“Thanks.” Zoey’s voice came out a whisper. She cleared her throat.
“There are ways to check paternity while pregnant, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Zoey shook her head. “There isn’t a question of who the father is, unfortunately.”
Macy frowned, her eyes full of pain. “You’re a hundred percent sure?”
Zoey just nodded, unable to bring herself to talk more about it.
“Have you considered other options? You don’t have to keep it.”
“This is my baby!”
“I know. I’m just saying—”
“Nothing!” Zoey glared at her. “You’re saying nothing. I wouldn’t terminate Ariana when I got pregnant at fifteen, and I’m not getting rid of this baby, either. I’m also not giving up another child for adoption.”
Macy nodded. “Don’t you think this is different? Even though you were young, you loved Alex.”
Zoey folded her arms. “I still brought a child into this world when people thought I was selfish and stupid for doing so. But look at her now! She’s smart and kind and beautiful. I’m well aware of my options, but I’m not interested.”
“Okay, I just needed to ask. For you.”
“Now you know where I stand. If you want to go counselor on me, pick a different topic. Ask how I’m dealing after the rape. What it’s doing to me keeping it to myself.” Tears blurred her eyes again. “But not this. I know my options, okay? I know them!”
“I’m sorry. I really am.”
Zoey turned and looked at the flowers, wiping her eyes as the tears came.
Macy sighed. “If it makes you feel any better, when I told my insurance company that I was pregnant, the first question out of the woman’s mouth was if I wanted to have an abortion. I was mortified, and barely kept myself from telling her off. I apologize if I made you feel the way she made me feel that day.”
“It’s not the same.”
“It was still insensitive.”
Zoey turned to Macy. “I know you didn’t mean any harm. I’m sure it’s a natural question, especially given your job. But for me, it’s not an option.”
Macy nodded. “I just want what’s best for you. And for Alex, too. I want to see you guys happy. You’re so close to getting everything you deserve.”
“That’s why this sucks so much.”
Macy put her hand on Zoey’s arm. “That’s not the only reason?”
Zoey shook her head.
Silence rested between them before Macy spoke. “Have you been to a doctor since your examination?”
“Not yet. I…” Zoey’s voice trailed off.
“You don’t have to explain anything. If you want, I’ll go with you.”
Gratitude overcame Zoey. She threw her arms around Macy, careful not to disturb Caden. “Thank you.”
“What are best friends for?”
“Now I need to tell Alex.” Her voice wavered. “Then everyone else.”
“One step at a time. Do you want me to set up an appointment for you? Do you still see Dr. Ross?”
“Yes to both. I can’t thank you enough.”
“It’s the least I could do. Then we can figure out when to tell Alex.”
Zoey frowned. “He’s barely holding on with his busy schedule. I should wait until he’s done with the academy.”
Macy raised an eyebrow. “You think you can wait that long? That’s almost two more months, isn’t it?”
Zoey glanced down at her middle. “Well, he isn’t likely to notice with as tired as he is.”
“In just a few weeks, you won’t be able to hide it with loose clothes. From anyone.”
Zoey’s stomach twisted. “Can we just focus on setting up an appointment for now? I’ll make the appointment. Maybe you can hold my hand?”
“You know I will.”
Attempt
The school bell would ring in ten minutes for the afternoon recess. And Tony’s phone was on silent now.
Nobody was going to get in his way this time.
This recess would be half as long as the one at lunchtime when Gayle had ruined his plans, so he would either have to snatch Maisie or convince her to follow him back to his car—all within just a few minutes.
Or worst case, he would have to build a rapport with her. Build her trust slowly, over time. But today was her birthday. He had a present and a balloon. The helium would be gone this time tomorrow.
Eight minutes.
He checked his phone. As soon as he tapped the button on the side, the picture of Maisie’s present and balloon showed. He couldn’t bring them to the school grounds, but the picture was almost as good. It would show her what was waiting just for her.
The thought of the little girl sliding her hand into his and strolling back to his car sent a shiver down his back. It was a real possibility. She might come with him in less than a half hour.
He could easily convince her he knows her family. Her mom’s public posts had given him more than enough information—grandparents’ names, friends’ names, hobbies, family outings, and so much more. All he’d have to do would be to list off a few of those, and the girl would believe everything he said. She’d be putty in his hands.
Then he could bring her to his cabin in the woods. To the special room where he kept his treasures until they joined the others.
His heart sank. Maisie wouldn’t be joining any of his other prizes. Even if the cops had left any, they’d be watching the house for a long time.
He couldn’t go anywhere near it anytime soon.
Maisie would have to start a new treasure field. She would be alone for a while.
His heart ached at the thought. One thing that eased his mind was that his prizes were able to keep each other company. They were never truly alone.
Now poor Maisie would have to wait all by herself until he got his next treasure. Just like Amy had been alone so long ago. Although she hadn’t been alone. Not really. Her family had been there. They just didn’t know she was there, too.
