While sitting in an overstuffed chair next to the window, she watched a family of ducks rooting for their breakfast and willed her phone to ring. A call, a text, anything so that she knew her sister was all right. She gave up and dialed the number again.
“Hi, Meagan.”
“Bridget, I’ve been trying to reach you. Why haven’t you returned any of my calls? I’ve been worried sick.”
“I’m sorry, the battery on my phone died. I just noticed this morning and put it on the charger. Why have you been calling? Is everyone okay? The girls?”
“They’re fine. I’m concerned about you.”
“Why? Everything’s great. I’ve never been happier.”
“Honey, there are a few things you need to know about Samuel.” Meagan nervously fingered the crystal hanging from her neck.
“Like what?” Bridget’s tone was cautious.
Meagan cringed. “Now don’t get mad.”
“If you don’t want me upset, don’t start with a comment like that.”
Meagan took a deep breath. “Just hear me out, okay?”
“Before you say anything, let me remind you that you’ve never met him. There’s no way you could know something about him I don’t.”
“Bridge.” Meagan jumped up and began to pace. “Samuel is not the man you think he is. He’s not even divorced. And he has a history of beating his wife–”
“Have you been talking to Lorraine? I told you she was a liar,” Bridget yelled.
“No. I haven’t talked to his wife.”
“Ex-wife.”
“No, there is no record of a divorce. There aren’t even any papers filed. He simply left. He’s done this many times before. You’re not the first woman he’s taken off with.”
“Why are you doing this? Don’t you want me to be happy?”
Meagan tamped down her temper. “Of course, but more than anything I want you safe.”
“I am safe. Samuel treats me like a queen. He lavishes me with beautiful gifts.”
“You mean jewelry?”
“As a matter of face, yes, very expensive jewelry. If he were just using me, why would he do that?”
Meagan heard low murmuring in the background, and then Bridget whispered, “Meagan.” Of course he was listening to the call. He was probably sitting right next to her.
“Honey, the jewelry was Lorraine’s. He stole it before he took off.”
“That’s not true. He is not a thief and he would never raise his hand to a woman. Lorraine is crazy. She attacked him. If anything, he was defending himself and she lied to the cops.”
“She refused to talk to the cops or press charges. She claimed to have fallen down the stairs. She had several similar excuses.”
“See, I told you. He never hurt her.”
“But the x-rays tell a different story. Please, Bridget, you have to believe me. You’re not safe. I’ve got proof. I’ll send you a picture of the wedding ring.” Meagan shook her head. “Damn, I hate that you’re so far away. Where are you now?”
“Still in Florida. We just left The Keys. Oh Meagan, they’re beautiful. I wish you could see them.”
“Me too. Do you know what town you’ll be in tonight?”
“Why?” Suspicion edged Bridget’s voice.
Meagan forced herself to keep it light. “Just wondering.”
She heard a man’s low voice in the background, but couldn’t make out what he was saying.
Then Bridget was back. “No. Samuel is in charge of our itinerary.”
Meagan sensed she was losing her, so she decided to tell her sister everything. “Bridget, how does Samuel feel about the girls living with you?”
“Oh, he’s all for it. He’s very big on family,” Bridget said, her voice bubbly.
“I was just wondering, the night you two first met, did you show him pictures of the girls?”
“Well, yes,” Bridget said slowly. “Why do you ask?”
Meagan stopped in front of the window, but the picturesque view was wasted on her at that moment. “What did he say about them?”
“That they’re beautiful like their mother.” She giggled. “Why?” The low murmuring was back. “Just a minute,” Bridget whispered.
Meagan rushed on. “Did he seem overly anxious for them to join you?”
“Of course, he thinks the girls should be with their mother. But when I suggested they finish the school year, he readily agreed. It’s only a couple of months. Don’t worry, Meagan, they will love Samuel as much as I do.”
The voice in the background sounded angry. “I will, just a second,” Bridget said away from the phone.
