Grave Danger (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 12)

by Lily Harper Hart

  “I’ve been here for several years,” Paloma said after a beat. “It feels longer sometimes.”

  “I imagine.” Dwight was calm and amiable. He kept his motions short and shallow so as not to alarm her. “You came from Mexico?”

  “My parents died when I was thirteen,” Paloma explained. “I tried to keep my brothers and sisters together, but it didn’t happen. I couldn’t go into any of the homes because I was too old, and after several months living on the street the police made sure I understood that I would have to go.

  “I didn’t have a lot of options and because of my age I could not get a job,” she continued. “One day a man approached me on the street. He said he could make me a model. I’m not stupid enough to say I believed him, but I took a chance because I thought if I could get settled in America then eventually I would be able to bring my brothers and sisters here.”

  “I take it that’s not what happened,” Dwight prodded.

  Paloma shook her head. “The border crossing was in the middle of the night. They made us walk for miles and if you fell behind you were left. I lost track of where I was, basically put one foot in front of the other, and I kept going. I made it.

  “My first job was in Arizona,” she continued. “I cleaned house for a woman with cold eyes. It was a lot of work – I never saw a house that huge before – but I thought it would be okay. I thought I would survive. Then her husband came home from prison to live at the house and I realized they expected something else from me.”

  Maddie’s stomach twisted as she fought off tears. Nick saw the struggle and almost reached out to her. He was so angry, though, he thought better of it. They had a long talk ahead of them and he didn’t want to taint it before he had a chance to express what he considered totally justifiable fury.

  “The house turned into hell after that,” Paloma said. “I learned better English, which was the only thing that made things tolerable, and then the wife decided the husband was too attached to me and sent me away. I thought things would get better. I was foolish.”

  “When did you arrive in Detroit?” Dwight queried.

  “Two years ago. I was in Chicago before then.”

  “Doing what?”

  “I would rather not talk about it.”

  Dwight opened his mouth to argue, but Maddie offered up a firm headshake to quiet him.

  “You don’t have to talk about it.” Maddie moved her hand to the girl’s forehead. “You have a fever.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “I don’t think you are,” Maddie pressed. “You’re shaking really badly and there’s a hitch to your breathing. Your pulse is thready and elevated. I think you should go to the hospital.”

  The look Paloma shot Maddie was one of pure venom. “And what makes you think I would ever go to the hospital? The monster lives there.”

  Maddie had the grace to be abashed. “I’m sorry. I forgot about that.”

  “You forgot?” Paloma was incredulous. “It must be nice to have the option to forget. Me, I will never forget.”

  “I need to hear your story,” Dwight said gently. “I need to know exactly what happened and why you think the individual who attacked you is the same person who dropped the bodies in the lot.”

  “It was six months ago or so,” Paloma said, dragging her ferocious glare from Maddie and focusing on Dwight. “Maybe it was only five months. I lose track of time. It was after we started hearing about girls like us going missing.”

  “What did you hear?” Nick was genuinely curious. “You guys usually get the story first, so I’m curious what you heard before it took on a life of its own.”

  “It was just whispers really,” Paloma replied. “We heard first that a girl – her name was Betsy – was taken right from the corner. She was screaming and fighting, clawing and biting, and yet no one came to help.”

  “You have to understand that we hear stories like this all the time,” Mercedes interjected. “The pimps and runners spread them to make us afraid to run. They want us to believe they’re our only way to survive.”

  “I understand. What happened next?”

  “I didn’t think much of it,” Paloma answered. “I had been working as an independent for three months. I was terrified my former pimp would find me, but so far he’d stayed away. That didn’t mean I was relaxed, though. I was coming home from a particularly … um, what is the word I’m looking for?” She turned to Mercedes for help.

  “Vigorous,” Mercedes supplied. “Your client that night was vigorous. He left bruises on you and a couple of cuts on your arms and legs.”

  Maddie barely managed to muffle a sob as a tear slid down her cheek. Her reaction was almost enough to undo Nick, but he managed to hold it together.

  “I was bleeding and I knew they wouldn’t let me on the People Mover if I was bleeding so I was trying to clean up when a man came around the corner and saw me,” Paloma said. “It was dark so I didn’t get a good look at him before you ask. There were no lights. It was on the street where they always turn off the light.”

  “They turn the lights off?” Nick asked, confused.

  “It’s a way to save money,” Dwight explained. “It’s absolutely ridiculous, but they turn off the lights in some areas. Of course, those are the areas that most need lights.”

  “It was very dark and there were no cars but I wasn’t afraid,” Paloma said. “The man was nice and he was … um … sweet. Wait. I don’t think that’s the word. He made noises that he was sad for me and wanted to help.”

  “He was sympathetic,” Maddie offered helpfully.

  Paloma bobbed her head. “He was sympathetic and he had some stuff in the bag he carried,” she said. “He cleaned up the wounds and talked to me like I was a real person rather than what I really was. He was nice and offered to buy me dinner. I thought he was a good person so I agreed.”

  “Then what happened?” Dwight asked.

