s flesh. “Good girl. You have been very helpful.” She noticed the girl brighten. “You don’t have to be scared of Amos or the man with the mark on his neck any longer. They are both dead.”

  “I hope Deputy Kane shot them dead with his gun.” Zoe smiled.

  Deciding not to explain, Jenna turned off the recorder and stood. “That’s all for now, Zoe. You have been very helpful.” She patted her arm and headed for the door. “I’ll send in your parents.”

  Outside in the hallway, she approached the parents. “We know the man responsible for kidnapping Zoe.”

  “Give me his name, I’ll tear him apart.” Mr. Channing’s hands balled into fists.

  “His name was Amos Price.” Jenna cleared her throat. “We found him deceased. It was when we checked his cabin we discovered Zoe. She gave me a positive ID. He was the man responsible.” She swallowed the bile in her throat. “Although Zoe refuses to discuss her abduction, you should be aware we know four men were involved. We found a second man murdered this morning and she identified a distinctive birthmark on his neck.” She looked at Mr. Channing. “May I ask where you and your wife have been since we found Zoe?”

  “Here.” Mr. Channing blanched. “The hospital gave us the room next door. Apart from visiting the café for meals, we haven’t left her side.”

  She eyed him critically. “You do realize I have a deputy on duty.”

  “Well then he will prove we have not left the building. He checked us out before we were allowed to come near her.” Mr. Channing shook his head. “Haven’t we been through enough without you accusing us of murder?”

  Jenna lifted her chin and met his gaze head on. “I am just doing my job, Mr. Channing. I doubt the hospital will keep Zoe for long. Do you have adequate security to protect her?”

  “I fully intend to take my family back to Helena the second she is released, which I’m told will be later today.” Mr. Channing bristled. “You don’t think for one second I would leave her or any of my other children anywhere near Black Rock Falls, do you?”

  “Well, I have your cellphone number and I will contact you personally and update you when necessary. Thank you for your cooperation.” She turned and headed toward the elevator.

  She got out her cellphone and called Kane. “Zoe gave me a positive ID for Price as her abductor. She confirmed Price cleaned her up for his friends on weekends and they scrubbed the place down before they left.”

  “Did she ID Ely Dorsey?”

  “Not exactly but she did recognize the birthmark on his neck. The chances of two men having the same mark would be remote. That’s good enough for me. I hope we find their associates soon. I’d like to close this case.” She sighed. “I’m heading home. I’ll work from there, you keep interviewing suspects.”

  “Roger that.”

  She disconnected. I will catch you soon, you bastards.

  19

  Kane swung the SUV around and headed back to town to speak to the Booval brothers again, wondering how cooperative they would be about asking their sister to speak about her ordeal. With his mind locked on the case, he had not said more than a couple of words to the new deputy. Her references from the Helena Sheriff’s Department had been outstanding but he had yet to see if she would be an asset to the team.

  He glanced at Bradford, who had not stopped gawking at him since she got in the car. “You did a great job questioning Miss McCarthy. She isn’t the most pleasant person. I’m keeping her on the list of suspects. Nothing she said convinced me she is innocent. What vibe did you get from her?”

  “Not much. She was pretty aggressive and the attack on you was unexpected.”

  “Many abused kids see men as a threat, and her response is quite common.” Kane shrugged. “Once the crime was reported, she would have told her story many times. It would have been hard on a young kid.”

  “I guess so.” Bradford bent her head over her notes. “It was great having you in my ear prompting the questions.”

  But you won’t make a profiler if you fail to notice body language. He sighed. Making small talk was the last thing on his mind but not wanting to appear rude or aloof, he smiled at her. “What made you ask for a transfer to Black Rock Falls?”

  “I think the chances of promotion are better in a smaller office, plus working with a superior team is a good way to learn.” Bradford returned his smile with a flash of straight white teeth. “I’m not trying to brown-nose you but I heard what happened last summer and wanted to be part of the team. Webber told me about your profiling skills, and working alongside a deputy who is also the ME can only improve my skills.” She cleared her throat. “I was hoping to be partnered with you to gain experience.”

  He kept his gaze on the road. Moving into town, the traffic slowed to a crawl. “Well, technically you’re partnered with Deputy Rowley. You will ride with the sheriff or me as needed. Most times, I’m on call-outs with the sheriff.” He glanced over to see her face drop. “We prefer to ease our rookies into the way of things here but I’ll take you to the practice range once a week and I’m sure Rowley will introduce you to his dojo. The more hand-to-hand combat you can practice, the better. We have to deal with some rough types.”

