Sucker Punched: A KT Morgan Short Suspense

by Kathryn J Bain

  “Nothing,” Jonah said, not wanting to get Karen upset.

  KT came from the bathroom wearing a change of clothing. “I have to get going.”

  “What’s wrong?” Karen asked.

  Jonah glanced back at the dark television screen. “I’m not sure yet.”

  KT walked between Karen and Jonah.

  “How about you tell me on the way?” Jonah said to KT. He then turned to Karen. “Sorry about breakfast.” He gave her a kiss on the side of the head.

  She followed the two to the door. “You look worried.”

  “I am.” Jonah gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I’ll call you when I know what this is all about.”

  He rushed out and climbed into the Jeep as KT started the engine. “Are you going to tell me what you know about that family?”

  She pulled around the corner. “I was the one who opened the window.”

  “What? Why?”

  “A young girl was on the sidewalk crying,” she said. “She said she locked herself out.” Her knuckles were white on the steering wheel.

  A sense of relief rushed through him. “So, you’re just letting the police know to look elsewhere. That the window had nothing to do with it.”

  “Except I think it did.”

  “What do you mean? Do you think someone else got in that way?”

  KT shook her head. “The girl I let in wasn’t the one whose picture they showed.”

  He stared at his sister’s taut jaw for a moment. A fist of trepidation hit him in the stomach. Had someone used her to allow a killer inside? Someone who took the lives of two small children and their mother. If he knew his sister, she would want to get even.

  And right now, he couldn’t blame her.

  8:22 a.m.

  Jonah waited in the hallway while KT spoke to the sheriff. Nothing on the walls. No pamphlets to read. Just a chair and his thoughts, none of which were particularly soothing.

  How could this have happened? KT was just helping a child get into their home. How was she to know the kid didn’t live there? Would they arrest her, think she had something to do with this?

  His phone vibrated on his belt. He’d left a message for Karen earlier, but she had been driving to work and didn’t answer.

  “Hey.” He tried to picture her beautiful face, to calm all the terrible thoughts going through his mind.

  “Hey, you, too.” Her voice was low. “What’s going on?”

  He explained the situation, and how the police were questioning KT about the murders.

  “She must feel awful,” Karen said.

  “I’m sure she does.” Jonah lowered his head. “Just another reason for her to leave.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ll explain later. Love you.”

  “I love you too. If you need me, call.”

  “I will.” He stared at the floor.

  KT never ran from a fight—just her thoughts. That, and a sense of guilt. She’d been running away since their parents died—since she hadn’t saved them. But Tristan and TJ’s deaths hit hardest.

  He recalled the articles he’d read on the internet about a woman working for the National Security Consultants taking on a killer in a diner or protecting a family from an abusive ex. At first, he didn’t give it much thought, though he knew KT worked for the NSC.

  But occasionally, he’d get a postcard from that area of the country, and he began to put the pieces together. She never stuck around long enough to accept the accolades of the people she helped. That wasn’t her style. But he didn’t doubt she’d keep putting herself in harm’s way, hoping someone would end her emotional pain. Suicide by killer.

  He’d told her to ask forgiveness from God, but even then, he knew if she never forgave herself, it wouldn’t do much good.

  Would her involvement in these deaths drive her into more danger, more risk?

  His breakfast churned in his stomach. She’d never admit death was her goal, but he had wondered about it for years.

  An older man with red, swollen eyes, came around the corner with a deputy following. “I want to see her. She might know who did this to my child. My grandchildren.” He stopped, pulled a handkerchief from his pants, and patted his face. “I have to speak with her.”,

  Jonah’s heart broke for the man.

  “We can’t let you speak with a potential suspect or witness.”

  “Have you talked with Roger?”

  “We have someone speaking with him now—”

  “Daddy!” A woman about Jonah’s age rushed around the corner. “Daddy!”

  “Wh-what are you doing here?” His shoulders stiffened. He seemed put off by her appearance.

  “I saw the news. About Stefania. Oh, Daddy, I’m so sorry.”

  The woman hugged him, yet he didn’t hug her back. After a second, Jonah turned away from the two as they spoke in inaudible whispers. Another five minutes passed before the door opened, and KT walked out, her jaw so taut he wondered if she’d be able to speak.

  “You okay?” Jonah asked.

  She nodded.

  “Like I said, stay close.” Sheriff Logan Parker wasn’t very tall, but compact. His shirt stretched across his biceps when he bent his arm.

  “Is this her?” The woman with the man rushed forward. “Is she the one who killed my sister?”

  KT lowered her head. Her lips thinned. The bitter taste of bile rose from Jonah’s stomach.

  “We don’t think she’s responsible,” Logan said. Thank goodness he knew her. Knew she couldn’t harm a child. “She allowed access to a child who claimed to live there.”

  “That’s her story?” The woman huffed a laugh. “And you believe her?” The woman marched forward and got in KT’s face. “Why? Why?”

  The old man tried to pull her back. She broke free from his hold. “How could you kill my sister and those kids? Put my father through this?” She slapped KT across the cheek.

  Jonah jerked back.

  KT grabbed the woman’s wrist before she could land another blow, backing her against the wall.

