The Divine Devils: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller: Book 1

by R Weir

  “I’m sorry,” said Hunter sincerely, before grabbing Athena and walking into the kitchen. “Any other news?”

  “Nothing so far. The FBI are on their way from Denver. Scanlon said he had no choice and had to call them, since the kids were likely taken out of state. But the Hawkins aren’t thrilled about them being involved. They want to pay whatever they demand and be done with it.”

  Hunter grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge and took a drink before finding a stool to sit on. He had the hankering for stronger liquid but knew now wasn’t the time.

  “Any other witness accounts we can use?” inquired Hunter, the beer going down smooth.

  “A few reports here and there,” answered Athena. “A witness saw a helicopter flying away outside of town. Another of a small jet on the eastern plains. Not much more. Scanlon has the local police working on it.”

  “Keoki?”

  Athena went to grab her own beer, a little peeved he didn’t offer her one.

  “Still waiting to hear. Did you get through to his in-laws?”

  “I did. They were going to get to Malina right away and fly here as quickly as possible.”

  Athena took a sip, taking a stool across from Hunter. “You smell like you need a shower.”

  Hunter took a sniff of his clothing and agreed.

  “A long time in the cell didn’t afford me much in the way of creature comforts. The police chief even checked me out of my hotel and grabbed my bag to drive me to the airport. They couldn’t wait to get me out of town.”

  “With a warning not to return, I imagine.”

  “Exactly. I’ve been living on McDonalds breakfast, with chips and soda from a vending machine at the airport. I don’t know if I’m more tired or hungry.”

  “Odor might trump them both,” stated Athena with a smile she hid with the beer bottle.

  Hunter tried to laugh but was too exhausted.

  “There are leftovers in the fridge. We had Chinese delivered. Not your favorite, but I know there’s a little orange chicken left.”

  Hunter got up, digging through the containers until he found it. He grabbed a fork, the man hating chopsticks and dug in.

  “You remembered the one item I liked?” he said while swallowing down two chunks of chicken cold.

  Athena smiled. “I remember a lot from our time together. Mostly the bad stuff, but a few of the good.”

  Hunter drank down a long swig of beer, finding the chicken a little spicy.

  “I’m thrilled I left you with a few good memories,” said Hunter, his mind flashing to the passionate moments they had. “Hopefully this mess doesn’t join the bad ones.”

  Athena nodded, when Scanlon walked in.

  “I have some bad news,” he said, while finding a seat.

  Hunter and Athena braced themselves worried it was about Keoki.

  “Remember the name of the man running the therapist office that Valerie supposedly worked for?”

  “Absolutely,” replied Athena. “Victor Quinnell. Why what happened?”

  “I got a call. They found him dead in some seedy hotel a couple of hours ago.”

  Athena nearly spit out her beer. “Crap! Was he murdered?”

  “Drug overdose or so it appears. They found an empty bottle of Vicodin.”

  “Suspicious?”

  Scanlon gave a definitive nod. “I’d say so. Coroner will find out for certain. Preliminary says he’d been dead for at least a day.”

  “Funny how all these people tied to this case keep ending up dead. How many are we up to now?”

  “Why do I think I’ve missed out on important news,” wondered Hunter, after tossing away the empty food container.

  “You haven’t been informed, have you.” Scanlon went on to explain the other bodies that had been found. It would seem no one was going to get out alive on this case. So much for the other side not wanting anyone getting hurt or killed. It appeared their no more killing policy had been thrown out the window.

  “It would appear we’re dealing with people who have no regard for life at all,” remarked Hunter, finishing up his beer.

  “Which makes for a deadly foe to go up against,” observed Scanlon.

  “Which means we have to up our game as well,” proclaimed Athena.

  “Agreed,” noted Hunter. “The gloves come off. Whatever it takes!”

  Scanlon covered his ears again, as he’d done earlier in the day. “I’m leaving now before I hear something I shouldn’t. I’ll check on when the FBI will get here.”

  “Whatever it takes,” agreed Athena, holding up her beer.

