Elusive Justice (Kensington-Gerard Detective series Book 2)

by K. T. Roberts

  “Oh, no,” he said, his voice filled with remorse. “I didn’t know that.”

  “It’s also pretty sad that the mother committed suicide on the daughter’s bed and left a note telling her she was to blame for the boy’s disappearance and she wished it had been her instead?”

  “Oh dear God, no.” He groaned. “What a tortured soul she must be? The disappearance of children can rip a hole in your heart and tear apart a family.”

  Jessie could hear a tapping noise in the background and she pictured him tapping his pen against his desk. “Where is she living now?”

  “That I don’t know, but she works here in the clerical pool.”

  “You shittin’ me?” He snorted. “How long has she worked here?”

  “I’m not really sure, but she’s been here at least as long as I’ve been.”

  “Her name is Abigail, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. She goes by Abby though.”

  “Oh geez, I do know her. She typed a warrant for me the other day. I never made the connection. Okay, so what else do you want to know?”

  “Nothing right now. I’m going to continue to look through the evidence, but I do want to show her the surveillance tape. Maybe she’ll recognize someone.” Jessie sighed. “Thank you, Detective Jensen.”

  “You’re welcome, Jessie. Call me if you find something.”

  “Thank you. I’ll do that. I’ll also let you know about the viewing of the surveillance tape too.” Jessie walked back over to the box feeling pretty good that he’d changed his tune and that he was now calling her Jessie instead of Detective Kensington. That felt like a real breakthrough in this department. She began sifting through the box again wondering if the father’s background had been checked. She jotted down a reminder to ask Jensen and continued looking through the evidence.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  JESSIE DIALED Zach’s cell phone. “What do you want?” he said coldly when he answered.

  “My, my, aren’t we the feisty one tonight.”

  “What are you doing?” he asked in a softer voice.

  “I’m taking the subway over to your house and thought I’d make sure you were home when I got there.”

  “Good. Pick up dinner on your way over.” He suggested.

  “Do you have wine to go with Thai food?” she asked.

  “I have a Riesling chilling in the fridge.”

  She grinned. She could always count on him to have the wine. “Good, pop the cork. I’ll be there in about a half hour . . . and set the table on the patio. I want to get some fresh air.”

  “You got it. Hurry up. I want to talk to you about my case,” he said.

  “Yeah, and I with you.”

  Exiting the train, she weaved her way through the crowded tunnel and rushed up the stairs and out to the street. Checking her phone to find the closest Thai restaurant, she keyed in the information and found Thai Foon was within walking distance.

  Zach popped the cork and poured a small amount into a wine glass, swirled it around in the glass, smelled the bouquet, and tasted it. It would be perfect. Without asking, he already knew what Jessie was going to buy to eat. She was fairly predictable when it came to her food likes and dislikes. She’d show up with vegetable egg rolls wrapped in rice paper, chicken and pecans with a spicy sauce, and Pad Thai, a noodle based dish with shrimp, dried tofu, vegetables, and chopped peanuts.

  He grabbed the dishes and chopsticks from the cabinet and drawer and headed out to the patio where he had a small glass table with chairs. He inhaled the smell of marine air and smiled, excited to be seeing her. This was a perfect setting after a long day. The streetlights glistened on the waves slowly breaking against the shoreline created by a sailboat headed across the bay. He could hear laughter and assumed they were having a party. Yeah, he would be having his own party soon.

  The cab stopped right in front of Zach’s house. She hadn’t planned to take a cab, but carrying so many bags, plus her briefcase, was impossible trekking the six blocks to his townhouse.

  She placed the bags down on the step and pressed the buzzer. When he pulled the door open, her heart melted because he handed her a single rose and kissed her passionately.

  “Nice touch, hotshot,” she said stepping back.

  “Now, I don’t want you to think I went to the store for this rose. I stole it from my neighbor’s yard.”

  “You had to ruin it for me?”

  “Well, I didn’t want you getting a big head thinking I rushed out and bought one.”

  “I hardly think that’s possible being involved with you.”

  He leaned over and grabbed the handles of the shopping bag in one hand, her briefcase in the other. “Mmm, it smells really good. You know, you saved me tonight.”

  “Oh, yeah. How’s that?”

  “I was about to make myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” He grinned.

  She gave him a playful jab. “Did you set the table,” she asked.

  “I did . . . like you asked, Sarge.” He placed her briefcase down on the floor and saluted. “It’s a beautiful night out there tonight.”

  “Then let’s not waste any time. I’m starving.” She laughed, “I was so hungry, I ate my spring roll in the taxi.” She laughed again when he gave a shake of his head. “Hey, I haven’t eaten all day.”

  Zach poured the wine and handed her a glass. “What shall we toast to,” he asked.

  “How about we toast to our partners and hope they get over the bull crap they’re giving us.”

  “That actually wasn’t what I had in mind,” he said clinking his glass to hers, “but now that you’ve ruined the mood, oh well. But mine isn’t giving me bull crap—he is crap! Although in fairness, I have to say he did well today.”

