by Carolina Mac
“I’m going to talk to each of the husbands this morning and verify the connection, then I’m having him brought in.”
“I hope he’s the one and we nail him.” Lily gave him a ‘thumbs-up.’
“If you have time, go down the hall and talk to Appleton in Real Estate and get him to draw something up. I need a document to buy the house I’m living in.” He gave her the street address. “You can look it up and get the property description and whatever Larry needs.”
“Uh huh. I can do that,” said Lily. “I didn’t know you wanted to buy a house.”
“Not that I want to. I have to. It’s complicated.”
“Did you have a figure in mind that you’re offering?”
“Not yet. See if you can get some comparables in that area. Yep. That’s what I need.”
“You have too much on your mind, boss,” said Lily, “and I can see how tired you are. You need a day off.”
MISTY FINISHED the morning Tarot instruction class with her group of students. She bid them all goodbye, and as she tidied up the room she used for lessons, a tiny spark of a plan began to grow in her mind.
She closed the door of the classroom and let Hoodoo in from the yard. She gave him a biscuit, stroked his large head and asked a question. “Hoo, do you want to have a check-up at the vet this morning?”
Hoodoo wagged his tail and Misty took it as an affirmative. “I’ll call and get us an appointment.”
AFTER BLAINE LEFT Coulter-Ross and Jackson was on the school bus, Annie retreated to her room and cried for an hour. She had dozed off without realizing it, and woke when her cell rang next to her. A secure number came on the screen and she recognized it. “Hey, babe, how goes it at the Capitol.”
“My God, Annie, you don’t sound good. Why don’t you drive into the city and meet me for lunch?”
“I guess that would be better than lying on my bed crying over the mess I’ve made of everything.”
“You haven’t messed me up since the weekend,” he chuckled. “And by the way, the weekend was wonderful, even though you have issues to resolve. Come to town. I need to see you.”
“Maybe it would do me good to get dressed up and shake off this pity pit I’m in. I’ll take a bubble bath and try to pull myself together. Where should I meet you?”
BLAINE CONFIRMED with the husband of the first victim, Sherry Finn, that Kingsley was the vet they used. He had just ended the call to Mr. Finn when Governor Richardson called. “Good morning, sir. I think we have a solid lead and I should know more by the end of the day.”
“Good to hear. I was calling for an update. The Mayor has been hounding me and pressing for federal involvement since the discovery of the third victim. He’s all over the Chief and I expect, in turn, the Chief is leaning hard on homicide. We’ve had words more than once.”
“Call him back and tell him to hold off. We won’t need a profiler if this is our guy. You might be able to announce something soon.”
“Mrs. Warburton almost went insane with constituents calling after the sketch appeared Sunday morning.”
“Why did they call you?”
“They wanted to congratulate me on forming the violent crime team, and things like that. She said most of the calls were complimentary.”
“Why in hell was she in the office on Sunday?”
“The woman is unstoppable. She rules the Capitol. Most of my staff are terrified of her.”
“I’m glad the calls were for kudos. I don’t want to stir up any anti-Richardson factions.”
The Governor groaned. “There are enough of those already.”
“We’ll talk soon.”
“We will. I have to get ready for a lunch date with Annie. She’s meeting me at The Driskill.”
“Word of warning,” said Blaine. “She received the divorce papers yesterday and she’s more depressed and down on herself than I’ve ever seen.”
“I’ll see what I can do to help, son.”
TRAVIS CALLED BLAINE to check in. “The vet went to his clinic and he hasn’t come out. Want us to sit on him all day, boss?”
“Nope. I don’t imagine he’ll be doing anything during working hours. We’ll watch him tonight to make sure he doesn’t wander off to the park.”
“I checked his residence after he left,” said Travis, “and it’s heavily secured—unusually so, and that raises a few questions.”
“I’ll see who his provider is,” said Blaine and find out what kind of set-up we’re up against. Best to be prepared.”
