Safe Harbor

by Hope White

  “I’ll have some,” Nicole said, fascinated by Billy’s analysis of Quinn’s ego.

  Alex’s phone vibrated. “It’s the chief.” He wandered into the hallway.

  Billy handed Nicole a glass of tea and offered a sympathetic smile. “I heard you’ve had a traumatic experience.”

  “Yeah, more than one in the last few days.”

  “I’ve gotta check on something,” Quinn said, and went back into the kitchen.

  “Was it something I said?” Nicole joked.

  “He sensed an emotional moment and needed to escape,” Billy explained.

  “You two, are you...?”

  “Nah, it’s not like that. We’re good friends.”

  “Oh, because I got the impression—”

  “That he’s a ladies’ man? He likes to flirt, that’s for sure.”

  “I was going to say that he’s different around you.”

  Billy poured herself an iced tea. “It’s this house. It’s his refuge. No one ever comes here.”

  “No one but you.”

  “I’m his cook and general caretaker. I keep an eye on things.” Billy glanced at Nicole. “I owe Quinn. He saved my life.”

  “How— I’m sorry, I shouldn’t pry.”

  “It’s okay. Hiking accident. My husband and I were stranded in the mountains for two days in the North Cascades. Quinn was part of the search-and-rescue team. His was the first face I saw when they came to get us.”

  “Where’s your husband now?”

  “He didn’t make it.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Thanks. It happened a while ago.”

  But Nicole read the grief on Billy’s face. She flopped down on the sofa and Nicole sat in a nearby rocking chair.

  “I took care of Rick for eighteen hours, tried to keep him hydrated and calm. But he had a head injury and, well, we were out there too long without medical attention.” She glanced at the door leading to the kitchen. “I think Quinn blames himself for not getting there sooner.”

  “The Donovans and their guilt,” Nicole muttered.

  “That woman did a major number on her stepsons.”

  “So, you know about her?”

  “A little. When I woke up at the hospital, Quinn was there. We became friends. I was in shock after Rick died. His family blamed me. I’m an only child and my parents are gone so...I was essentially alone.”

  “And Quinn saved you again, didn’t he?”

  “Yep. Those boys are really good at saving the damsel in distress.”

  “True,” Nicole said. “But who’s going to save them?”

  She and Billy shared a knowing look.

  “I wish I could,” Billy said. “But anytime I get close to crossing the line, Quinn brings home a new girlfriend for dinner.”

  “Tell me he doesn’t make you cook,” Nicole said, aghast.

  “He does, but I understand why he does it.”

  “Then explain it to me.”

  “He’s keeping me at a distance. I think emotional intimacy is more terrifying than death for Quinn. I don’t take it personally.”

  “You’re a strong woman,” Nicole said.

  “It took a long time to get here.” Billy held out her glass in a toast. “To strong women.”

  They clinked glasses just as Quinn walked in.

  “What did I miss?” he said, going to the coffee table and pouring an iced tea.

  “Girl talk,” Nicole said.

  “That can’t be good.”

  Alex wandered into the great room wearing a pensive expression.

  “What’s wrong?” Quinn asked.

  “Edward Lange’s sister is going to the press, accusing the department of negligence in her brother’s murder investigation. Quinn, do you have a television?”

  “Sure.” He grabbed a remote control and pressed a button.

  The wall parted to reveal a flat-screen TV. Quinn turned on the local news. As they went through the top stories of the day, Nicole gripped her iced tea glass and studied Alex’s distant expression.

  “In other news, Abigail Woods, computer magnate Edward Lange’s sister, is accusing Waverly Harbor police of mishandling her brother’s murder investigation.”

  Abigail Woods’s image flashed on the screen as the reporter interviewed her. “I don’t understand why the local police won’t turn over the investigation to the FBI. It’s obvious they have the resources and experience to find my brother’s killer, but the local police department won’t give up jurisdiction.”

  “What reason have they given you, Mrs. Woods?”

  “None, which makes me wonder if it’s simple negligence or some kind of conspiracy.”

  “Are you inferring the local police were involved in your brother’s death?”

  “I don’t know what to think anymore.” Abigail lowered her eyes. Her husband, David, handed her a handkerchief from behind.

  The camera refocused on the reporter who Nicole realized stood outside the Waverly Harbor police station. The reporter looked directly into the camera. “If you have any information regarding Edward Lange’s murder please contact the FBI.” They flashed a phone number on the screen. “The Woodses are offering a ten thousand dollar reward for information leading to the killer’s identity. This is Amy Rogers with Channel 5 News.”

  The program went back to the anchors in the newsroom. Nicole studied Alex, who hadn’t moved or taken a breath during the news report.

  Quinn clicked off the television. Billy and Nicole shared a worried look, then glanced at Quinn who hadn’t taken his eyes off his brother.

  “Alex?” Quinn prompted.

  Alex snapped his attention to the group. “It’s going to create chaos. False leads will pour in because people want the cash reward. I’ve got to solve this thing before anyone else gets hurt.”