Maybe he could get a little pet for Maisie so she wouldn’t have to be alone until he found his next treasure. Yeah. That was what he would do. He could keep them close to his cabin. Then he could visit them anytime he wanted. Well, within reason. He still had to show up for work on occasion, even though he did most of his work remotely.
He glanced at the time.
Five minutes.
Time to make his way over. He glanced in the mirror and smiled. Perfect. He had it down to an art. The smile that quickly conveyed he was kind and trustworthy. It worked every time.
He double-checked that his phone was on silent. It was, and it didn’t show any new missed calls since he’d last checked.
Good. People were finally leaving him alone.
He stuffed the phone in his pocket, practiced his smile again, and headed down the road, staying close to the line of parked cars. The school looked like a ghost town, but it would come to life in a matter of minutes just like it had earlier.
Some cars drove by, then the road was clear. He double-checked traffic and pulled the hood up over his head before crossing the road. Once on the school grounds, he tossed the sweatshirt into a bush to pick up later, and jumped the chain-link fence.
He scoffed. Some security—a lousy fence. Didn’t have any cameras pointed toward the area, either. He’d checked and re-checked.
The bell rang. Perfect timing. He walked nonchalantly over to the wall, where he could walk underneath the few cameras pointing toward the doors.
Shrieks and laughter sounded, growing louder and nearer by the moment. His heart raced. The tricky part would be getting off the property unseen with Maisie when she agreed to go with him.
He leaned against the wall like he had every business being there.
Nobody paid him a bit of attention. Kids ran past, heading in all directions. The recess teacher who had been glued to her phone earlier was paying more attention to it than the kids again. The other two teachers would be on th
e other side of the playground. He could still avoid them if he needed to go around. It was possible.
He scanned the crowd for Maisie, keeping an eye out for long blonde hair and a pink shirt, just like in the photo her mom posted that morning. There weren’t actually that many blondes, making it easier.
Then he saw her.
Everything seemed to stand still for a moment. Or maybe five.
Once he regained control of his breathing, his mind raced. She was playing jump rope close to the fence, not far from the distracted teacher.
His heart nearly jumped into his throat and his stomach twisted into knots. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.
No matter how many times he’d attempted this—both successfully and unsuccessfully—the thrill never lessened. There was always a risk of being caught. Of the child fighting back. Some did. The risk of something going wrong that he hadn’t prepared for, like that one neighborhood dog. He rubbed his hip, just thinking about the mutt who eventually paid for that. Buried like one of his treasures, but nowhere near them.
Maisie stormed away from the kid playing rope.
Right toward him.
His skin prickled with excitement, and his breath hitched. He glanced around, looking for the other teachers.
Still out of sight.
Little Maisie stomped right by him.
He let her get a few feet away before speaking. “Maisie.”
She spun around. Confusion covered her face as she studied him.
“Are you okay?” He took one step closer, widening his eyes to give the appearance of innocence. Like a sad puppy.
Maisie pursed her lips. “Who are you?”
“I’m the new janitor, remember? Tony.”
She scratched her head. But she didn’t step away.
He took another step closer. “Why do you look sad, Maisie? You shouldn’t be sad on your birthday.”
“You know it’s my birthday?”
“How could I forget a day as special as that?”
Maisie’s stance relaxed. She tilted her head.
“I actually found something you would like. When I saw it at the store, I knew you’d love it.”
She hesitated.
He lowered himself closer to her level. “Everyone deserves to have a happy birthday. What did those kids do to upset you?”
Maisie frowned, and her mouth trembled. “Those kids are always mean to me.”
“To you? Who would do that?” He glanced over at the kids playing jump rope. “Let me guess. It’s that bossy girl with the short blue skirt causing the problems. Am I right?”
She nodded and sighed. “Yeah. Mommy says Camry’s jealous.”
“I bet she is.” He gave her the most sympathetic look he could muster. “You’re so much prettier.”
“I am?” Maisie glanced over at the little brat.
“Much. Hey, do you want to see a picture of the present?”
She played with a lock of her hair and smiled shyly. “Okay.”
He pulled out his phone and showed her the picture of the balloon and wrapped present in his car.
Maisie’s eyes lit up. “Those are for me?”
“Yeah. If you want them.”
“Mommy said I’m not supposed to take things from strangers.”
“I’m not a stranger.” He smiled brightly. “Tony the janitor, remember?”
“Oh, yeah.”
“Do you want to come and see? They’re yours. We just have to get them out of my car.”
She brought a finger to her mouth. “I don’t know…”
He glanced up at the recess teacher. She was no longer staring at her screen.
The woman was staring right at him.
He turned back to Maisie. “Speaking of jealous people, that recess teacher is headed my way. She hates me. Don’t tell her anything I told you, okay?”
“Um…” Maisie looked to the side.
“If you say anything, I can’t give you the present. If you stay quiet, I’ll give that to you later.”
He ran.
Question
Nick pulled into the parking lot, which was nothing more than a patch of grass cleared out between the road and the water. Only two other vehicles were parked there, but one matched the description of Walter’s car.