“Also, while I was doing my recon, more than one dog was barking inside the house. Sounded like he might possibly have three dogs.”
“That could explain how he approaches the victims and chats about matching breeds. Excellent info, Travis. Why don’t you and Farrell grab lunch, then go home and sleep until five or six. I’ll call you later and we’ll set up for tonight.”
“You got it, boss. I could use a few zees.”
ANNIE WALKED INTO the Driskill Hotel wearing her black Prada suit, accented with a stunning array of turquoise jewelry she’d collected while she lived in New Mexico. The high heels of her black leather boots tapped out a rhythm as she crossed the glossy marble floor. She paused for a moment to admire the stained-glass dome. The Driskill, an historical treasure and one of her favorite dining spots in Austin, never ceased to take her breath away.
At the door of the dining room, she stopped and glanced at the array of white clad tables and didn’t see Scott. The maître’d hurried over to greet her.
“Ah, Mrs. Powell, how lovely to see you. Governor Richardson hasn’t arrived yet, but he told me to expect you. I’ll take you to your table.”
“Thank you, Michael.”
Annie sat down at a reserved table in a private area near the back of the expansive dining room. The waiter brought her a beer and she began to relax. The upscale surroundings and the quiet were what she needed.
Scott was right. I needed to get away from the ranch and catch my breath.
Her beer was half gone when the Governor of Texas arrived. Tanned and fit, he was a tall, handsome man who wore his clothes well. His suit appeared to be new, but he was always well groomed and dressed to the max.
Before sitting down, he leaned close to her and kissed her cheek. “I missed you.”
“I missed you in my bed,” she whispered.
He sat down, ordered bourbon from the waiter, then leaned closer so only Annie could hear him. “I want you to marry me and move into the mansion on Colorado.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “That’s your opening line? No small talk to ease into it?” Annie reached across the table and took his hand. “Is that a proposal, sugar?”
“Of course, it is, and not one I haven’t made before. But this time I’m sweetening the pot. I brought a bribe.” He pulled out a tiny velvet box when no one was looking. Try it on.”
“We’ve discussed this at length, sugar pop, and flogged the pros and cons to death. There’s no way we can make it work.”
“My term is almost over. Less than a year to go—ten months and twenty-eight days to be exact. We can do it.” He slipped the ring on her finger and she inhaled a breath.
Annie stared down at the huge solitaire and a wave of worthlessness washed over her. She couldn’t inflict her disgusting self on another human being. “It’s gorgeous, and you know I love you…”
“No, buts. Not this time. You are alone and miserable. You’ve run amok so many times and it’s because you need solid guidance in your life. How many times have you told me about George and how wonderful that relationship was? He was much older than you, but he kept you grounded, sweetheart, and that’s what’s missing now. You’re flying off in forty different directions.”
“That’s true. I feel like I’m losing control of everything and everybody who matters.”
Scott smiled “I’m taking that as a yes.”
I don’t want to marry anybody.
The waiter showed up with another round o
f drinks and stood by their table like a sentinel, waiting to take their food order. The Governor ordered the grilled salmon for both of them.
Annie sipped her beer in silence. “I don’t know what to say, sugar. It won’t work. I know that for a fact.”
“Annie, look at me.” He reached across the table and tilted her chin up. “Don’t be negative because things haven’t made you happy in the past. A new beginning is just that.”
“I can’t move to the mansion, that’s the first stumbling block and there are a hundred reasons why. You would have to come to the ranch on the weekends until your term is up.”
Scott smiled. “I’m more flexible than you think. I’ve given Texas a lot of years of my life, and now I want something for myself.”
I’m not what you want.
“And you’re sure I’m what you want?”
“You’ve always been the one I wanted, Annie, from the first moment I met you at Jim Powell’s funeral. I love you, heart and soul, Annie.”
MISTY HOPPED out of the taxi in front of the Kingsley Veterinarian Services building. She paid the driver as he opened the back door and grabbed hold of Hoodoo’s leash for her. “Come on Hoo, let’s do this for Blaine.”