“Bridget, this is extremely important.” Meagan couldn’t stand still and resumed pacing. “Are you listening?”
“Just spit it out,” Bridget blurted.
“Samuel’s interest in the girls is not paternal. The man has a fetish for little girls. He doesn’t love you. He wants your money and the girls. That’s all. Thomas has proof.”
“Oh my gosh, you just won’t quit!” Bridget yelled so loud that Meagan had to pull the phone away from her ear. “Why can’t you just let me be happy? Did Jason put you up to this? I can’t–”
“I will not allow you to distress my wife. Don’t call again,” came a deep baritone.
The call was disconnected.
“Shit, shit, shit!” Meagan redialed instantly, but the call went straight to voicemail.
“Well, crap basket.” Meagan pocketed the phone.
She leaned her forehead against the cool window.
“That went well.”
What in the hell was she going to do? Now would be a good time to know some Jedi mind tricks. She needed to talk to Thomas.
As she descended the stairs, the aroma of bacon and coffee lured her toward the kitchen. When she entered, she noticed Thomas sharing a meal with his brother and a cute brunette in a police uniform at the chunky wooden table.
“Hey, babe, there’s fresh coffee. I put some pancakes on a plate. They’re in the oven staying warm.”
“Thanks. Good morning, everyone.”
Cody had his mouth full so he waved.
The woman got up and approached Meagan, leading with her right hand. “Hi, I’m Jillian Reid. But everyone calls me Jilly.”
Meagan shook the offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Meagan.”
Suddenly Meagan was aware of a sleek black cat circling her legs. She bent down and picked it up. “And who might you be?”
“That’s Cleo, short for Cleopatra. I hope you’re not allergic.”
“Not at all.” Meagan lifted the cat so its face was in front of her. “You’re a pretty little thing, aren’t you?” She pulled her back against her chest and stroked her. She was rewarded by a soft purr.
“Sorry to descend on you like this, but I had a little trouble at my place last night and needed somewhere else to stay. I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”
“Don’t worry. Stay as long as you like. The more the merrier,” Meagan said.
“Thanks. But I should be able to return home today,” Jilly said.
Meagan set the cat down and washed her hands.
“You know, it might not be a bad idea if you stayed here until we catch this UNSUB,” Cody said. “There’s safety in numbers. I don’t like the idea of you being alone right now.”
“Contrary to what you might believe, I can take care of myself,” Jilly bristled.
While listening to the argument, Meagan pulled her plate out of the oven with a mitt and eyed a huge stack of pancakes. She filled a mug with coffee and prepared it with cream and artificial sweetener.
“I have no doubt. You did a fine job last night. It’s just–”
Jilly interrupted, “That’s not fair. I guess I shouldn’t have called you after all. My mistake.”
“No. I’m glad you did. I’m not attacking you.” Cody sounded defeated.
Meagan joined Thomas at the table. “This looks good. Thanks hon,” she whispere
d in his ear.
He smiled back and nodded while he chewed.
They went back to watching the fireworks.
“Of course you are. You think that because I called you to kill the snake, I’m a damsel in distress who can’t take care of herself. I’ll have you know I’ve been doing just fine.” Jilly grabbed her plate and took it to the sink.
Meagan and Thomas stared at each other and mouthed the word, “Snake?” then returned to watching the other couple.
“Jesus, woman, you are stubborn.” Cody jumped out of his chair and followed her. “I don’t think that at all. I know you’re capable. More than capable, you’re amazing. I don’t know what I would have done in your shoes.”
Jilly glanced at him over her shoulder while she rinsed her plate. “Yes, you do, because you went in there and killed it.”
“Only because I was forewarned, so I was armed. I wasn’t thinking I’m all warm and cozy in my pj’s ready for bed, only to find a rattlesnake waiting for me.”
“Rattlesnake!” Meagan and Thomas shouted in unison.
Cody glanced their way.
“Yes, someone snuck into her home and dumped a Mojave Green in her bed. If she wasn’t so fast on her feet, she might not be here today.”