  Hunter tapped her bottle with his, knowing his team was more than capable of bringing additional heat to the fire.

  Chapter 43

  The FBI showed up late that night, the agents apologizing for their tardy arrival. But as everyone suspected, Paige and Jose didn’t want them there.

  “Our security team and the detective are all we need,” Jose stated firmly. “We don’t want a circus surrounding this event. Detective Scanlon has done a good job of keeping this from the press. The less they know the better. We will pay whatever ransom they require and end this quietly.”

  The agents tried to persuade them, throwing around a lot of statistics about survival rates of the victims being better if they were involved, but to no avail. The parents quickly dismissing their bravado, asking them to leave their property. The men weren’t empowered to force themselves into the fray if the parents didn’t want them around. They made it clear they’d get a hotel and stay in town a day or two in case the power of the federal government was needed.

  From there everyone tried to get sleep, with Shen watching the house as a precaution, mostly resting on the living room sofa, the outside still covered by the Colorado Springs patrol officer. The domicile was quiet, though that didn’t help anyone rest any better.

  Hunter got word the next morning Malina was arriving alone at 9 a.m. Feeling much better and cleaner, a long shower washing away his stench, he decided to run to the airport to meet and take her to the hospital. Word from Cameryn was Keoki had made it through the surgery, though was still in critical condition. His wife being at his side would be a blessing.

  Malina greeted Hunter with a long hug, her face sullen, but happy when she heard the news Keoki had made it through the surgery.

  “I have profound faith in his recovery,” she announced, her heartfelt, positive vibes flowing outward.

  Hunter nodded, leading her to his vehicle before driving to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central Trauma Center. Parking was a challenge, requiring a long hike. Leading Hunter to use Valet parking, allowing them to walk in. They went to the ICU unit, finding where Keoki was located. On a chair that folded out into a sort-of-bed, was Cameryn with his lids closed, his long frame barely fitting the furniture, his feet hanging over the edge. His eyes opened when he heard them stroll in. His ability to rest and wake instantly and to spring into action always impressed Hunter. He stood up, hugging and pecking Malina on the cheek.

  “Not much change, but he’s doing better,” he announced, sounding positive. “He is a tough bastard.”

  Malina nodded. “Yes he is.”

  She pulled up a chair and reached for his hand. There were many tubes, some feeding him with medicine and fluids, others handling his bodily functions, one in his mouth providing oxygen. The various digital tones in the room were loud, but indicated he was still alive. The heartrate monitor’s pulsing increased when she touched him. Though unconscious, he was noticing her presence, her positive aura flowing through her touch, absorbing into his skin. She began speaking to him, providing words of encouragement.

  “Hang in there my love,” she stated with all her heart. “Come back to me. I know we have many years together ahead of us. And children to raise with love and understanding. You’ll be a wonderful father to them.”

  Leaving the two of them alone, Cameryn and Hunter stepped away into the hallway to talk.

  “How is he re
ally doing?” inquired Hunter.

  “Better than the surgeon expected,” replied Cameryn, his tone serene, his face showing the stress. “He nearly lost him on the table, but he bounced back like the tough pain the ass he is. They believe they have all the internal bleeders fixed. Now it’s a matter of healing with hopefully no infection issues.”

  “Where was he struck by the shrapnel?”

  “All over,” answered Cameryn, his hands gesturing across his body. “But the worse to the core of his body. Chest and stomach. Numerous second degree burns as well. If he’d have been any closer when the SUV exploded, I’m sure he’d be dead.”

  “Why was he that close?”

  Cameryn shrugged. “Hard to say. He called out; ‘it was a fake’ before running after the vehicle. Something lead him to believe the bomb vest the man was wearing wasn’t live.”

  “Apparently he was wrong.” Hunter noticed the scratches on Cameryn’s face and hands. “How are you doing?”

  Cameryn raised a hand to his face. “I’m good, though a bit sore. The blast knocked me back. Fortunately, I was only hit with small stuff. I was behind everyone else. Keoki got the worst of it.”

  “Sounds like your quick reaction may have saved his life.”

