Murderous Envy (The Veils of Parallel Times Book 1)

by C. J. Carson

  Claudia came around the corner. “Hi, George, you are the best. Please come in, take off your coat, and have a bite with us.”

  “Thank you, I think I will.”

  Josh took a seat next to George. “So, Allie and Claudia are making plans for Christmas dinner.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, and you and her mother were the first two on the invitation list, weren’t they, Allie?”

  “They most certainly were!”

  “Can I ask what is on the menu? Perhaps I can bring something.”

  “No, we are making Christmas dinner and we just want you to be here and relax. It will be a true day off from the kitchen for you, right?”

  “Right. We are making prime rib with all the fixins, and Allie’s mom is bringing her famous cheesecake.”

  “Well, how can I refuse!”

  George left about nine o’clock and before we headed off to bed, I made one last call. “Hey, Payne, all is quiet on the home front.”

  “Whatever you do, don’t let your guard down. He is just waiting for the right moment. We may not hear from him for a while.”

  “Sure thing. We are just heading off to bed and I wanted to touch base with you. Talk to you in the morning.”

  Chapter 41

  WELL, I GUESS THAT WOULD BRING us full circle or at least back to what happened to me that chilly, December morning just before Christmas, when Payne, Jake, and I raced to an old mill in the freezing rain.

  Early that morning, my phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Allie, this is Sandy from the front desk. I hate to disturb you at this hour, but Detective Payne is here, and he says he needs to see you and Jake.”

  I sat up on the edge of the bed, trying to get my bearings. “Sure, send him right up.”

  Putting on my robe, I headed to the foyer. As I moved through the living room, Jake caught up with me from Claudia’s room. “Allie, I heard the phone. What’s up?”

  “Payne is here, and on his way up from the lobby.”

  As I opened the door, Charles stood from his chair. “Payne’s on his way up.”

  I stepped into the doorway and leaned against the doorjamb, with Jake beside me. “I know, he just called me from the lobby.”

  The elevator door opened, and Payne stepped out. He rushed down the hall to our apartment.

  “Get dressed, you two, we just got a call to deliver the ransom for the Slater’s daughter.”

  “It’s about time, Payne. It’s been months since she disappeared?”

  “Yes, and this investigation has been getting tougher every day. The family hasn’t been completely honest with us. The kidnappers have been communicating with them this whole time. They threatened the parents, and told them if they were to contact the authorities again, they would end all communications and they would never see their daughter again. Fearing they would hold true to that threat; they kept that information from us until that communication a couple of days ago.”

  That morning, when we discovered that empty trunk on the loading dock, we stood there stunned, thinking we had missed them.

  Standing over the trunk, I got a hunch. Well, more like a feeling. “They’re still here!” I began pacing. “Yes, they’re still here! They’re in the mill somewhere, I can feel it.”

  Payne pulled his gun. “We’re going in to check. You stay here!”

  I pulled my pistol from my coat.

  Jake looked shocked. “What? You own a gun? You are full of surprises!”

  “Yes, and I’m quite a good shot with this gun, as well as a bow and arrow.”

  “Payne moved toward the building. “I should have known. I guess it’s better than leaving you out here alone, unarmed. Please, just use it if they come out and become a threat to you. Stay right here and keep your back against the wall.” He tried the door, and it was unlocked. “Jake, cover me, let’s go.”

  They entered the building, and all was quiet for a bit until the light went on inside and I heard someone yell, “Get down!”

  When gunshots rang out, with my back to the wall, I eased around the doorway and moved into what looked like a large, empty stock area. As I looked across the floor, there were three men in the corner and one on the floor. Jake and Payne were also on the floor. One of the men in the corner looked up and raised a gun in my direction, but I was already in the position to shoot and got off the first shot, the bullet catching him in the shoulder, dropping him to the floor.

  The other man, still standing, was much older, probably in his seventies. He raised his hands. “Don’t shoot! Please, don’t shoot!”

