The bathroom was surprisingly intact. Evidently whoever had trashed her place hadn’t thought she’d hide important information in there.
In the kitchen, her eyes flooded at the pile of broken dishes littering the counters and floor.
She gingerly picked up a larger shard, her gaze tracing the abstract watercolor border. While she’d never liked the pattern, the dishes had been a gift from James’ best friend for their wedding.
Now they were broken. Just like her marriage and her dreams.
She blinked away the tears and tried to assess the damage.
Impossible.
She rejoined the detectives by the door. “It looks like the big things are still here. I won’t know about papers or clothes or anything until I can go through all this.”
Zander and Morgan exchanged a look she couldn’t decipher.
“What?” Did she even want to know?
“It’ll be a while before you can go through this. We’ll need to get our techs out to process the scene.”
Scene. The word resounded in her head. Her apartment was a crime scene.
Which meant they couldn’t stay here.
Where would they go?
It wasn’t like she could afford a hotel. James had no family and hers lived several states away.
Not that it mattered. Her family had cut her out years ago.
“How long will that take?”
“Normally not long. But because this may tie to the attack on you earlier and James’ murder, we’ll have them go through the place carefully.”
“Are we talking days? Weeks?”
“Probably a few days.” Morgan’s tone conveyed sympathy.
Days. Without a place to live. What was she going to do?
If it was just her, it’d be different, but she had three kids to worry about.
Olive didn’t have room at her tiny one-bedroom apartment. Was there someone at church she could ask?
Just Andy and Evelyn. The couple, who were about her parents’ age, had really come alongside and supported her in the months following James’ abandonment. But their small condo in that retirement community was not exactly kid-friendly.
And what if this trouble followed her there? What if Andy or Evelyn got hurt because of her?
No way. She refused to take that kind of chance.
Maybe her pastor would have an idea.
Hopefully. Because she was fresh out of options.
“We’ll need to know where you’ll be so we can reach you.”
She looked at Zander. “I don’t know. I–I have nowhere else to go.”
“Got family you can call?” Morgan asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll figure something out.”
Zander studied her for a minute. “If you need a place to go, I might have an idea. How do you feel about boats?”
Boats? What was he going to do? Put her up at Alcatraz? “Guess it depends on the size of the boat. And how long I’m on it.”
A grin split Zander’s face. “I hear you. Zeke and his family live on a yacht. They have a spare room that they always keep open for anyone who needs it. I bet they’d love to have you and the kids stay there.”
Stay with Zeke and his family? On a boat? “I don’t know much about his family.”
“He lives there with his brother and sister.”
Seven people on a boat. Yikes. “Sounds a little… crowded.”
A laugh burst from Morgan. “You ain’t seen this boat. It’s bigger than your apartment.”
“And there’s security. It’s probably one of the safest places for you to go.”
Really? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. And who would think to look for her on a boat? “Are–are you sure they wouldn’t mind? They don’t even know me.”
“They’ll be happy to help.” Zander pulled his phone from his pocket. “Let me just call to make sure they don’t already have someone staying there, then we’ll go from there.”
He moved off a short distance and spoke in tones too low for her to hear.
This was crazy. All of it. That James was dead, that she’d been attacked, that her house was a crime scene, that she was considering staying with people she’d never met.
Then again, she knew Zeke. Kind of. And felt surprisingly comfortable and safe around him.
Why should his family be any different?
“Zeke and his family are good people.” Morgan’s voice drew her attention over. “Know Elly better’n the rest of ‘em, but they’re solid. Really into all that God stuff.”
That’s right. Zeke had said that Zander was dating his sister. “She and Zander are a thing, right?”
“Yeah. She was a witness in a case we had. Helped us solve it and almost died in the process.” His attention drifted to Zander. “She’s been good for him.”
Zander slid his phone back in his pocket and approached. “It’s all set. They have the room ready and said they’d love to have you stay with them.”
“Was that Zeke?” With all the craziness, she’d hardly thought about him since the ambulance took him away. She was a horrible person.
Zander shook his head. “Elly, his sister. She said God had told them to get the guest room ready so she wasn’t surprised that I called.”
God had told them? Like God had told Zeke where she lived?
What was the story with this family?
And was it safe to take her kids there?
Well, it wasn’t like she had any better options. And for some reason, she trusted Zeke. Why not his family, who these two detectives also trusted?
“I need to see my kids.”
Zander nodded. “How about you grab some of the things you’ll need. We’ll pick your kids up, then I’ll take you to the boat.”
Fresh tears attacked. He was being so kind, but it was getting late and she couldn’t ask him to do all that for her.
Yet what choice did she have? She didn’t have a car and didn’t know where this boat was, how to get there, or even who she was looking for once she arrived. “I’m sure you want to get home.”
Morgan snorted. “You kidding me? This kid’s always lookin’ for an excuse to get on that boat to see her. Trust me. You’re doin’ him a favor.”
A flush shot up Zander’s neck, touching his ears, but he didn’t deny it.
