by Carolina Mac
“What? How do you know that?”
“She hasn’t been around home the last couple of days, and I was too fuckin stupid to trig into it.”
“And now you jumped to that conclusion? It’s a big leap, Blacky. Even for you.”
“She left food on the stove and I found a note that said ‘vet’ on it.”
“He called and used a ruse? Her dog?”
“That’s what I’m guessing.”
“What do you want me to do? You always call for a reason that causes me work. That’s why I start to sweat when your name comes up.”
“Organize enough manpower for two simultaneous searches. One at Kingsley’s clinic and one at his residence. I’m on my way to Judge Waverly’s house to pick up the warrants.”
“Notice I’m not asking how you got the warrants.”
“We haven’t got time for the fuckin DNA to come back,” said Blaine. “I’ll have my team help with the searches.”
“Yeah, thanks,” said Lopez, “and another thing that you’re gonna hate, Blacky, I’ve got to give Kingsley his phone call as soon as I get to headquarters.”
“Yep, you do that.”
“You don’t sound worried about his lawyer springing him.”
“My next call is to Perry Leighton.”
“You’re throwing it around this morning, kid.” Lopez gave a chuckle. “I love it.”
Perry Leighton was the District Attorney and a longtime friend of Blaine’s. They had worked together on a few cases in the past and Jesse had saved Leighton’s life.
“Blaine, nice to talk to you. Something going on?”
He explained about Kingsley and how they’d held him for twenty-four hours and about the warrants about to be executed on both his properties.
“Until the DNA comes back placing him in the park, in truth, we have nothing solid. Even placing him in Zilker won’t convict him, son, but of course you know that already.”
“I know it, but I need more time, sir.”
“I’ll do what I can to stall his release, but can I offer a suggestion?”
“Please do. I’m running out of ideas.”
“Have Major Bristol at headquarters waiting for Kingsley’s release. That way you’ll be aware of every move he makes.”
Blaine smiled. Leighton still called Travis by his military rank.
“I’ll arrange that right now. And thanks for helping, sir.”
“You’ll get him, Blaine. Four counts of rape and murder. I can always count on you.”
Jesus. Put the pressure on.
LOPEZ WAS READY and waiting for the warrants when Blaine dropped them off at headquarters. He and his partner, Nielsen, stood in the squad room talking with a group of detectives. “Thanks for this, Blacky. Didn’t know what I was going to do with my fuckin day.”
Blaine ignored the sarcasm. “No problem. I have to go to my office for a minute, then Farrell and I will help y’all.”
“Bring me decent fuckin coffee.” Lopez’s lip turned up in a snarl. He’d been in better moods.
At Powell and Associates, Blaine tore through the crowded waiting area without acknowledging any of the clients. At warp speed, he passed Chantal’s desk at reception and hollered out a mumbled greeting. The chains on his Harley boots clanked as he jogged down the long corridor on the way to his corner office.
Travis and Farrell were sitting on the corners of Lily’s desk drinking coffee and eating donuts when he blasted through the door.
They both set their mugs down and stood up when they saw the look on his face. “What the hell is wrong, bro?” Farrell could read him like a book. That’s what foster brothers were for.
“The asshole has Misty.”
“What?” asked Travis. “What asshole? Kingsley?”
Blaine nodded and sucked in a couple of gulps of oxygen before he could speak. “Lily, dig into Kingsley. Find any other properties he has, or relatives in the area. I doubt if he’s dumb enough to hold Misty in either of the places we’ll look first. We’re tossing both of those now.”
“Let’s get going,” said Farrell. “I want to be in on the search.”
“You will be, but Travis won’t,” said Blaine. “Perry Leighton is trying to stall Kingsley’s release, but it won’t be for long. He might be out by noon and I’m not taking any chances. Travis will be on his ass every fuckin minute until we get Misty and Hoodoo back.”
Farrell paled. “The fucker kidnapped her dog too?”
“The dog is gone,” said Blaine. He told them about how he found the note.
“I’m gone,” said Travis.
“We are too,” said Blaine. “Call me Lil, with anything.”