  Cameryn gritted his teeth. “I wish I could have done more. But I’ll get those fuckers for hurting him.”

  “Yes. I want you on The Train Man. Get what you can out of him. He must have info if he was supplying all the goods they were using. I plan on going after the pilot again.” Hunter grabbed his own hand and bent his fingers back. “This time, his digits will be broken and possibly a couple of other things.”

  “Then you know he was flying again?”

  “Not certain. But we’ll find out. He quickly wilted the last time. That is, if he is still alive. It seems they’re covering their tracks by putting down anyone involved.”

  From behind them, they heard a commotion. Malina was calling out for assistance. Hunter and Cameryn ran to the room, along with a nurse fearing the worst. What they found was Keoki stirring, his eyes opening for the first time, the bed alarm going off from his movement. He was a little freaked out, but Malina calmed him down, her demeanor as always serene.

  “Welcome back my love,” she said softly. “It’s wonderful to see your eyes open and alert. We’ll get through this like we’ve always done…together.”

  Hunter and Cameryn were pleased to see he was awake. A touching moment between husband and wife. Both macho men even fighting back a tear or two, though they would never admit to it.

  ***

  The El Paso County Coroner’s office was on the same stretch of land as the County Jail, across the interstate from the Broadmoor World Center. The existing remains of the bomber were brought there, along with the dead body of Victor Quinnell and Jacob Ehrich. Even though the crime for Jacob was in Teller County, because of the assistance provided by ME Shane Gibson and the possible connection to the kidnapping case, they allowed Gibby to bring the corpse back to town. Right now, he had a great deal to work on, hoping to tie each of the deaths together via his forensic skills.

  Scanlon arrived at the facility later Sunday morning, hoping to get answers. It was a part of the job he didn’t care for, examining the work being done during an autopsy. But he was required to be there, recording in his report what was found.

  When Scanlon walked into Gibby’s office, he found the older man resting with his eyes closed, a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll half-eaten on his desk. His graying short hair was messy, the lines around his eyes revealing his years of life. He appeared tired, having been a busy man these last couple of weeks. His years of service, over twenty now, having taken its toll. Still he found the strength to do the job the correct way, in hopes of helping the victim’s family and the police find a resolution to the crime.

  “Got anymore cinnamon rolls,” wondered Scanlon. “It looks good.”

  Gibby opened his eyes. “One of the ladies brought them in this morning. Cinnabon and yes, they’re good. I doubt there are any left though. If only the coffee was as good.”

  Gibby got up, tearing off a section of the roll and offered it to Scanlon.

  “You look like you need it more than I do,” replied Scanlon, while waving off the friendly gesture. “Besides I know where your hands have been these last few days.” He smiled at his own humor.

  Gibby shrugged and swallowed the piece. “I’m always washing my hands. Though I’m so tired, I may have forgotten to this morning. Let’s get this done.” He grabbed his coffee, taking a drink and making a face in the process. “Even with cream and sugar, I can barely drink this. If I didn’t need the caffeine, I’d toss this in the toilet.”

  Scanlon laughed while following Gibby. They went down the hall, riding an elevator to the basement where the autopsies are performed. Swiping his security badge, he entered the main room, where he put on a gown, head cover, plastic glasses, and face mask. Scanlon then walked into the viewing room, behind glass to observe and listen.

  After checking his computer to make sure he was logged in, Gibby pulled out a covered body, transferring it to a rolling table before moving it over to his work area. Above was a camera and microphone, two other cameras’ in the room covered different angles. Back to the computer he clicked a few menus on the screen to begin recording and then put on gloves.

  The job of a coroner can be a gruesome one, cutting into a body to determine cause of death, whether it be an accident or a crime. In this case there was little doubt a crime had been committed. He pulled off the cover on the burnt corpse of Jacob and began the procedure, calling out the details of what was before him.

  “I have a male body at five feet ten- and one-half inch tall. Approximate weight of 165 pounds. Likely Caucasian, though difficult to tell because of the advance burnt state of the skin. DNA will be challenging to obtain, but dental records should allow us to confirm the identity.”