He checked the plates.
Walter’s car. Of course, this was the last place on Nick’s list to check.
After checking two other fishing sites, and driving over a hundred and fifty miles altogether, his body ached from the stress of traffic and searching for Genevieve’s father.
He called in his location and asked for an update on the case.
“They’re done digging up around the house. A few officers are still going through the house and shed for clues, but now the priority is identifying the victims and finding the killer.”
“Thanks, Tracey. I’ll let you know what I find here.” Nick ended the call and twisted his neck until he felt a relieving pop. Then he turned it the other way with the same result before downing the rest of his now-cold coffee and heading outside.
The fresh air was nice. He took in a deep breath of pine and saltwater as he stretched. Then he headed for the water. The bubbling waves and quacking ducks relaxed him.
He wouldn’t mind sitting down and doing some fishing himself.
It only took a minute to reach the water, but nobody was in sight. Nick looked up and down the rocky shore. Faded footprints went in both directions, so it was a toss-up which direction to go.
He went right, because why not? Rocks of all sizes covered the shore, making his trek a bit of a challenge, but Nick found that he enjoyed it. The fresh air filled his lungs and gave him renewed energy.
After about fifteen minutes, he was ready to turn around when the trees cleared, showing a snow-capped mountain in the distance right in between them.
He stared in awe for a moment, then snapped a picture with his phone and made a mental note to bring the kids here. It was places like this that made the nine months of cold rain worth living in the Pacific Northwest. It really was the best place in the world.
Nick glanced into the trees, trying to see if anyone was in sight. But it was just him and nature.
A bit reluctant, he spun around and marched the other way, eventually passing the area he had first come to, and he kept going. If he didn’t find Walter, they might have to consider that he fled. Then he would definitely move from a person of interest to a suspect.
He hated to do that to Genevieve, but her dad sure wasn’t making anything easy. It was looking more and more like he had something to hide.
Nick kept going down the shore for another fifteen or twenty minutes. The sun was starting to get lower. His stomach rumbled.
He was about to turn around when he saw something.
Someone fishing.
That someone looked an awful lot like Walter.
Nick picked up his pace, stumbling over the stones.
The man didn’t look his way until Nick was almost there.
It was Walter. He wore a dirty gray hoodie and his hair was messy. Almost as though it was wind-blown, but there was hardly a breeze.
“Captain Fleshman?” Walter reeled in the line and set the pole down.
Nick nodded. “Walter. Been looking for you. Haven’t been answering your calls when there’s an investigation at your house?”
He rose and pulled out his phone. “It’s on airplane mode again. How’d that happen?” Walter swiped his finger around the screen. “I keep saying I’m too old for a smartphone. Or maybe not smart enough.” He held it up. “Fixed. Did you find anything?”
“Have a seat.” Nick gestured toward the log Walter had been sitting on before, and they both sat.
Walter raked his fingers through his hair. “Everything okay?”
“There are bodies in your backyard.”
“I mean, aside from that.”
Nick cleared his throat. “Where’ve you been all day?”
“Fishing, mostly.” Walter glanced out at the water. “Not much is biting, though. Looks like I’m going home empty-handed.”
They sat in silence. Nick waited for Walter to continue.
“Do you want to join me? I’ve got an extra pole.”
“Sure.” If they were distracted with fishing, Walter would probably be more likely to say more than he otherwise would.
It only took a few minutes, then they both had lines in the water.
“You come here often?” Nick asked.
Walter sighed. “Yeah, when I’m stressed. But usually, I get fish. Maybe they’re just enjoying the sun today.”
“Maybe. You been here all day?”
“Mostly. Been moving up and down the shore. Not that it’s done me much good.”
“What do you think of the bodies being found in your yard?”
Walter turned to him, his expression perplexed. “What do I think of it?”
Nick nodded.
“It’s horrible. Who would do such a thing?”
“Are you shocked?”
“Of course. My family and I have been out there working on that garden. I never would have expected that.”
Nick nodded again. When Walter didn’t continue, he spoke. “Did you know anyone else who lived there?”
“What? No.”
“Not even Gary Michaels?”
Walter turned to him, his face paling. “What did you say?”
“Gary Michaels.” Nick enunciated each syllable.
“He… he lived there? In our house?” Walter’s eyes widened.
“When his daughter went missing, actually.”
Walter’s face paled even more. “They…? He…? I think I’m going to be sick.”
“So, you didn’t know about any of that?”
“No. I barely knew the man. I was just an intern, and he was in management. Our paths rarely crossed.”
“You never knew his daughter? Amy?”
Walter’s brows came together. “What are you getting at? Do I need a lawyer?”
Nick shook his head. “I’m just trying to clear you from being a person of interest. You can ask Genevieve. That’s how we handle these things. Unfortunately, you have some coincidences linking you to the case. I want to get you off the list so we can find the guy who actually did this. Do you think Gary was capable of it?”
Don't Forget Me Page 7