Okay, well if she was going to do this, she needed to hurry. It was getting late. “Give me a few minutes to gather some clothes, then we can get going.”
She just hoped she wasn’t making a huge mistake.
₪ ₪ ₪
The marina’s parking lot had more spaces empty than full. In the distance, the Golden Gate Bridge glowed against the dark night sky.
Bethany helped the kids from the backseat of Zander’s blue Mustang, trying to ignore the pang of guilt as she unbuckled Becca. At three years old, Becca really should have been in a car seat, but Bethany didn’t have one. Without a car of her own, she hadn’t really needed one.
At least Zander hadn’t said anything, although he’d surely noticed.
Instead, he’d spent the entire drive answering JJ’s questions. What was it like to be a police officer? How many guns did he have? How many people had he shot? Had he ever been shot? The questions seemed to have no end, but Zander had patiently addressed each one.
Zander would make a good dad someday.
“Whoa! Are we staying here?” JJ stared out at the dark shapes bobbing on the bay. Becca clutched her hand a little tighter.
“For tonight, anyway.” She had no idea what tomorrow would bring.
Zander picked up her oversized duffel and slung it over his shoulder. “Come on, little man. Let me show you where you get to sleep tonight. It’s awesome.”
“Awesome.” JJ’s echo indicated that he thought it was just that.
After crossing the parking lot, they passed the office and approached a large chain-link gate. Fencing extended from either side of the gate and barbed wire wrapped the top.
Well, at least
she knew no one would be able to simply walk on board the boat. Not without some serious work, anyway.
Zander punched a code into the keypad, then swung the gate open.
A wide wooden walkway sloped down to the water in front of her. Black waves sloshed on either side.
If one of the kids slipped into the water, she’d never find them. Not at night.
She hoisted Becca onto her hip and took firm hold of Pete’s hand. “JJ, be very careful, okay. Walk slowly and no monkey business.”
JJ sighed. “Yes, mom.”
The tone told her exactly what he thought of her instructions, but she didn’t care. As long as he stayed safe.
Zander led the way, JJ at his side, and she brought up the rear. The boards swayed beneath her feet, throwing off her balance slightly.
It was weird walking on floating planks.
“Have you spent much time on boats?” Zander threw the question over his shoulder.
“None. I grew up in Ohio. On a farm.” Not much call for boating activities there, and James hadn’t been interested in it.
At least not that she knew. It wasn’t something they’d ever really talked about, in spite of living next to the ocean.
Zander chuckled. “That makes two of us. You should’ve seen me the first time I came out here. Let’s just say that I’m still adjusting to the idea of being on a boat.”
They passed several boats that appeared empty, finally stopping beside a massive vessel at the very end of the walkway.
Zander tossed their bag on board, then carefully stepped over the churning water and onto a flat platform.
How in the world was she going to get all three kids on board when she was hesitant to let go of either of the littler ones?
Zander reached a hand back for JJ. “Okay, little man. Big step here.”
Thank God.
Zander kept firm hold of JJ’s hands until both little feet were planted on the boat. “How about you go sit on that bottom step while I help your brother and sister get on, okay?”
JJ’s head swiveled side to side as he took it all in, but his feet were swift to obey.
Once he was firmly settled on the bottom step, Bethany turned back to Zander, who reached out his arms. “How about you hand her to me?”
Seemed like a good plan. She passed Becca over the watery abyss.
Zander’s hands closed around Becca’s waist.
“You have her?” No way was she letting go until she knew he had a firm grip.
“I’ve got her.”
Bethany loosened her hold, but didn’t move her arms until she was sure it was safe.
Crossing to where JJ sat, Zander plopped Becca down on the step beside him. “Can you keep an eye on your sis, my man?”
JJ nodded solemnly, his hand closing around Becca’s.
Zander returned to the edge of the boat and took Pete from her. Bethany stepped over the water and joined her family on the boat.
Funny how she barely noticed the water’s movement. Maybe the boat was too big to rock much.
At least she shouldn’t have to worry about seasickness.
Zander led them up the narrow set of stairs to the top deck.
Directly in front of them was a room, surrounded by windows. Light blazed from inside, giving off a warm, inviting glow. Through the windows, she saw a table and chairs, a sofa and two matching chairs, and a coffee table.
No sign of anyone inside, though.
Zander opened the door as if he owned the place and stepped inside. He approached a set of stairs nestled in the corner. “Elly, Josiah? You guys around?”
“We’ll be right up!” A woman’s voice came from below decks. Though muffled, it was easy to detect the same distinct accent Zeke had.
Turning back to them, Zander gestured to the room. “Go ahead and make yourselves comfortable.”
JJ immediately plopped into one of the plush chairs beside the sofa. “Whoa. You really sink in these.”
Becca touched the blue striped fabric. “Pretty.”
It was pretty. Although compared to the shabby furniture at their place, that wouldn’t take much.
Not that their furniture was even usable any longer.