TWO CRUISERS HUGGED the curb in front of Kingsley Veterinarian Clinic when Blaine arrived with Farrell.
“Hope she’s here, bro, but you don’t think so, do you?”
“Kingsley’s a doctor, and he’s smart. He calculates his moves before he makes them, and so far, he hasn’t made many mistakes. Losing his step-counter may be the one that gets him the needle, but the DA doesn’t think it’s enough. We need more.”
Inside, the clinic was buzzing, officers in every room opening drawers, closets and searching the basement.
Rebecca, the receptionist stood behind the front counter crying. She recognized Farrell from his earlier visit and spoke directly to him. “I don’t know what’s happening. Why are the police doing this to Doctor Kingsley?”
“He’s a suspect in four murders and we have a search warrant,” said Farrell.
Blaine stepped closer. “Do you remember a couple of days ago, a blonde girl came in with a Bernese Mountain dog?”
“Of course, Hoodoo. He’s a new patient and our only Bernese. I know all of our patients and their names.” She proudly pointed to the wall behind her desk.
“And did you see her leave when she was finished?”
“Yes, I saw her leave. Why are you asking me that?”
“Did you see her since the first visit?”
“No, but…”
“But what?” Blaine’s voice took on an edge he didn’t intend. “If you know something you have to tell me. This is a life and death situation.”
“After she was here the first time and Doctor Kingsley took a blood sample…” Rebecca stopped talking and fidgeted with her hands.
“Go ahead,” said Blaine, “he took the dog’s blood and then what?”
“I saw the test when it came back from the lab because I get them first… and it was normal. Hoodoo is perfectly healthy.”
“But? You can tell me.” Blaine read her name tag. “You won’t get into trouble, Rebecca, I guarantee it.”
“He might fire me. He’s threatened to do it before when he got mad at me.”
“He won’t fire you,” said Farrell.
“After I gave him Hoodoo’s report, he told me to go on home—it was closing time. But I wasn’t finished putting things away and I heard him on the phone telling Miss Mulligan to bring Hoodoo in.” A couple of tears trickled down her face.
“Thank you for telling me,” said Blaine. “A whole lot of things make sense now.”
The first time Misty was here, she was testing the vibes she got from the doctor. I’d bet on it. She was trying to help me.
Feeling like he’d been kicked in the sternum, Blaine gripped the edge of the desk.
Farrell took Rebecca’s hand. “Why don’t you go on home as soon as the police are done. The clinic may be closed for a few days.”
“Doctor Kingsley isn’t coming to work today?” Her eyes wandered to the appointments on her computer screen.
“I doubt it,” said Farrell.
TRAVIS PARKED where he could see the front of the police building. He’d been sitting in the same spot, waiting and smoking for over an hour when Kingsley came out with his attorney.
The two of them crossed the street to the parking garage, Kingsley waving his arms and yelling as he trotted beside his attorney who was half his size. Luckily, Travis
couldn’t hear what the bastard was raving about.
Ten to one, the fucker is hollering about Blacky.
He wore a grin as he started the engine of his silver F-450 and drove to the ramp exit. The attendant raised the arm, and Travis watched as the dark Lexus came out and turned right.
He followed a couple of vehicles behind, but never lost sight of them. They were headed for Kingsley’s house and they’d get a surprise when they got there.
Not a good surprise.
BLAINE AND FARRELL left the clinic and arrived at Kingsley’s residence the same time the doctor and his attorney arrived. Kingsley lumbered in the front door waving his arms and yelling obscenities at the detectives executing the search.
Bartley Winthrop stepped in front of his client. “May I see the warrant, detective?”
Lopez whipped the warrants out of his jacket pocket and Winthrop took a moment to peruse them. He turned to Kingsley, “They have warrants, Ken. You can watch them, but you can’t interfere.”
“I’ll sue them when they’re finished. I swear it.”
One of the detectives came out of the study, carrying a laptop and Kingsley exploded. He lunged for the officer and his attorney blocked his path.