  Moving closer, I warned him, “Move away from the others.”

  “I will, I will! Please don’t shoot!”

  Keeping the gun on the shooter, I worked my way over to Jake as he started to get up. “Jake, are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine, but one of these idiots got a shot off. Check Payne.” Jake moved over to the shooter. “Roll onto your stomach! Put your hands across your back.”

  “I can’t, I’m shot.”

  “I don’t care, do it now!”

  As he reached behind his back, Jake grabbed his wrists and handcuffed him. Bringing him to his feet, he stood him up against the wall.

  Jake moved closer to me, keeping his gun aimed at the shooter. “Allie, how is Payne?”

  I was still trying to assess his condition. “I’m not sure, he took a bullet.”

  Jake addressed the shooter. “Where’s the girl?”

  He wouldn’t answer.

  Drawing back his arm, he punched him in his gunshot wound. “One more time! Where’s the girl?”

  The older gentleman spoke up. “They took her to Old Orchard Beach. I’m her grandfather, and I was here to pay the ransom. Just before you came in, they told me they left her tied to a pillar under the pier, so if I didn’t have the money, they would let the tide come in and drown her. Please, someone has to get to her in time, the tide is coming in as we speak.”

  Jake pulled the radio from his belt and called for backup and an ambulance. He also requested a car to Old Orchard Beach to check for Jennie.

  I felt a presence to my left. It was my young friend in the hospital gown, letting me know the girl was indeed there and, at that moment, she was okay.

  “Jake, just to let you know, I think Jennie is still okay. I can feel her terror, but physically she is still all right.”

  “How about Payne?”

  “He is breathing, but he looks to be in rough shape. Jake, there is a lot of blood. It looks like he fell after getting shot, and hit his head on the concrete. His skull is split wide open.”

  “Damn it!” He took off his jacket and threw it at me. “Cover him with this, see if you can find something to use to apply pressure to his wound, and stay here with him. I’m going to the loading dock to meet our backup.”

  When the officers arrived, Jake led them into the warehouse. “Where are the EMTs? They’re going to need a gurney!”

  “They just arrived, sir. They’re right behind us.”

  Once back-up was on the scene and Jake had everything under control, he called out to me. “Come on, Allie. We’re going to the pier.”

  As we arrived at Old Orchard and walked out on the beach, a young officer was carrying Jennie up from under the pier. As we approached them, her small body was curled up in the officer’s arms. She was soaking wet and shivering from the cold. The EMTs took her, loaded her into an ambulance, and started warming her and checking her for injuries.

  After handing Jennie over to the EMTs, the young officer approached us. “Are you Detective Carpenter?”

  “Yes, I am.”

  “Well, hi, sir, my name is Officer Paul Edwards. It’s great to meet you, Your reputation precedes you. I have heard a lot of great things about you and your boss. What’s his name, Detective Payne?”

  “Yes, it is. Are you any relation to Charles Edwards?”

  “Yes, sir! He is my uncle. I have been with OOB a full month today. This is
my first assignment.”

  “Well, Congratulations! I have just a few questions before we wrap this up. When you arrived on the scene, was there anyone here? Did you notice anyone on or near the beach as you arrived?”

  “No, I was only three blocks away when I received the call from dispatch, but whoever left the girl tied to the pier, was either gone or out of sight. She might have been here for a while because when I found her, she was knee-deep in the water. I’m just glad we found her before the tide got too high.” Pulling something from his pockets, he continued. “What seems odd, though, is that whoever left the girl under the dock had her tied with these pieces of cloth.” He held them up. “Look. They’re strips of material that are braided together to form some sort of makeshift rope.”

  Jake pulled out a plastic bag and opened it. “Here, please drop them in here and give it to the guys combing the scene.”

  “Okay, sir. I’m sure that I will be here with the team for a while processing this scene. I’ll call you if we find anything else.”

