MAD AS BELL
Page 30
As for Scott Helton, the police tore his house apart and discovered he’d been working under the radar for nearly ten years, secretly holding these women captive in his basement. What he did to them was unspeakable, and they all had a long road to recovery ahead of them. The biggest irony of all was that Sage Zapatero was Josie’s older sister. It was only coincidence Josie died the same week Sage was found, but it still tore me up inside.
When my cellphone buzzed, I saw Erin was calling. I answered with a question, “Did she let you leave without a fight?”
“She’s now officially a resident of Fort Collins.”
I smiled and thought about Eva. Erin and Allison had been working tirelessly to get Eva moved out of her apartment in University and headed north to a new college town where she hoped to transfer and start college again in the spring. I liked the idea. Eva didn’t have to go far to feel like she could begin a new life. Away from Helton. Away from Carr. She’d been so scared of Carr during our investigation that she’d lied to us about him, afraid of any fallout that would bring his wrath down on her. Fort Collins was only an hour’s drive. Eva promised we could visit her any time. Which we planned to do often.
She was never charged with Helton’s death, which the DA ruled as self-defense. I was witness to that, and some nights I still lay awake in bed thinking what could have happened if Eva never pulled that trigger. There was no doubt in my mind I’d be dead if not for her bravery. I was forever indebted, and would make sure I paid my dues.
“That’s great,” I said. “I assume you got Susan’s text about drinks?”
“You going to bring King?”
Susan wanted to bring everyone together after closing the Hoffman deal she nearly lost to Daniels. It was a happy time for us all, and I was planning to pick up King shortly to join the celebration. I thought to ask, “Is that a problem?”
“Not at all. I hear Allison is also bringing Bennett.”
There was a hint of jealously in Erin’s voice. It was the first time since I’d met her that I wished she had somebody to call her own—if not for love, at least for her own protection.
“Then I’ll see you soon,” I said.
“Yeah. See you soon.”
Once I was off the phone, I closed out my internet browser, not wanting to read the latest threat on my life from some internet cowboy stating how they wished Helton raped and killed me instead of Megan. It was unnerving to read, and I tried not to think too much into it. I knew it was affecting both Erin and Heidi who were also dealing with the same harassment.
Stepping out of my cubicle, Dawson caught me by the door.
“You did good work, Samantha.”
“Thank you.”
His smile faded from his lips and I could see concern swirling in his eyes. “I know the mayor has assured the public he wants full transparency of the police department, but you have a target on your back unlike anything we’ve seen before.”
I shrugged. “It’s nothing I can’t handle, Ryan.”
One side of his lips curled. “I know.”
I never did go to the therapy sessions that were offered, and I’d said little about how the threats on my life had escalated since Daniels’s arrest. Dawson knew it all when I gripped his arm and squeezed.
I said, “Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Dawson stood there with his hands stuffed into his pockets and watched as I headed down the steps and pushed my way through the exit. Dawson was a good man and he’d seen me go through this before. This time felt different, though.
As I approached my car, I dug out my keys and listened as a high-pitched whine zipped over my head. I followed the sound with my eyes to see what it was and, when I heard it again, the sound had settled directly behind me.
Slowly, I turned and stared at the drone hovering directly at eye level just out of arms reach. With its blades whirling, I squinted into the tiny camera lens which was locked on me and thought about the violent threats I’d been receiving.
I was being recorded and pursued in the most invasive way. Before I could swing my tote and knock the device out of the air, the tiny aircraft lifted its way back into the evening sky and disappeared behind the newsroom building. It seemed as if I’d found myself a dangerous new type of stalker—one that played by a different set of rules, and one who wouldn’t leave me alone.
Tap here to read the next Samantha Bell thriller, ALL BELL BREAKS LOOSE. The stakes are higher than ever with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Never miss a new release. Sign up for Jeremy Waldron’s New Releases Newsletter at JeremyWaldron.com
A Word from Jeremy
Thank you for reading MAD AS BELL. If you like the stories I'm writing, don’t forget to rate, review, and follow. It really helps my books get in front of new readers.
Afterword
One of the things I love best about writing these mystery thrillers is the opportunity to connect with my readers. It means the world to me that you read my book, but hearing from you is second to none. Your words inspire me to keep creating memorable stories you can't wait to tell your friends about. No matter how you choose to reach out - whether through email, on Facebook, or through a review - I thank you for taking the time to help spread the word about my books. I couldn't do this without YOU. So, please, keep sending me notes of encouragement and words of wisdom and, in return, I'll continue giving you the best stories I can tell. Thank you for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime.
* * *
Never miss a new release. Sign up for Jeremy Waldron’s New Releases Newsletter at JeremyWaldron.com
About the Author
Waldron lives in Vermont with his wife and two children.
* * *
Receive updates, exclusive content, and new book release announcements by signing up to his newsletter at: www.JeremyWaldron.com
* * *
Follow him @jeremywaldronauthor