  “Well, that’s an improvement!” she said and put her glass down, filling her plate with food. “So tell me what’s going on with you.”

  “Well, it turns out the little guy from my case knew more than I thought, and he’s been whisked away into Witsec. Once they decide you need protecting, it’s like this giant vacuum sucks you up into their world and you’re never heard from again.”

  “From the tone of your voice, Zach, it sounds like you were taking a liking to this kid.”

  He snickered, “Yeah,” he shook his head, “I did take a liking to him because I resonated with his predicament. From all accounts, this boy had a good relationship with his dad, and I feel for him. That’s the kind of relationship I had with my mom before she died.

  She reached out and touched his hand. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. It is what it is.”

  “At least, you still have your dad.”

  “Oh, yeah. That’s a blessing.” He made a face while jerking his head back. “You know, when the subject of Witsec came up the other day, I was thinking if that ever happened to me for some reason, my old man would never know because he doesn’t even know I exist.”

  “I’m sorry, Zach. I really thought proving him wrong at Sawyer’s trial would show him you were more than just a law enforcement officer.”

  “Yeah, right?” he released a sarcastic laugh. “The only thing that did was put a hole through his ego.” His hand flung in the air. “Forget about it. I have,” he said, and dipped his eggroll into sauce and took a bite. “Maybe we should stop talking about him. That will really ruin my mood.”

  “Okay.” In the back of her mind it suddenly occurred to her that Zach had abandonment issues. He’d always made it seem as though he didn’t miss his father. Seeing his demeanor at this moment told her that wasn’t the case at all.

  “So let’s hear about your progress on the missing person’s case. You know, the one that’s taking you away from me.”

  “You crack me up,” she quipped. “I haven’t spent that much time away from you.” She pushed her dish aside and finished chewing the last bite. “There really isn’t much to tell except I met with Detective Jensen.”

  “And?”

  “And . . . well,
he wasn’t so nice at first.”

  “I guess you really can’t blame him, can you?”

  “No. And I told him that. It wasn’t until he’d asked about Abby’s parents that he realized why I was doing it and he apologized for being so rude.” She sipped her wine. “Funny thing is, Abby has typed up warrants and stuff for him and he never made the connection as to who she was.”

  “I guess I can understand him being rude at first, but I’m glad you found some common ground to work on. So what did you find? Anything?”

  “Not much, except . . . Jensen told me Abby never saw the surveillance tape.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Her father didn’t want her to see it. She was twelve years old at the time.”

  “How weird was that? The daughter was the one who was out there with the brother. What made the parents think they’d be able to identify anyone who looked suspicious? Geez, this father sounds like a real jerk. What do you know about him?” Zach asked.

  “Not much. Other than he’d started drinking after the abduction because he and the wife were so depressed, and then he finally left without saying a word and hasn’t been seen since. Two months after he left, the mother committed suicide on her daughter’s bed and left a note saying she wished it had been Abby who’d been kidnapped instead.”

  “Oh man. That poor kid.” He held his hand up, “Okay, I’m never going to complain again about you helping her. That girl is carrying around a shitload of baggage. I’m surprised she’s not a drug addict.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate having your support.” Jessie nodded. “You’re right. It is surprising, but she knows what happens when you give up hope and she’s not about to let that happen.”

  “Has anyone ever tried to find him?”

  “Who? The father?” He nodded. “There wasn’t anything in the evidence box to indicate it. Based on my conversation with Jensen, he didn’t even know about what happened, so I can’t imagine anything was ever done. Zach’s eyes squinted.

  “How soon did the father leave after the kid went missing?” he asked.

  “I’m not sure.” She dipped her head, “Why? What are you thinking?”

  “What if it was the father who kidnapped Justin? From what we’ve heard, the mother was a wacko. Maybe he figured he’d spare the kid the trauma.” Zach said.

  “Yeah, but where would the kid have stayed while the father was mourning his loss?”

  “Maybe he had an accomplice.”

  “But why wouldn’t he have kidnapped the daughter too if that was the case? Or at the very least, taken her with him when he left?”

  “Maybe he thought someone needed to take care of the mother.”

  “Wow!” Jessie said leaning back in her chair. “I never even thought of that.” She took another sip of wine, “Wow, hotshot. See, this is why we were so good together.”

  “And we still are.”

  “You can be sure I’ll be checking that out tomorrow. Okay, now tell me about your case.”

  “I’m at a dead end,” he said. “McGee checked out the father and it’s like the guy is a friggin’ saint for chrissake. You know that old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is?”

  “Well,” she raised her shoulder in a dismissive gesture, “maybe he was too good to be true. It sounds like more digging is needed.”

  Zach sighed. “I guess there are families who really do live a fairytale lifestyle—get along like they genuinely love one another and life is one big bowl of cherries, but I sure as hell don’t know any family like that.”

  “I don’t either. But don’t kid yourself. Those families who boast perfection . . . they’re the first ones I’d be questioning. People always want others to think their lives are wonderful and they have the perfect families. It ain’t happenin’, my friend. They have the same issues we all do.”

  Zach sighed. “McGee was running the social security number when I left tonight.”