“She might be in the hospital,” Thomas added.
“No, just look at her. She’s five foot five and the snake was on a bed that was at least half her height. When the thing lunged, it went straight for her face. If its fangs sank into her cheek and hung there pumping venom, she would not have survived.”
“Holy crap! You’re staying here, Jilly. You are not going back until this psycho is caught,” Meagan said emphatically.
Jilly’s face softened as she looked at Meagan. “That’s very kind, but I’m sure this guy won’t try that again.”
“No, next time it could be worse,” Cody said as he stroked her arm.
Meagan elbowed Jesse and when he glanced her way, she wiggled her brows. He nodded. He understood she was saying his brother had feelings for this woman. They glanced back.
“I’m not getting all Neanderthal on your ass, I’m just being practical. There’s safety in numbers.” Cody turned Jilly toward him. “You are the bravest woman I know.” His voice had turned soft and caring.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Please. At least think about it,” he whispered.
The silence in the room was deafening.
Finally, Jilly nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it.” Her voice barely carried to the table.
As if realizing what he was doing, Cody dropped his hands from her arms. He cleared his throat and stood back. “All righty then. Let’s get over to your place and deal with the mess.”
He started out of the kitchen then stopped. “Shit.” He turned around. “I forgot about the tires on my rig. Jesse?”
“Sure, take my car.”
“Thanks. I’ll get a tow truck from town to come pick it up and replace the tires.”
“I’ll do it. Just take care of business. You’ll have the Toyota back by the end of the day,” Thomas said.
“Thanks, I owe you one, bro,” Cody answered.
“No problem. Good luck.” Thomas tilted his head toward Jilly, who had her back to him, and wiggled his brows.
Cody’s eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.
As soon as the front door slammed. “I finally got a hold of Bridget.” Meagan poured maple syrup on her pancakes and grabbed a piece of bacon off the plate in front of her.
“Did you get anywhere with her?” Thomas asked.
“That would be a big fat no. But it’s not like we thought otherwise. She never was one to listen to reason. Like Mom says, she’s pretty stubborn.”
“Like someone else I know.” He elbowed her in the side.
Meagan shook her head. “Nuh uh.” She took a big bite of pancakes, and then nibbled on some bacon.
“Uh huh. Did you at least tell her everything?”
“I tried, but Samuel grabbed the phone and told me not to call and upset his wife again. Then he hung up. Can you believe he actually called her his wife?”
“It could have been worse.”
“How?”
“He could have called you Saaaaaaaaaaaaatan!” He mimicked the church lady, Dana Carvey’s character from Saturday Night Live.
She giggled. “But seriously, that psychopath has my sister. We have to save her.”
Thomas stroked her hair. “I know, babe, you’re right. I’m sorry. Shadowhawk called while you were in the shower. She has his license plate number. I called in a favor from a friend who works for the Miami-Dade Police Department.
“He’s got a statewide BOLO out on the RV and listed Samuel Miller as a person of interest. When he brings the guy in, he’ll call and I’ll jump on a plane immediately. Okay?”
“You mean, we’ll jump on a plane.”
“That’s what I said.” He sent her an exaggerated smile.
“Is that legal?” Meagan took a sip of coffee.
His face scrunched up. “And you care because?”
Meagan jumped up and straddled his lap.
He chuckled. “What’s this?” He put his hands on her hips.
“Thank you.” She covered his mouth with hers.
When the kiss ended, Thomas looked up at her. “How grateful are you?”
She crawled off his lap and grabbed his hand. “Let me show you.”
Thomas stood. “You don’t have to ask me twice.”
SIXTEEN
Jilly called forensics to send someone to dust for prints at her home. Then they stopped at FedEx to overnight the snake to the FBI lab. At her insistence, Cody dropped her off at her cabin, and went on to the Sheriff’s Station alone. She would catch up to him later.