  “That was your freebie.” KT’s eyes darkened like a tornado about to tear the place apart.

  “Let her go.” Logan took hold of KT’s arm. “Now.”

  KT stared at the woman for what felt like forever before she released her. She glanced over her shoulder at the sheriff. “I’ll be close by.”

  She stalked off, and Jonah quickened his pace to keep up. She shoved the exit door open. Three steps outside, she stopped, drawing her hands into fists. She bent over and took in a couple large bursts of air.

  Jonah took hold of her shuddering shoulder. “It’s going to be okay.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  “I know that.” Her voice came out scratchy. “It was hers.”

  8:24 a.m.

  An officer in uniform walked down the hallway. The a/c unit was on full blast, causing Clarice to pull her arms around her waist. Daddy, beside her, stared straight ahead, his face gray and ashen. If this didn’t kill him, nothing would. She swallowed back a smile.

  She had to focus on playing the bereaved family member. Eventually she’d get what she wanted.

  Clarice took hold of her father’s hand. “I’m sorry about the way I behaved,” she said. “I shouldn’t have hit that woman. Her story just sounds so unreal. And the fact the police believed her makes it even worse.”

  Daddy nodded. “You did what I felt like doing. But you were always one to allow your emotions to get the better part of you.”

  Clarice tamped down her anger. Letting emotions get the better part of her wasn’t the problem. She just did—she always HAD done—what any normal person would do. But not Daddy. No, he was always in control, even when he tossed her out.

  “I didn't know you were back in town.” He removed his hand from hers. “It’s been a long time. How have you been?”

  “Good. I got back a couple weeks ago.”

  “Why didn�
�t you call?”

  “The way we last left everything; I didn't think you wanted to see me.”

  “And the child?”

  “Her name’s Evenie, after grandma.”

  He would not tell her to leave, not with all that had happened. Not when there was no one left in his life. Would he?

  After a second, he stood. “I need to make arrangements for Stefania and the kids.” His lip trembled.

  “I can do that for you.”

  “That’s okay. It’ll be my way of saying goodbye.” Tears filled his eyes. He wiped his face. “Just can't believe they’re gone. The fear they must have gone through.”

  He had no idea. In time, she’d tell him how his granddaughter peed her pants before getting shot. How the boy cried. How Stefania begged. No fight from any of them.

  “Where are you going?” Clarice asked.

  “Home, to…”

  “Do you want me to come with you?” Clarice grabbed his arm. “I’m worried about you.”

  “I’ll be fine.” He patted her hand, then walked through the double doors and down the hallway.

  Not one smile. No thanks for coming. Nearly thirteen years, and he didn’t even appear happy to see her.

  Heat filled Clarice’s chest.

  Still thinking about Stefania and those grandkids, yet he had a grandchild alive and within reach. Fool. That’s okay. In time, if she played it nice, he’d eventually come around. And when he did, before he breathed his last, he’d find out she was the one who took his precious Stefania away.

  8:26 a.m.

  Jonah glanced at KT, who had yet to put the Jeep in gear to leave the police station. His head tickled with sweat from the sun coming through the side window. There were a ton of buttons on the console, none with markings. He didn’t dare press any of them, since most probably had to do with the computer system on board.

  KT sat in the drivers’ seat like an over-tightened guitar string, about to snap if plucked.

  “That woman didn’t seem to have a good relationship with the father,” Jonah said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “He appeared shocked to see her. Almost unhappy about her showing up.”

  At that moment, an officer led the father from the station. KT’s eyes followed them to a police cruiser. There was no sign of his daughter. Were the police questioning her?

  KT swallowed hard. Her mouth turned downward. This guilt could eat her up. Maybe he should just let her do what she wants. It might help. But if he did, and she went as far as last time, she’d take off, probably never to return. He didn’t want that.

  “Promise me you won’t get involved.” After a moment, Jonah nudged his sister’s arm. “Did you hear me?”

  “What?” She finally blinked.

  “Promise me you won’t go after that woman.”

  “I didn’t say I was going to.” Her voice low.

  “But I know you. I just don’t want you in deeper than you already are.”

  “She has to pay for what she did.”

  “What?”

  “Killing her sister?”

  “How can you be sure she’s responsible?”

  “The girl, who I allowed in, her eyes were the same color. No way could she have gotten control over all three without help.”

  “And you think that woman did so.”

  “I feel it in my gut.” KT’s hands formed fists again. “And she won’t get away with it.”

  “Is that really what has you ticked off or is it because she used you to do this, this…?” His breathing was loud. “You need to be honest. Is this about justice or your ego?”

  “This has nothing to do with my ego,” she snapped. “And you know it.”

  “Do I?” He waited a beat. “Okay, let’s say you go after her. Do you really know what’s going on, or how many people are involved in this?”

  She stared through the windshield.

  “Think about it, KT. Do you honestly believe she did this on her own? She and some, some kid?”

  She released a loud breath. “I don’t know.”

  “I love you, but I have a wedding to worry about, along with a wonderful woman and her son. I don’t need to be taking on you as a concern right now. So, please, let the police handle this.”