  “Okay.” She brightened. “I would appreciate some extra training. I heard you shot a man holding a
knife to the sheriff’s throat last winter. Wasn’t that a risky thing to do?” She gave him an accusing glare. “You could have killed her.”

  “Not likely.” Kane pulled the vehicle to the curb. “I never miss.”

  He found the Booval brothers in the same area of the park giving pony rides to a line of kids. Parents stood patiently ignoring the eau de horse and swarming flies as they waited for their child’s turn. Glancing at Bradford, he indicated with his chin toward the clowns. “Wait here and log the interview in your notebook while it’s fresh in your mind. I need a word with the Booval brothers.” He strolled in their direction and walked beside Claude Booval. Smiling at the little girl perched on top of the pony he lowered his voice. “May I have a quick word?”

  “What is it now?” Claude Booval’s red-and-white spotted shoulders slumped.

  Kane ignored his hostility and kept in step with him, moving carefully around the piles of horse dung lining the circular path around the park. “Do you think Angelique will speak to the sheriff? We have a few leads and she might remember something significant.”

  “I doubt it. She doesn’t like to speak about it at all but I know something of interest. Our family has been clowns for generations, so she has no need to fear clowns, but since it happened, she will not have a clown costume in the house. This is why my brother and I left Blackwater and moved to Black Rock Falls to prevent her distress. She is here today visiting a friend but she won’t come near us in costume. We will meet her later without the paint.”

  Kane pushed a little harder, but aware of the child on the pony, he kept his words ambiguous. “Her information might save the same thing happening again.”

  “Okay, I will ask her and if she agrees, I will call you.” He let out a long sigh. “I have your card.”

  Kane smiled. “Thanks. Monday would be good if that suits?” He patted the pony then strolled back to Bradford. “Next stop, I’m dropping into the real estate office. I want to speak to Mr. Davis or Alison Saunders, his assistant. We can walk from here, it will be quicker.”

  People on the street stepped aside to give him access to the real estate office. He took in the clean windows and new listings posted in neat containers and smiled. Old Mr. Davis did not have the attention to detail Alison offered. He pushed open the door, surprised to find the usual heavy odor of cigar smoke replaced with a citrus bouquet. One thing remained the same: Mr. Davis sat behind the main desk staring at his computer, but he could see Alison Saunders speaking to a client in the back room.

  “Ah, Deputy Kane, anyone been murdered today?” Davis’s mouth twitched into a grimace. “It’s not good for business, you know?”

  Kane straightened. “I’m sure it’s not too good for the victims either.” He cleared his throat. “Just one question. Are all your master keys accounted for, and where in town do you normally have them cut?”

  “Every key is signed in and out.” Davis took a book out of his drawer and opened it on the desk. “Here.” He prodded the page with the tip of a pudgy finger. “The keys are cut at the hardware store but we haven’t lost one in over five years.”

  “How does it work? I mean, different houses can’t have the same type of lock, can they?” Bradford’s brow creased.

  “All the locks are changed for any houses we sell or agree to lease.” Davis smiled at her, displaying yellowing teeth. “Then we have a master key for all the properties. When a new owner takes residence, they receive their own unique set of keys. Once they use their key, the master key no longer works. Amazing but true.”

  Kane pulled out his cellphone. “Do you mind if I take some pictures of the book? I’d like to know the people who had keys over the last couple of months.”

  “Be my guest.”

  Kane used his cellphone camera to record the pages then straightened and smiled. “How is Alison working out?”

  “She is an asset to the business.” Davis gave him a knowing smile. “Pretty, isn’t she? I think Deputy Rowley likes her too. He drops by all the time to speak to her. He’s like a lost puppy.”

  Kane raised a brow. “Really? I’ll have to speak to him about wasting time.”

  “I see you have a new assistant as well.” Davis flicked a glance over Bradford.

  Annoyed at the man’s chauvinist regard for women, he narrowed his gaze. “Yes, this is Deputy Bradford, she has joined the team.” He glanced at her and, seeing her discomfort, decided to remove her from the situation. “If you would prefer to wait outside for me. I won’t be long.”

  “Yes, sir.” Bradford gave him a relieved look as she pulled open the door and strolled into the sunshine.

  He cleared his throat. “Does Alison manage all of Rockford’s houses?”

  “Yes, and more. She is a good worker and sold two properties last week.”