  An EMT stepped out of the ambulance. “We’re going to transport the girl to Southern Maine Med now. She hasn’t said a word. I’m sure she’s terrified. Please let her family know she will be there.”

  As the EMT climbed back into the truck, I stopped her. “Jennie. The girl’s name is Jennie Slater.”

  “Thank you.”

  Jake turned to me. “Let’s head over to Maine Med. Payne is there as well and we can check on him while we’re there.”

  Chapter 42

  CHRISTMAS DAY HAD FINALLY COME, AND it had only been a few short weeks since we had rescued Jennie Slater.

  Doctor Kennedy released Payne from the hospital in time for our Christmas dinner, which went off without a hitch. To hear Claudia tell it, we prepared an amazing meal, with all the fixins.

  None of us could help but notice that Mom and Guile were hitting it off. It certainly did not get past Dakota, so he invited them, and the rest of us to his infamous New Year’s Eve bash.

  Claudia and I were so excited because it was a formal affair. It was the perfect excuse to return to what had become our favorite shop, Boutique Al a Cart, to buy just the right evening wear. Without a doubt, Jenna and Robert lived up to their reputation and found us just the right ensemble.

  Everything remained quiet after Christmas, and New Year’s Eve had come. We were all so excited to end the year and ring in the new one. There had been no sightings or communications from Makya, but we were still on alert. We knew it was just a matter of time. He wasn’t going to give up that easily.

  The party was to start at eight o’clock, so Claudia and I used my room to get ready and let Jake and Josh use hers. We didn’t want them to see us until we were ready to leave.

  At seven fifty-five, Josh knocked on the bedroom door. “Are you two going to keep us waiting all night?”

  We looked at each other and Claudia laughed. “Move back from the door. We’re coming right out.”

  Stepping out of the room, the two of them stood there decked out in their tuxes, looking incredible!

  Josh stepped forward, taking my hand. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. What have I done in life to deserve the love of someone so amazing?”

  “I could say the same. You look dashing this evening.”

  Realizing Jake and Claudia hadn’t said a word, Josh and I turned around to see them wrapped in each other’s arms.

  I tapped Claudia on the shoulder and cleared my throat. “Hey, you two, come up for some air. You’re going to make us late.”

  We headed up to the party and when the elevator doors opened, it felt like walking into a Christmas Wonderland. Every room was lit by what must have been thousands of tiny lights strung from the ceiling. As we walked through, there were just too many poinsettias and holly floral arrangements to even count. The most beautiful ice sculptures I had ever seen adorned the center of each room.

  “Josh, pinch me quick, I must be dreaming!”

  There must have been at least two hundred guests, which explained why both penthouse apartments were in full use.

  It was the most amazing party I had ever attended. All evening, trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres kept coming. What a wonderful way to ring out the year and welcome in the next.

  At ten o’clock, Dakota picked up the deejay’s microphone. “Could I have everyone’s undivided attention?”

  The room fell silent.

  “It is time to announce the nominees to receive our annual tip jar donation. It’s not too late to contribute to the jar. We are taking donations until midnight when we choose a recipient, so please continue to give generously. I’ve listed this year’s nominations at the bar. Please step up and vote before midnight. I will announce the donation amount and the winning recipient at twelve-thirty.”

  Josh turned to me. “I would very much like to make a donation on behalf of the dojo, but I left my checkbook downstairs in your apartment.”

  “Why don’t you wait until about eleven-thirty and go down to get it then? You can take Charles with you.”

  Dakota came up behind us. “Sorry, I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I would be happy to take a verbal donation from you, Josh. After midnight, when things are winding down, you can go to get your check. What would you like to contribute?”

  “That would be great. Please put me down for five hundred dollars.”

  I turned to Dakota. “My firm will match that, count us in for one thousand.”

  “Thank you, that is most generous of you both.”

  It seemed like the night had flown by and I had barely seen Jake and Claudia all evening.