The big dog bounced out of the car and trotted along beside her. She stopped at the front door and inhaled a couple of deep breaths before going in.
Come on, girl. You can do this.
Black vinyl chairs with shiny chrome arms formed a horseshoe around the walls of the small waiting area. The room was noisy and crammed with pet owners waiting their turn to see the doctor—dogs, cats and one woman holding a white ferret. Hoodoo growled at the other dogs and set off a rousing round of barking.
Misty smiled as she moved closer to the reception desk. Hoodoo Mulligan for his first checkup,” she said.
The receptionist came around from behind the desk with a biscuit in her hand. “I’m Rebecca. Welcome to your first appointment with us, Hoodoo. What a beautiful boy you are.” She leaned down and held her hand out for a paw. Hoodoo complied with no hesitation. He gobbled up the biscuit and looked for more.
“I’ll give you another when you’re all done. Okay?”
He wagged his tail in anticipation.
“Have a seat,” said Rebecca. “Won’t be too long.”
Misty took the only empty seat, and Hoodoo sat close to her legs sandwiched between a cat carrier and a shaved poodle with pink ribbons decorating her ears. The poodle showed her teeth and Hoodoo looked the other way.
Misty thumbed through several outdated magazines and watched the steady stream of furry patients going in and out of Doctor Kingsley’s office. After forty-five minutes, Rebecca called Hoodoo’s name.
Misty followed Rebecca down the corridor of closed doors, marked with numbers one through six. Rebecca opened door number three and said, “You can wait in here, Hoodoo. The doctor will be right with you.”
What will I do if it’s him?
She had less than a minute to wonder. The door opened, and Doctor Kingsley was in the room. He closed the door behind him and Misty instantly became light-headed and dizzy. She reached out and gripped a corner of the examination table.
It’s him. The murderer I saw with the first victim.
Pictures began flashing through her brain in rapid succession and she couldn’t make any sense of them.
“Are you all right, miss?” asked Kingsley. “You look a little pale.”
Misty tried her best to smile. “A little dizzy spell, but it’s gone now.”
“I see by Hoodoo’s brand new chart that he’s never been here before, and I must say I don’t have any other Bernese Mountain dogs as patients. You are one of a kind, Hoodoo.” He stroked Hoodoo’s head with a large hand and Misty shivered.
“He hasn’t had a checkup in over a year,” said Misty. “He’s not sick or anything.”
“A checkup is never a waste of time or money. If we catch something with a simple blood test, it can save the animal weeks of distress.”
“I read that Hoodoo’s breed has the highest death rate from cancer,” said Misty, “and that’s why I’m being extra cautious. I’m hoping he stays healthy for a long time.”
“I have three dogs of my own,” said Kingsley. “I’d be devastated if anything happened to any one of them.” He poured rubbing alcohol onto a sterile pad and cleaned an area on Hoodoo’s front foreleg. He gripped the leg firmly, stuck the needle in and drew blood. Hoodoo didn’t make a sound.
“Once the lab has analyzed the blood, I’ll let you know if there’s anything amiss. But I wouldn’t worry, he looks like a very healthy dog.” He patted Hoodoo’s head and the dog turned and showed his teeth.
BLAINE SHOWERED and changed after work, then walked across the lawn and knocked on Misty’s door. The car she claimed she rarely drove was parked at the side of the house, but she didn’t answer.
Why doesn’t she drive her car? Isn’t it running? I could get it fixed for her.
He knocked again and still nothing except Hoodoo barking inside. He tried the knob and the door was locked.
He walked back to Mrs. Flores’ house—soon to be his own—stood on the porch and tried her cell. It went to message and he left one.
“I came to pick you up for dinner. Where are you?”
He shrugged, went inside and had dinner with Carm instead. They discussed the details of the house and of her trip to Brownsville to her sister’s place. She planned to take the bus, but Blaine said the train would be safer and more comfortable for a long trip. She didn’t want any of the furniture, it was Fabiana’s anyway and she would have no place for it. Her sister’s house was tiny. All she needed, she could pack into two large suitcases.