And she didn’t even have renter’s insurance.
Add to that missing yesterday’s shift and today’s… she’d be lucky to keep the apartment, much less replace what had been lost.
Well, that was a problem for another day.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs.
A woman with copper curls appeared. Her fair skin held a hint of pink and the light danced in her slate blue eyes.
A man with dreadlocks and dark chocolate skin ascended behind her. His head nearly brushed the ceiling and he was skinny enough that the wind that frequently whipped off the bay probably just about blew him away.
Together they made a striking image.
If she only had her watercolors.
“Bethany, I’d like you to meet Elly and Josiah.”
Wait. These were Zeke’s siblings? How could that be? They didn’t appear to share any physical similarities.
If Zander noticed her shock, he didn’t comment. Instead, he turned to face Elly and Josiah. “And this is Bethany, JJ, Pete, and Becca.”
Points to him for remembering all their names.
“Bethany.” Josiah stepped forward and offered his hand. When she extended hers, he enveloped her hand in both of his. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Zeke has told us about you.”
He had? Zeke had only met her last night. Weird.
“Thanks. It’s, uh, nice to be here.” And it was. All things considered.
“I’m sorry for the problems you’ve endured lately. You and your family are welcome here for as long as you’d like.”
“Yes. Please make yourself at home.” Elly approached and gave her a small hug. “We have a room for you and Becca and another for JJ and Pete. Would you like to see?”
“Or are you hungry?” Josiah swung his hand toward the stairs. “We have fresh bread about to come out of the oven, a fruit platter, and rice and beans.”
Food. Most definitely food. Her hollow stomach agreed.
“I don’t know the last time I had freshly baked bread.” Probably not since growing up in Ohio.
“Great choice! I’m getting hungry, too.” Josiah’s grin practically glowed against his dark skin. He turned to assess JJ. “How about you? You getting hungry?”
JJ shrugged, but she could see the interest on his face. Yeah, it was a little later than she typically made dinner so he was probably hungry.
Then again, at his age he was always hungry.
A buzz sounded from below deck. Josiah gestured to the chairs around them. “Please, get comfortable. Elly and I will bring up the food.”
She expected Zander to follow, but he dropped onto the sofa.
Good. Now it was time to get some answers. “They’re really related to Zeke?”
She kept her tone low, so that they wouldn’t hear her below deck.
A low chuckle answered her. “I know, right? When I asked about it, they told me that not all families are related by blood. Evidently in their culture, it’s quite common for people to choose their family.”
She’d like to live in a culture like that. Especially since her own blood had disowned her.
First her family, and then James. Seemed like everyone important to her abandoned her. What was wrong with her anyway?
₪ ₪ ₪
Tobias stepped into Isaac’s office and pushed the door closed behind him.
Behind the desk, Isaac shook. Not from cold or fear. The clenched jaw, narrowed eyes, and fisted fingers embodied another emotion altogether.
They had the evidence and the Summers’ widow didn’t seem to know anything. What could Isaac be so tweaked out about?
Pushing his hands into his pockets, Tobias waited.
Isaac had demanded this meeting. He could initiate it.
“Have you checked the account?”
Cold streaked through him. “What’s happened?”
Isaac cursed. “It’s gone!”
Two million dollars didn’t just disappear. “What do you mean, gone?”
“Summers took it! Transferred all but fifty bucks the day before you killed him.” Isaac glared at him as though this whole mess was his fault.
Tobias sank into the closest chair. That money was his ticket outta here. It couldn’t be gone. “You sure?”
“Unless you took it.” Isaac planted his hands on his desk and leaned forward.
Like he’d be stupid enough to steal the money and stick around. “You know better than that.”
“Do I? That’s a whole lotta money.”
Who did Isaac think he was? Sitting there like some kind of king? “For all I know, you took it.”
Isaac scoffed. “I wouldn’t cut you out and you know it.”
Did he?
Well, flinging accusations sure wasn’t going to solve anything. “Okay, so I didn’t take it and you didn’t take it. It had to be James.”
“And you killed him.”
What, so this whole mess was his fault? “On your orders. Don’t forget that.”
Isaac sighed. “Fact remains that the money is gone and the one man who knows where it went is dead.”
Pulling the thumb drive from his pocket, he tossed it on Isaac’s desk. “Check that. Maybe James left the information there.”
Isaac snatched up the thumb drive and plugged it into the tower under his desk.
Tobias rounded the desk to see what was on the drive.
Two sets of eyes were better than one. Besides, after that exchange, he didn’t trust Isaac not to double cross him.
Isaac systemically clicked through the files.
The final one, a Word document, caught Tobias’ attention. He pointed at the screen. “That look like an account number to you?”
Isaac nodded. “And there’s the routing number. Same one for the bank where the main account is.”
That had to be where the money went. Now they had to figure out how to access it. “Think the password is buried in there somewhere?”
“Doubt it. If it were you, would you make it that easy?”
No way. But how did they get the password?
Broken is the Grave Page 7