  “I thought we would walk, but he pointed me toward his car. I knew there was something wrong with the car right away, though, because it had no inside handle on the door. I noticed that right away. That’s one of the things we’re warned about.”

  “No handle?” Nick rubbed his forehead. “That was something that Bundy pulled back when he was killing girls.”

  “Yeah, and it’s not something most women would overlook,” Dwight said. “Because he’s a doctor, he probably figures he can get away with it.”

  “Did he tell you he was a doctor?” Maddie asked. “I mean … did he say those words?”

  “Yes. That’s why he had the bag and wanted to help.”

  “What happened when you saw the car had no door handle on the inside?” Dwight asked. “Did you make a fuss or get in?”

  “I knew better than getting in,” Paloma supplied. “The second I saw there was no handle I knew I was in trouble. I tried to look at his face, but the lights were dim in the car and I only saw a shadow over his jawline. There was something there, though, something scary. I knew I would be in trouble if I didn’t think fast.

  “I acted as if I was going to get in the car, but then I purposely dropped my small bag before getting in,” she continued. “He made a big show of getting it for me and I pretended to almost fall so I could take a step back. The second he bent over I ran.”

  “Did he try to stop you?”

  “Yes.”

  “You obviously got away, though,” Dwight pointed out.

  “I knew the streets better than him and managed to hide in a building,” Paloma said. “I watched him for a full hour. He waited for me to return. I could see the way he moved, the way he hunted. He was angry he lost me and he kept kicking his car. Finally he gave up and went away.

  “Even after that I waited another hour to be sure,” she continued. “I was too frightened to leave.”

  “That’s a terrible story,” Dwight said. “I think you were lucky to get away.”

  “Even though I lost my purse.”

  “Even though,” Dwigh
t agreed. “I have to ask you, how do you know the person who tried to grab you is the same one who was dumping bodies in the lot?”

  “Because two weeks ago I was walking by that parcel late at night,” Paloma explained. “It was later than I like to be out – almost three – but I wasn’t too worried because the lights were on. I always feel safer when the lights are on.”

  “Okay.”

  “I was walking by the lot when I heard a noise. I looked to the left, but all I could see was a dark shape. It was too far away, but I could see a bunch of those wood things … what do you call them?”

  “Pallets,” Mercedes supplied.

  “Yes, pallets,” Paloma said. “I could see them and people said after that the bodies were found underneath them. Anyway, I was walking past when the man called out to me. He knew my name and I recognized his voice. It was the man from the car.

  “He frightened me so I did the only thing I could do,” she continued. “I started to run and I did not look back. I never looked back.”

  “And you’re absolutely certain it was him?” Dwight pressed.

  Paloma nodded. “You never forget the devil’s voice once you hear it. I am certain.”

  “That’s good enough for me.” Dwight raised his eyes until they snagged with Maddie’s. “We need to get photos so Paloma can look at them.”

  “Before that we need to get her medical help,” Maddie said. “I’m pretty sure she’s fighting off pneumonia. If she won’t go to the hospital, we have to find another way to treat her.”

  “I will not go to the hospital.” Paloma was firm. “The monster is there.”

  “Then I’m going to have to think of something else,” Maddie muttered, even though she had no idea what that solution would possibly be. “She needs help and we’re the only ones who can give it to her.”

  15

  Fifteen

  Ultimately Maddie came up with a plan that she considered a tolerable compromise. Since the only person who still appeared to like her was Dwight, he congratulated her on the idea and helped her convince several nurses from the hospital to come to them rather than trying to force the terrified women to go to a hospital where a killer might be roaming.

  Andrea, Iris, and Sandy made the trek, eyebrows arched, and when they saw what was happening inside the abandoned building they immediately set to work.

  “I didn’t even know this was happening here,” Andrea said, making a clucking sound as she shook her head. “This makes me all kinds of sad.”

  “You and me both,” Maddie said. “I want to see if we can get around to everyone who stayed, but I’m pretty sure Paloma over there has pneumonia to start with.”

  Andrea tilted her head to the side as she surveyed the pale woman in question. “Maddie, if she has pneumonia, we need to get her to the hospital.”

  “I know that. She won’t go.”

  Andrea moved her mouth a few times but no sound came out. Maddie could tell the woman was gearing up to argue so she cut her off.

  “She’s afraid of the hospital,” Maddie explained. “She thinks a doctor there tried to attack her a few months ago.”

  Andrea’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

  Maddie nodded. “It’s a long story and I’m not sure how everything is going to come together, but I believe her.”

  “Okay, what doctor?” Andrea asked, turning pragmatic. “I can check the schedule and arrange to get her in when he’s not there.”

  “That’s just the thing. We don’t know. She didn’t get a good look at his face, although she did hear his voice and I think she’ll be able to identify him that way. She won’t go to the hospital, though. She’s terrified.”

  “She might feel differently if she dies here. This place isn’t conducive to recovery from pneumonia. We brought basic supplies because we weren’t sure what you needed.”

  “I’m really appreciative of that. I know it’s a big hassle.”