  “Shouldn’t that have been done right away?”

  “You see what I’m talking about with this guy?”

  “Yeah, I do. I would imagine Witsec would have checked the social security number in case there are woodpile relatives he doesn’t know about? Is he with a foster family?”

  “No. He’s with someone he knows.”

  “That’s good. But what about his DNA? Did you guys check it out?”

  “I have to go to the house where the crime scene took place and see if I can get a hairbrush or something that belonged to the kid.”

  “Other than his father wearing a halo, why are you suspicious?” she asked.

  “I don’t know, Jess, but it seems like there’s something fishy about this entire story. Lieutenant Miller wants me to focus solely on the murder. But ballistics hasn’t returned the report yet. They said in a few days, but you know how they are.” He snorted, “Yeah, ATF tried to take over the entire case, but I told them since the homicide wasn’t in the house they raided, this homicide should be dealt with on a local level.” Zach finished his wine. Jessie gave him a dreamy smile and he winked at her. There was no doubt their love was undeniable magnetism.

  “I’m feeling a little tired,” he said. “Want to spend the night?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “IS THE LIEUTENANT in his office, Jackie?” Jessie asked standing in front of her boss’s secretary’s desk.

  “He is. Let me tell him you’re here,” she said. She walked to the man’s office and returned a few minutes later. “Okay,” Jackie said, walking out, “Go ahead, Jess. He said he’ll see you.”

  She could feel the excitement of what she wanted to discuss pumping through her veins. She hoped he would agree.

  “Good morning, Lieutenant. Thanks for seeing me. I have something I want to run by you.”

  “Sure. C’mon in and have a seat,” he gestured.

  Lieutenant Webster was a rugged looking man, probably in his late forties. With white hair and rosy cheeks, he reminded her of Santa Claus, except he was tall and slender. He extended his hand. “How are things in the department?” he asked.

  “Good.”

  “What’s on your mind?”

  “I’d like to open a cold case.”

  “Which one?”

  “Justin Cavanaugh, missing since 2005.”

  “What new evidence do you have?”

  “I’d like to pursue looking for the father who left shortly after the son went missing and no one has heard from him since.”

  “Jess, c’mon, you need to give me more than that.”

  “I’m asking to reopen it.”

  “Here’s what I’ll give you. I’ll let you and Bud do some research first. You bring me new evidence, and we’ll reopen it. Fair enough?”

  “Okay. I’m not so sure Bud will be interested in helping me since . . .”

  “Yeah, since the partner you replaced is the one who worked the case. Is he still giving you a hard time?”

  She jerked her head back. “You know about that?”

  “I know everything that happens in this department. Is he treating you any better?”

  “If you’re asking if he’s my best friend, then no. But we’re able to work together. He misses his old partner. I get that. I miss my old partner too.”

  “But you’re acting grownup about it. Right?” he said giving her a side-glance. She shrugged. “I’ll talk to him,” he said.

  “Ooh, I don’t think that’s a good idea. He’ll think I’m complaining and that will present—”

  He held his hand up. “Trust me, I’ve done this before. I heard him giving you a hard time the other day when you were in the evidence room.”

  Surprised, she responded after a cautious pause. “Oh. Okay. So I guess you knew I was working on this file before I even told you?”

  “Like I said, Jess, I know everything that goes on in here.”

  “So then I guess you heard me tell him to go see you about partneri
ng with someone else?” He nodded with a grin. “Hmm. All right then.” She slid forward to the edge of her chair. “Thank you, Lieutenant. I appreciate your help.” Standing, she turned to look at him before leaving the room. “I’ll keep you posted.” Jessie made her way down the hall to Abby’s desk.

  “Good morning,” Abby said, looking at Jessie expectantly. “You have something, don’t you?”

  “Sort of. I understand that you’ve never viewed the surveillance tape from the day of the abduction.”

  She stiffened in surprise. “I didn’t know they had one.”

  “Do you think you can handle seeing it after I’m finished today?”

  “Absolutely! I don’t know why I’ve never seen it before,” she said, dumfounded.

  “Well, your parents may have thought you were too young to view it. Or maybe they wanted to spare you the agony of reliving the scene.”

  “Regardless,” she said, her mouth tightened in a thin line, “they knew how upset I was. For God’s sake.” Her eyes flashed with wrath. “I might have recognized someone.”

  “That’s why I want you to see it.”

  “Thank you, Jess.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I know you need to get back to work, so I won’t keep you.” She shut her eyes momentarily and shook her head, her hair falling into her eyes. She pushed back the hair, tucking it behind her ear. “You’re the only one who’s ever helped me.”

  “Don’t get too excited yet. We don’t know where this is going to take us. There are a couple of questions I want to ask you too. Let’s plan to have dinner tonight so we can talk. After dinner, we’ll watch the surveillance tape. Maybe it’ll jar your memory and release what you thought you might have said to the investigators, but didn’t. There are a few more things I want to investigate but I need your help.”

  Abby pushed her chair back and grabbed Jessie in a strong hold. “Oh my God, you have no idea how much this means to me.”