  Alex stormed into the front hallway and grabbed his backpack. “Quinn, do you have a computer I can use? I need something more powerful than my tablet,” he said from the doorway.

  “Sure, but dinner’s almost ready.”

  “I can’t eat right now.”

  Nicole went to Alex and gently touched his arm. “You’ll think better with food in your stomach.”

  He looked at her with defeat in his eyes.

  “Half an hour isn’t going to prevent you from solving this case.” She interlaced her fingers with his and led him toward the dining area, surprised that he didn’t fight her.

  * * *

  After an awkwardly quiet dinner, Nicole convinced Alex to accept help from her and Quinn, while Billy finished up the dishes. Nicole had been at the scene of the murder and possibly remembered something in her subconscious that could help identify the killer, and Quinn was trying to offer support in any way he could. He obviously loved his brother very much and couldn’t stand seeing him in such pain.

  The advanced computer setup in Quinn’s office surprised Nicole. Besides being a successful businessman Quinn apparently was a tech geek, as well.

  As they dug deeper into the backgrounds of potential suspects, Nicole realized Alex’s short-tempered responses were hurting his relationship with his brother.

  “Why don’t you see if Billy needs help?” she suggested to Quinn.

  With a nod he ambled across the room and hesitated at the door. “If you need anything I’ll be in the kitchen.”

  The comment was directed at Alex, but he didn’t respond.

  “Thanks,” Nicole offered.

  Once they were alone, she put a comforting hand on Alex’s back. His shoulders sagged as he leaned forward in his chair. “I can’t do this, not from here.”

  “What do you need, then?”

  “I need to see the evidence they processed at th
e scene, but that can’t happen. It’s not safe to leave.”

  “What do you think the evidence will show?”

  “Not sure. I’ve got two viable suspects from Lange’s work. Gerry Walker and Adam Fluke. The detective in Seattle hasn’t been able to track them down.”

  “And you think it’s one of them because...?”

  “They were both on the Tech Link team. I think this all has to do with the launch of that software.”

  “The reporter did make it sound like Tech Link was problematic. But Edward didn’t seem like the type of man to hide his failures. He actually embraced them as learning experiences.”

  “An admirable quality.”

  Yes, and one she wished Alex could embrace.

  “You’re thinking either or both of those men could be in Waverly Harbor?”

  He nodded. “If I could link them to the murder that could solve this thing and get the rest of the world off our backs.”

  “Where is the evidence?” she asked.

  “A state lab about an hour from here.” He stood, took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You’ll be safe here with Quinn.”

  “It’s nearly eight. Aren’t they closed?”

  “I’m hoping my ID will get me access.”

  “And if it doesn’t?”

  “Quinn!” Alex called, ignoring her question.

  “You’re going to break in?” she pushed.

  Quinn and Billy came into the office.

  “I’ve got to check something out,” Alex said. “Can you keep Nicole safe for a few hours?”

  “No,” Nicole protested. “I’m not letting you go by yourself.”

  Alex stared at his brother, waiting for an answer.

  “Where are you going?” Quinn asked.

  “He’s going to break into the crime lab to look through evidence,” Nicole said.

  “Well, let’s go.” Quinn downed his iced tea and placed it on a nearby table.

  “Hang on, this is a solo job,” Alex said.

  “You’ll need a getaway driver, plus a lookout,” Quinn argued. “I’m going.”

  “So am I,” Nicole said.

  “I’ll drive,” Billy said, grabbing a shoulder bag by the front closet. “They won’t recognize my Jetta.”

  “No one’s coming with me and that’s an order,” Alex protested.

  “Think about this, Alex,” Nicole said. “The Feds are looking for us, the press is everywhere, and they probably have the description of Quinn’s cars, right?”

  Alex eyed her, but didn’t answer.

  “My back windows are tinted,” Billy said. She pointed to Alex and Nicole. “You can sit in back and Quinn in front.”

  “I’ll wear a hat and sunglasses,” Quinn offered.

  “Oh, that’s not obvious,” Alex shot back.

  “Hey—” Nicole grabbed his arm “—you can’t do this alone and that’s okay. Let us help.”

  “I won’t involve innocent civilians.”

  Quinn walked up to his brother, closer than she’d ever seen them before. She thought he was going to say something profound to Alex. Instead, he smiled. “I haven’t been innocent since the fifth grade when I borrowed one of Sophia’s necklaces and gave it to Susie Turner so she’d go steady with me.”

  Alex raised an eyebrow. “Borrowed?”

  “Let’s go, big brother.”

  * * *

  Emotionally exhausted, Nicole dozed en route. They arrived at the forensics office and Alex tried to get Nicole to stay in the car but she refused. She could help him identify critical evidence that could reveal the killer’s identity. He finally acquiesced.

  Quinn brought a laptop in case they needed information about the building. He and Billy waited in the car, parked behind a cluster of trees bordering the property. They would text Alex if they saw anyone approach the building.