  The countdown to midnight began. After the count of one, everyone screamed, “Happy New Year!”

  Josh took me in his arms, kissed me, stepped back, and kneeled on one knee. He pulled a tiny box out of his pocket. “Allie, I want to spend all my New Years’ with you. This may seem soon, but I feel like I have known you for an eternity. Nothing has ever felt so right! Will you marry me?”

  My entire body trembled as he opened the box. The ring was the perfect blend of my heritage—a white gold, solitaire, diamond ring. The diamond was flanked on both sides by a Celtic knot to signify Scottish lineage on my mother’s side, but the knot was inlaid with the most beautiful turquoise I think I have ever seen.

  I couldn’t hold back the flood gates. A waterfall of tears flowed down my face. “Oh, my God, it is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. Yes, yes, of course, I’ll marry you! I love you, Josh, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

  Taking the ring from the box, Josh slid it on my finger. “I love you more than I can say, Allie!”

  Standing, he placed his arm over my shoulder and turned me around. “I have one more surprise for you. I want you to meet my father, William Sullivan, and my sister, Pamela. They flew in today to be here tonight.”

  Stunned, I struggled for the right words. “That’s amazing! I am so happy to meet you both.” Reaching over I hugged William. “Words can’t express how honored I am to meet the father who raised this wonderful man in my life.” I looked at his sister and smiled. “Pamela, I am so excited! I have always wanted a sister.”

  I felt someone at my back. I turned to see Claudia crying as hard as I was. She hugged me.

  I stood back from her. “Were you in on this?”

  “Of course!”

  “Where’s my mom?”

  She was coming toward me. “I’m right here, honey!” She embraced Josh and me. “I’m so happy for you both. Congratulations!”

  I held up my hand. “Look at this ring. It is incredible!”

  My mother gasped. “Oh, Allie, it’s just perfect. He couldn’t have done a better job. It is amazing!”

  Claudia hugged Josh. “You have knocked it out of the park!”

  Jake stepped forward. “I think this calls for a group hug!”

  Jake, Claudia, Pamela, William, and Mom formed a circle and moved in to embrace
us. It was an amazing moment.

  Josh broke from the circle. “Christina, can you please stay here with Allie? I want to go down to her apartment to get my checkbook. I have to make a check out for the tip jar before they announce the recipient at twelve-thirty. Well yes, but only if you call me Mom, not Christina.”

  He flashed a warm smile. “Of course, Mom. I’ll be back in a few.”

  While we were waiting, I asked, “Mom, do you have a corporate checkbook with you? I also committed to a five-hundred-dollar donation from our firm.”

  “Sure, let’s go over to the bar and I will make one out.”

  Josh leaned in and kissed me. “I love you, honey. I’ll be right back.”

  “I love you, too, Josh. Please hurry and come back.”

  Mom and I went to the bar. Dakota was there adding the votes to see who would receive this year’s donation. “Excuse me, Dakota, who do we make the check out to?”

  “Please make it out to Attorney Davis Charitable Fund.”

  “Okay, Josh will be back in a few minutes. He went down to the apartment with Officer Edwards to get his checkbook.”

  Dakota stepped out from behind the bar. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

  “Yes, they are. Don’t tell me you knew about this, too.”

  “No, but engagement news travels fast at a New Year’s Eve party.” He gave me a warm embrace. “Congratulations!”

  Ten minutes later, Dakota picked up the mic. “Attention, everyone!”

  I moved over to my mother and Guile who were visiting with William and Pamela. “Have you seen Josh? He left to go downstairs with Charles about fifteen minutes ago to get his checkbook.”

  Guile scanned the room. “They must be back because I just spoke to Charles at the elevator.”

  “That’s strange. I haven’t seen Josh. What is he up to now?” Excusing myself, I left to look for him.

  As I moved toward the elevator, Charles called out, “Hey, where is the groom to be?”

  “I thought you might know. When did you get back from the apartment?”