  Gibby continued his work, going into more detail, including finding the entry wound of a bullet in the front cortex of the skull, likely killing the person instantly. He dug out the bullet fragment, putting it into an evidence container. It would be sent immediately to the cities Metro Crime Lab for ballistic testing to see if it was a match to any previous crimes. Testing specifically in hopes of matching to the three murders and burnt bodies in the foothills off Highway 24.

  Making notes, Scanlon did his best to keep composed. He had seen many dead bodies through the years, but it was still difficult to watch. He’d learned long ago not to eat much before these procedures, the queasiness hard to handle with a full stomach. It was going to be a long day, as this body would be followed by what was left of the remains in the explosion. With little to work with, finding an identity to match would again be challenging. It would seem the criminals in all the cases weren’t making it easy to catch them.

  Time moved slowly, Gibby was thorough at his job, only taking a break after he finished with the first body, moving onto the remains of the bombing. Pulling it out, there wasn’t much to work with, piecing together a puzzle of bones and flesh. He attempted to gather DNA, as there were no dental remains to work with. In time he finished his work on victim number two, before moving onto the body of Victor Quinnell. As he pulled the corpse out of the cooler, Scanlon got a phone call. It was someone from the lab with news. After taking down the information, he pressed the microphone to let Gibby know what he’d learned.

  “Lab guys went over the residue in the pill bottle they found at the scene of the OD of Quinnell. They found traces of drain cleaner and rat poison in the bottle. Looking more and more like murder.”

  Gibby looked at the body before him. “I can get the contents of the stomach to confirm.” He started examining the arms. “At first glance I see bruising and what appears to be rope burns around the wrists, as well as scratches on his face and around the mouth area. My initial conclusion is he was forcibly given the pills while restrained. Once he passed out, they untied him and left
him to die.”

  “Nasty way to die,” stated Scanlon, making more notes.

  “At least this time they left us a full body to work with,” remarked Gibby. “If the crimes are related, they got sloppy for once. We might be able to find the assailants DNA. Could be a break we can use.”

  They needed something to go their way, thought Scanlon. Too bad it was too late to help the children.

  Chapter 44

  With Keoki appearing to be out of woods, Hunter and Cameryn went back to the Hawkins home, arriving in the early afternoon. So far there had been no word from the kidnappers, which didn’t help the mood in the household. Paige was literally biting off her expensive ruby red painted nails, while Jose paced around the house waiting for a phone to ring. Even the dog, Pepper could sense trouble. He lay on the floor with sadness in his eyes missing the kids. None of them had eaten much in the last thirty hours, the leftovers from take-out and delivery filling up the refrigerator. But they were down a maid and cook, since Marlis was in custody. And no one felt much like whipping up a meal.

  The plan had been to stake out The Train Man’s work since they didn’t have a local address of where he lived and shake him down for information. But the hobby store was closed on Sunday, opening back on Monday morning, with Cameryn and Shen arriving bright and early. Waiting and hoping to get him alone, and take him somewhere remote for interrogation, to get a lead on the money man.

  From there it was questioning Chevy McNair, which Hunter wanted to do today. But it being late, he decided to wait through the day, hoping to get a call on the kids. If not, then he would be out first thing tomorrow driving up to Denver to talk with him. Though action might supersede talking.

  Hunter went to grab leftovers, hungry for he’d only had hospital food from their cafeteria, which left a lot to be desired. Sitting down at the center island, he found barbeque chicken, munching on a leg and wing. Cold nourishment but still a hundred times better than the tasteless ham sandwich on stale bread he’d had earlier. While eating, Paige walked in, her eyes red. She was barefoot and dressed in old jeans and an old CU t-shirt. She wore no makeup, her hair a mess, hardly the look of a CEO. She’d presented herself perfectly around him, since he’d been at the house. It was a look he’d not seen since their past involvement. And yet he felt a tinge of desire seeing her like this. A normal woman, like the one he’d fallen in and out of love with all those years ago.