They were finished eating apple crumble pie when there was a knock on the door. Lexi barked her friendly bark, and Blaine went to see who it was.
Misty stood on the doorstep looking tired and pale. “I’m so sorry, Blaine. I fell asleep and I didn’t hear you.”
“That’s okay. Come in and you can have dinner here. We just finished.”
“I’m not hungry. Umm… could I talk to you out here for a minute?” She backed out onto the porch and told him about her visit to Kingsley’s office.
“You shouldn’t have done that.” Blaine’s voice had an edge to it. “He could have trigged into your nervousness and done something to you.”
“Well, he didn’t,” said Misty. “I don’t think he knew why I was there. Hoodoo was just another new patient to him.”
Blaine glowered. “So you think.”
“Don’t be mad at me, please. I was only trying to help.”
“Did you pick up any other vibes while you were there?”
Misty nodded. “Oh, yeah. Being that close to him, pictures flashed through my head like lightning on roids. I still haven’t put the pieces together.”
“I’ll walk you over to your place. I’m going with Travis and Farrell on surveillance tonight. We’ll be watching Doctor Kingsley.”
“Can I come?”
“Nope, not tonight. I think you’ve done enough detective work for one day. You look exhausted.” He kissed her for a long time, hating to let her go, then stood on the porch and watched her go inside. He waited near the door until he heard the lock click.
JESSE CALLED as Blaine was upstairs changing into black jeans and a black hoodie for surveillance.
“I want to sit with you guys for a while tonight. Ty will watch Charity for me.”
“Sure. Glad to have you, Jesse. Drive up here about nine thirty. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Jesse got the baby ready for bed and went over everything twice with Tyler.
“Jesus, bro, I’ve been with you every fuckin minute since we got her. I know what to do.”
“I wouldn’t leave her, but Blacky has been on his own all through this case, and the least I can do is sit in on some surveillance. Maybe take a shift with the equipment and let the boys go for a coffee or a donut.”
“Stop wo
rrying. The bottles are made and in the fridge. I know how to change her and feed her. Piece of cake.”
“Thanks, Ty. I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. I’m her uncle, and I said from day one I’d help raise her. I’m committed.”
“You can’t be feeling too good by the looks of your face. You still have a lot of swelling around your black eyes and your nose.”
“I’m okay. Brian checked my nose and it’s not broken.”
“I haven’t forgiven Annie for getting you beat up.”
“It just happened. Things like that happen all the time at Boots. Wasn’t her fault.”
“Don’t know if I’m buying that, Ty. A lot of things lately, have been her fault and nobody else’s.”
I need space from Annie. A lot of space.
Jesse changed his clothes, struggled into his harness and took one last peek at Charity sleeping like an angel in her crib before he left.
BLAINE SMOKED in one of the black wicker chairs he’d bought for the porch at Mrs. Flores’ house and watched Jesse park in the wide driveway. It would be good having him on board. They’d always done surveillance together in the past and he missed Jesse, both as his partner and his mentor. “One beer before we go?”
“Are the boys already in position?”
“Uh huh. They’ve got it covered and probably don’t need us. Won’t matter if we’re a few minutes behind.”
“Sure, I’ll have one.”
“How’s the baby?”
Jesse grinned. “Couldn’t be better. She smiles every time I talk to her. Unbelievable how that makes me feel.”
“I’m happy for you, partner. Happy as hell.”
Jesse shook hands with Mrs. Flores and took a seat at the kitchen table. He glanced around the spacious room. “The kitchen looks amazing. I haven’t seen all of your renovations.”
“Still more to do, and after the house is finished, there’s the carriage house. I could convert it into a decent sized garage with a workshop in the back. Although, I don’t know what the hell I’d do with a workshop. I never have any spare time. And after that, there’s always the basement. This place is a money pit.”