  She stared at him for a long moment, then held her hands up in surrender. “Okay. Okay. I’ll stay out of it.”

  “Good. But you do need to call Logan and let him know your thoughts on this woman.”

  She nodded and pulled out a business card with the Columbia County Sheriff’s logo. She dialed and left a message with her suspicions. “I’ll leave it up to you to go on this. For now, I’ve got other things to do.” She hung up the phone.

  “Thanks.” Jonah said. A sense of relief washed over him.

  “There is one thing I have to do.” She put the Jeep in gear and pulled from the curb.

  Dread sped through Jonah faster than a locomotive. “What’s that?” he asked.

  “Warn the old guy. He needs to know.”

  They passed the policer cruiser still parked at the side of the road. The man inside wiped at his eyes. His pain had been clear inside the station.

  “You’re probably the last person he wants to see right now.” Jonah wiped sweat from the back of his neck.

  She swallowed hard. “But it’s doubtful the police will say anything out of fear he might let his daughter know she’s a suspect. Someone’s got to. He could be next.”

  “Next?”

  “People usually kill for three reasons: money, jealousy, or revenge. Just need to figure out which one—” She finally flipped on the a/c.

  “No, you don’t.” Jonah huffed. “I know this is your expertise, with what you do at work, but I don’t want you involved right now.”

  “I won’t face her, just do some background on her.”

  “No, no research, nothing.” Jonah adjusted in the seat. “I’ll make you a deal. If I go see the old man, you stay out of it totally.”

  “It’s too dangerous.” She shook her head. “Like you said, you’ve got others to worry about.”

  “So do you.” From the tick of her jaw, he’d hit a bullseye. “Besides, no one's gonna expect me. I’m just someone giving his sister’s apologies.” He hesitated, then added, “Deal?”

  He waited for a response. When he didn’t get one, he added, “Kathleen Tatiana.”

  “Deal.” Though she smiled, the quiet tone of her voice made it clear she wasn’t happy about it.

  8:40 a.m.

  Clarice sat in the white van outside the police station. Her hands gripped the steering wheel. That woman was going to be trouble. She could feel it. The look in her eye. She knew the truth. Now her child was looking at spending the rest of her life in jail. Clarice wouldn’t allow that to happen.

  She slapped the steering wheel, hitting a nerve in her hand. A jolt ran up her arm. She grabbed her phone and pressed the numbers hard. The phone on the other end rang three times before Evenie answered.

  “Hello.” Her voice sounded groggy.

  “We’ve got a problem.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Your eyes. They’re very recognizable.” Clarice ground her teeth. “Especially by the woman who helped you into that house.”

  “What are you going to do about it?” Evenie asked, her tone as calm as Dad’s had been.

  “Keep out of sight for now. We might have to get you contacts.” Clarice swiped the phone call off. She counted to ten. Then another ten before she finally found herself calm enough to think.

  Only one of two ways to deal with that woman. Set her up for the crime, but how? The other way was to do away with her. Either would be impossible if she couldn’t be located.

  Clarice sat for a minute, considering, then headed back into the police station.

  “Can I help you?” An officer behind the front desk signed a document, then slid it to the side.

  Clarice smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’d l
ike to know if I can get some information.”

  “What do you need?”

  “I’m the sister of the woman killed yesterday.” She pretended to choke up.

  “I’m sorry, Ma’am.”

  “Thank you. Unfortunately, earlier, I sort of made a scene. I’d like to apologize. Is there any way I can get the name and number of the woman who allowed the person into the house?”

  “Fill out this form, and we can get you the information within forty-eight hours.”

  “Forty-eight hours?” Her chest heated. In two days, Evenie could be in jail. “Listen.” She glanced all around then leaned forward. “I slapped the woman. I’d really like to apologize.”

  “Ms. Seidel, maybe I can help.”

  She turned and faced Sheriff Logan Parker. He stood with his chin raised. Did he remember her from school? He’d been one of the boys who panted after Stefania, but she didn’t choose him, instead going for the more popular boys. Logan was better looking now, than as a teen. His pimples had disappeared, now a shadow of whiskers covered his chin.

  “I would like to apologize to that woman I slapped,” she said. “Do you know how to get in touch with her?”

  “You’ll have to fill out a form to get that information.”

  She inhaled deep and did another quick counting to ten. “Very well. I just hate that I made her feel worse than she probably already does.” She jerked the form from the other officer and filled it out, then shoved it toward the sheriff. “I don’t know the case number or anything like that. I’m assuming you can fill out the rest for me.”

  “I’ll do that. Was it explained that it could take up to forty-eight hours?”

  “Yes, it was.” Something in his tone made it clear she wouldn’t get it sooner. Did he know she’d been the one to let the air out of his tires on prom night?

  There had to be another way to find this woman. No matter what she had to do, Clarice wouldn’t allow Evenie to spend time in jail, even juvenile hall. But these days, most jurisdictions didn’t have an issue with putting a twelve-year old in adult prison. And what about the other girls?

  They’d sell anyone out just to save their own skin.

  Clarice knew she’d have to do away with them if she didn’t find that female jogger and take care of her first.