  Luckily his key card worked and they got inside. Alex used a flashlight to locate a box marked Edward Lange Homicide. Alex and Nicole put on latex gloves and pulled plastic bags out of the box, analyzing each one. Nicole pretended the blood smearing some of the items didn’t bother her. She had to stay strong and not let Alex think this would further traumatize her.

  “What’s this?” Nicole asked, holding up a bag with a man’s gold, chain link bracelet.

  “I assumed it was Edward’s bracelet, ripped off during the struggle.”

  “He didn’t wear jewelry. Ever.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She looked at Alex. “Ruby said it distracted him. He was adamant about it.”

  Alex studied the bracelet.

  “Are you going to take it?” she asked.

  “No, when this goes to trial I don’t want accusations of mishandling of evidence causing a mistrial. Everything needs to go back in the box when we’re done.” He picked up another bag containing Edward’s bloody cell phone. “Wish I could access everything in here.”

  “You can.”

  He looked at her. “I can’t take it out of the bag.”

  “I can access it using Achilles Guard.”

  “Come again?”

  “It’s a file sharing program Edward created. His phone activity, internet, everything is synced in Achilles Guard.”

  Suddenly the lights clicked on. Alex pressed his forefinger to his lips and led Nicole behind a tower of boxes.

  Her heart pounded against her chest. Why didn’t Quinn alert them someone was coming? And what was a forensics tech doing here at this time of night?

  With a hand cradling the back of her head, Alex guided her cheek against his chest. She crunched his shirt between her fingers struggling to calm the adrenaline rushing through her body. If they were caught, would Nicole and Alex be charged with breaking and entering? No, they didn’t break in—he used his access card to get into the building. Yet he was temporarily suspended.

  “This stuff shouldn’t be out,” a male voice said.

  They’d found the Lange evidence she and Alex had been looking through.

  “Somebody’s been here,” a second voice said.

  “Or still is.”

  Silence rang in her ears. The men were searching for Alex and Nicole. A part of her wanted to jump out of her hiding spot to distract the men and protect Alex. What could a couple of forensic techs do to her besides call the police and charge her with breaking and entering? Alex, on the other hand, had been suspended and his department was accused of negligence. He could lose his job, his life in Waverly Harbor.

  “Come on out!” a man called.

  Nicole glanced at the window on her right and spotted the reflection of a man stalking down the aisle.

  Pointing a gun.

  Alex must have seen it, too, because he shifted Nicole protectively behind him. She placed her hands against his back and took a calming breath. His muscles tensed as he prepared to defend them.

  Please, God, help us.

  TWELVE

  A car alarm blared through the window.

  “We’ve gotta get out of here,” one of the men ordered. “Grab it and let’s go.”

  “Lock them in.”

  “Come on!”

  A door slammed and Alex poked his head around the boxes. He turned to Nicole. “You okay?”

  “Sure, sure.”

  But her eyes told a different story. She must have seen the man aiming a gun as he made his way through the lab. Taking her hand, Alex led her to the door and swiped his card.

  The door wouldn’t open. He scanned the room and pulled out his phone. “Quinn, we’ve got a problem.”

  “I didn’t see them until the lights went on so I set off our car alarm.”

  “We’re fine, but my key card doesn’t work.”

&nb
sp; “Give me a second. I’ll find schematics for the building to get you another way out.”

  Alex retried his key card. Nothing.

  An earsplitting alarm bounced off the ceiling and walls. Nicole gripped his arm.

  “Any time, little brother,” Alex shouted into the phone.

  “Men’s restroom.”

  “I can’t get out of the lab.”

  “You don’t have to. There’s a door in the southwest corner leading to a small hallway. Men’s and women’s bathrooms are down there. The men’s has a window.”

  “Big enough for a person?”

  “Big enough for Nicole.”

  Which meant Alex was going to be left behind. He couldn’t worry about that. He had to get Nicole to safety.

  “This way,” he shouted, guiding her to the door leading to the small hallway. Once inside the bathroom he spotted the window, not too high, about the right size for Nicole to squeeze through. He unlocked it and flipped open the window.

  He interlaced his fingers and she stepped into them. He hoisted her up and into the window. Once out, she called back to him. “Okay, come on! Wait, how are you going to fit?”

  “Go!” He shut the window and called his brother on his cell. “Quinn, get her out of here.”

  “Will do. Call me when you’re out and we’ll pick you up.”

  “I’ll probably be locked up, but thanks, anyway.”

  “Alex—”

  “Text me when the state troopers show up.”

  Alex went back to the evidence box to analyze anything he’d missed. The clue was here, he knew it in his gut. As he rifled through the plastic bags his cell vibrated with a text. Quinn was letting him know the troopers were on the way.

  “That was fast.” He packed up the evidence and noticed the gold bracelet was missing.

  He did another quick shuffle of evidence bags.

  No bracelet. Which meant it must have belonged to the killer who came to the lab to recover it.

  The alarm suddenly clicked off and silence rang in his ears. Alex slid the evidence box back in place and hid behind the tower of boxes in the corner.

  The door clicked open. Alex sensed the state trooper enter the lab.