  Kane placed one hand on the door handle. “She does seem efficient. That’s all I need, thank you for your time.” He swung open the door and walked to Bradford’s side. “What a disrespectful jerk. You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for getting me out of there. I hate men like him.”

  Kane took in her pale face and pinched expression. “Maybe we need to take a break.”

  “A coffee would be bliss.” She smiled at him. “I’m not hungry.”

  The hardware store was opposite. “Okay, I’m going to the hardware store.” He pulled out his wallet and handed her some bills. “We’ll need to find the Harpers and it might take some time. Do you want to slip over to Aunt Betty’s Café and grab us a coffee? Flat white with four sugars for me. If you wait outside, I’ll go grab the car and pick you up.”

  “Sure.”

  He watched her disappear into the crowd and called Jenna. “Hey, it’s me.”

  “What’s up?” Jenna yawned. “No more bodies, I hope?”

  “No more bodies.” Kane smiled. “I thought you might like to have dinner out tonight. I have a reservation for a table tonight at eight at the Cattleman’s Hotel.” When she said nothing, he drew a deep breath. “We both have to eat and I need to discuss the case with you.”

  “Okay. Why not?”

  “Great! I’ll pick you up at seven thirty.”

  “Sure. I’m heading over to see Wolfe and attend the Dorsey autopsy, then I’m going home. I’ll bring you up to speed with the post. Rowley is locking up. Catch you later.” The line went dead.

  Kane caught a break in the traffic and darted across the road. The bell on the top of the hardware store door chimed as he entered. He glanced around at the old-world-style interior with a variety of goods for sale. The place could not have changed since prohibition. The slight odor of paint and chemicals brought back memories of shopping with his father. As he strolled to the counter, an elderly man tottered out from the back. He wore round spectacles and his long black eyebrows curled up, giving him the appearance of an owl.

  “Afternoon.”

  “What can I do for you, Deputy Kane?”

  “I wondered if you keep a record of the keys you cut for people.”

  “Nope, can’t say that I do.” The old man rubbed his long nose. “Too many to keep a record, three maybe four this week.” He lifted cloudy blue eyes to his face. “My son is a locksmith. He does the work now and is cutting keys all the time from his van.”

  Kane blew out a sigh and tapped the counter with his fingers. “Do you sell pesticides containing nicotine sulfate?”

  The old man waved at a shelf crammed with bottles. “There are quite a few brands. What do you need it for?”

  “Oh, it’s not for me.” Kane let his gaze drift over the bottles. “Are you required to keep a list of purchasers?”

  “Nope.” The storekeeper gave him a concerned look. “I do for rat poison and a few other dangerous chemicals. I have a book and they have to produce a current ID, but that stuff is used in gardens most times and the bottles carry warnings.” He sighed. “We sell a fair few bottles—not sure when I sold the last one, maybe a few days ago, or maybe last week? I’m n
ot sure.”

  So, it’s readily available. Kane touched his hat and turned to the door. “Okay, thanks for your help.”

  He moved down the street and paused to purchase some cakes from one of the stalls. As he waited for his change, he caught sight of a magician making animals out of balloons, surrounded by kids. The crowd parted and a woman emerged. He recognized the pale face of Pattie McCarthy strolling by. He checked the time and made a note in his book. Hmm, she sure isn’t acting like someone scared of crowds.

  20

  Jenna stuffed some cookies into her mouth, jumped in her car and headed to the new ME’s office. She entered the building using her swipe card and headed down the cool white passageways until she came to the pathology laboratory, knocking on the door as she entered. Wolfe sat at a computer and his assistant, a young pathology graduate named Steve, was preparing tissue samples. “Am I too late for the post?”

  “Just a little but I haven’t finished yet, so I can go over my findings with you.” Wolfe’s gaze slid over her then he brushed a few crumbs from the sleeve of her shirt. “Just eaten? I’m glad you have a strong stomach.”

  Jenna shrugged. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay.” Wolfe stood and led the way into the morgue. “I have a cause of death and I’ve found a few other interesting clues.”

  The room resembled an operating theater apart from the rows of drawers to store corpses set into two of the walls. The air was chilly and the smell of dead bodies and cleaning chemicals hung in the air. On a long aluminum bench lay what remained of Ely Dorsey after the autopsy.

  She moved closer to Wolfe. “What do you have?”

  “As I thought, the cause of death was a puncture wound through the left ear and into the brain.” He pointed to a specimen. “If you look at the cross-section of the brain, I would say death was instantaneous.”