  Andrea waved off the words. “We’re fine helping. We know you wouldn’t ask unless it was a big deal. It’s just … it’s sad. It’s weird and it’s sad.”

  “Yeah, you have no idea how weird it really is.”

  “Why don’t you tell me as we’re working our way through these girls. I have a feeling that more than one of them needs help.”

  “That sounds like a plan.”

  NICK STOOD AGAINST THE far wall, arms crossed over his muscled chest, and watched Maddie work with her former friends. His blond seemed intense and diligent, but he didn’t miss the occasional worried glances she tossed in his direction.

  Nick wasn’t the vengeful sort so part of him wanted to reassure Maddie that everything would be okay. The other part, the angry part, wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake. He was furious and he couldn’t seem to get past the emotion. For now, he believed the best thing he could do for Maddie was keep his distance until he cooled down.

  Dwight apparently had other intentions.

  “How long are you going to pout?”

  Nick scowled as he slid his gaze to the Detroit police detective. “I’m not pouting.”

  “That’s exactly what you’re doing,” Dwight countered. “You’re punishing her.”

  Nick balked. “I most certainly am not punishing her.”

  “You are. You might not want to admit it, but you are.”

  “Well, if I am, she has it coming,” Nick grumbled, glaring at his shoes. “She lied to me.”

  “She didn’t lie to you,” Dwight scoffed. “She was on her way to the hospital when Sage ambushed her. This is on Sage. Maddie didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, when she realized what was going on, she did everything right.”

  “She should’ve called me the second Sage approached her,” Nick argued. “We agreed that she would be at the hospital during the morning hours and then find me at the police station. That was our compromise.”

  Dwight gave Nick a long look. “What are you angry about? I mean … really. What is it that has your panties in a twist?”

  “If you’re trying to direct my anger at you so I’ll forgive Maddie, good job. I kind of want to punch you right now.”

  “I would gladly take it if I thought it meant you would stop punishing her.”

  “I’m not punishing her!”

  “You are,” Dwight challenged. “You think I don’t get it, but I do. Why do you think I’m so angry with Sage?”

  “Because she lied and put herself in danger.”

  “It’s not anger fueling me, though,” Dwight said. “Not really. What’s fueling me is fear because I know what could’ve happened to Sage if she ran into the wrong person down here. I’m still not sure how she found these women – and you can believe I’m going to find out – but I’m more afraid for my daughter than angry at her. I think that’s your problem.”

  Nick tilted his head to the side, considering. “No. She lied to me.”

  “Fine. Be stubborn.” Dwight pushed himself away from the wall. “I just want you to remember something you told me a few months ago. I don’t remember the exact phrasing, but you basically said that the most important thing in the world to you was loving Maddie. I remember thinking it was odd for you to say it the way you did. I mean, I understood what you meant, but at the time you were worried about her safety, too.

  “I know you love her and I haven’t doubted that since the moment you called me asking questions,” he continued. “I sensed something in the way you fretted over the phone. I don’t know what, but it was definitely there. I think it’s normal to worry about the person you love, but is worrying about Maddie to the point where you’re trying to punish her what’s best for her?”

  Nick let loose with a derisive snort. “I know you don’t believe it, but I’m honestly not punishing her. I’m keeping my distance because I’m upset and angry. I don’t want to take it out on her. That’s why I’m over here.”

  Dwight didn’t look convinced. “You’re not punishing her at all?”

  “No. I don’t want
to yell and frighten her. She doesn’t deserve that.”

  “You’re going to yell at her a bit later, though, aren’t you?”

  “We’re going to have a serious discussion about why she didn’t call me,” Nick corrected. “I have no intention of yelling at her.”

  Nick’s aggressive stance told Dwight otherwise.

  “Just remember that you love her more than anything,” Dwight supplied. “Remember how miserable you were without her. Remember how miserable she was without you. You two are spending a lifetime together and there are always going to be fights. Make sure you keep the love at the forefront when you have those fights. It will lead to fewer regrets.”

  “Are you giving me that advice from experience?”

  “I am a perfect husband and have never upset my wife. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Nick couldn’t swallow his chuckle. “Yeah. I’ll take your advice to heart.”

  “Do that. Maddie was caught in a bad situation because of Sage. Maddie didn’t create the situation and she did the right thing. She shouldn’t be penalized for that.”

  Nick heaved out a sigh. “I’m not going to penalize her. I am going to talk to her. I think it’s necessary.”

  “Son, when you get to be my age, you’re going to realize all these fights you thought were necessary when you were in your twenties are complete and total crap,” Dwight said. “Still, everyone needs to go through it. Don’t let your anger get the better of you, though. If you let this fight fester, it will affect both of you.”

  “It’s going to be okay.” Nick found it odd that he was trying to make Dwight feel better given the circumstances, but he didn’t dwell on it. “Maddie and I will be fine. We always survive fights. This will be no different.”

  “Uh-huh.” Dwight’s expression was dubious. “And exactly how many fights have you guys had? I’m going to be honest, I don’t think it’s many. You two are far too in love with each other and kissing constantly to fight.”

  “We’ve fought.”

  “How often?”

  “At least once or twice.”