Cody stopped off at Mountain Coffee and grabbed a couple of larges to go. He ran into another old friend, Jasmine Littlefoot. He spoke with her for about ten minutes before he was on his way.
Once he hit the station, he greeted Marge and inquired about her day. He gifted her one of the coffees before he headed to the desk Jilly had allotted him.
After he’d made himself comfortable, he fished through the file of loose papers for information on the second victim. He started reviewing the murders in the order in which the bodies had been discovered. He located a pad of paper and began making a list of the particulars of each victim to make it easier to compare.
Stephanie Dover, twenty-five. A travel agent in the town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Roommate filed the missing persons report when her friend failed to return after a whitewater rafting trip with a group in Hells Canyon, Idaho. She’d left several messages, but Stephanie wouldn’t return her calls.
Everyone on the trip had been interviewed. They all said she was fine when she left Cambridge on Sunday. One of the women in the group said that she was eager to get home. No one had seen her after she drove off, alone, and in good spirits. Her body was found in a shallow grave along the Snake River.
Lisa Gunn, twenty-eight years old. She managed a sporting goods store in Jackson, Wyoming. She went on a weekend camping trip in the Grand Teton National Park with three other friends. The girls woke up one morning to find her missing. No one had heard a thing during the night.
She was never again seen alive. Her scattered remains were discovered in the same national park. At first the ME thought she’d fallen from a great height because all her bones were broken, then on further examination, they noticed the cut marks in the pelvic region and it was ruled a homicide.
Julie Wilkes, twenty-three, student. Lived at home with her parents in Bozeman, Montana. Last seen by her mother on a Saturday morning. Her destination, an overnight trip hiking in Yellowstone National Park, one of her favorite places. Originally, she’d planned to go with her best friend, but she canceled due to illness. Julie went alone. Her body was found in a shallow grave on the outskirts of the park. Cody made a note in the margin: National Parks?
Susan Radamaker, twenty-six
, waitress. Lived alone in Butte, Montana. Missing persons report filed by the manager of Fred’s Mesquite Grill, the restaurant where she worked. Never late, when Susan missed her entire shift, Lenora Windgrove, her boss and friend, went to her home when repeated calls went unanswered. By all accounts, it looked as if she’d gone on her usual morning run and didn’t return. Her dog, Bucky, was found whining at the back door.
The neighbors said she always took him running with her, but this time he returned alone. Her purse, cell phone, keys, and car were all found at the residence. A three-day search ensued, but no clues were found as to her whereabouts. As if she’d simply vanished. Her body was later located in a shallow grave off Mountain Reservoir Road in a copse of trees.
Sandy Noble, twenty-nine, owned a floral shop in Spokane, Washington. Rode her bicycle to work daily, weather permitting. Left her residence one morning and never made it to work. Later the bike was found; a couple of kids discovered it lying by the road and took it. Neither had seen the owner of the bike nor the abduction. Her remains were found in Riverside State Park. Another park.
Cindy Tolbert, twenty-eight, fly fishing guide out of Wolverton Outfitters & Fly Shop in Great Falls, Montana.
“Wow, my kind of girl,” Cody mused.
Took a group of businessmen out for a float excursion on the Missouri River and never returned. All three men vowed they’d said good-bye from the Wolf Creek cabin and left together before her. She was found in the surrounding woods in a shallow grave.
Adrian Campbell, twenty-nine, Pilates instructor in Seattle, Washington. Took a week’s vacation to visit her sister, Jody Campbell in Helene, Montana. Her sister claimed that Adrian had left at five Sunday morning. She never made it home. Her abandoned car was found along the I-90 highway just outside of Missoula, Montana. She’d had a flat tire. Her body was found in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, just four miles north of Missoula.
A chill raced down the length of Cody’s spine. Was the killer sending them a message by leaving the snake in Jilly’s bed? He circled the paragraph regarding Adrian Campbell to come back to later. Suddenly something landed in front of him and he jumped. He glanced up to see Jilly sit down at her desk.
NightScream Page 11