“Enough, Ken. You’re only going to make matters worse. We’re leaving. You’re going to a hotel until they give me the all-clear.” Winthrop marched his client out the front door.
Blaine stepped outside and saw Travis parked across the street. He gave him a nod. To Farrell: “Go home and get the unit and stock up the fridge.” He lowered his voice. “By the time I leave here you should have ears on for later.”
Farrell grinned. “Color me gone, boss.”
THE SEARCH WOUND down and nothing of consequence was uncovered or seized. Blaine returned to the office and found Lily still hard at the research into Kingsley’s background.
He strode to the sideboard to the always-fresh coffee supply and filled a mug. “Anything show up that we can use?”
“Nothing I can find, boss, but let’s face it, I don’t have the skills you have for digging deeper.” She winked at him.
Blaine grinned. “Go on home, Lily. It’s Friday. Get an early start on the weekend.”
“If something comes up and you need me, I can come in tomorrow. I have no big plans.”
“Appreciate it,” said Blaine. He crossed the room to his desk juggling his coffee mug, a chocolate donut and a cream cheese Danish. “The searches on both his properties were fruitless, but the techs might get something from his computers. Wait and see.”
After Lily left, Blaine sat at his desk and dug in.
FARRELL DROVE HOME TO COULTER-ROSS to exchange vehicles. He was lucky Jesse let him keep the surveillance unit at Annie’s ranch. Saved a lot of trips up to Quantrall to get it and take it back.
The table was set for dinner when he arrived. The aroma of Rosalie and Annie cooking and baking filled the air in the kitchen and made his mouth water. He was starving.
“Hey, sugar boy, you’re home for dinner.” Annie wiped her hands on a dish towel, circled the granite island and grabbed him in a hug.
“I admit, I haven’t been home much lately. Too much to do. Missed you, Mom. Love you.”
“Y’all catch that creep yet?”
“Close. We’re close. I came home to pick up the unit for tonight.”
“Where’s Blaine?”
“At his office doing research.”
Annie wore a tentative look, then spit out what was on her mind, “Did he tell you Scott asked me to marry him?”
Farrell sat down at the table and buttered a biscuit. “Nope. Blacky’s got too much on his mind.” He looked into her gray eyes for the answer he wanted but didn’t see it there. “You said ‘thanks, but no thanks’, right?”
Annie shook her head. “In a weak moment, I said ‘yes.”
“Don’t, do it, Mom. It’s way too soon after Jesse, and you’re all messed up. I say wait awhile.”
“I’m going to wait, honey. I can’t afford another mistake.”
Jackson came roaring into the kitchen with Pyewacket on a red leash. “Time for Pye’s dinner, Mommy. I want Daddy to know I’m taking good care of his cat while he’s away.”
Farrell gave Jackson thumbs up. “Y’all are a good cat minder, buddy. Keep up the good work.”
“Thanks, Farrell. ‘Preciate it.”
Annie smiled.
The door opened wide and the cowboys surged in from the barn for dinner. Annie hopped up and put food on the table.
AFTER DINNER, JESSE took Charity to her room to get her ready for bed and Tyler followed him.
“She didn’t finish her bottle, and she always drains every last drop,” said Tyler. “I’m worried.”
“Maybe we’re feeding her too much,” said Jesse. He changed her diaper and reached for a clean sleeper. Molly, the housekeeper, was a jewel doing the baby’s laundry in special soap, and folding it, just so. Ever since Charity had arrived at Quantrall, Molly seemed to be a happier person. They all were happier.
Jesse’s cell jangled on his belt and Ty jumped out of the rocker to take over with Charity.
Jesse stepped into the hall. “Hey, Blacky. Anything new on the case?”
“He’s got Misty. I’m sure of it. We tossed his house and the clinic and both locations were clean.”
“How would he know about Misty doing the sketch?” asked Jesse. “I thought her identity had been protected.”
“She… I think she might have gone to the clinic playing detective, or trying to get a read on Kingsley face to face.”
“Oh, shit. Wish she hadn’t done that.”
“Me too. Haven’t got a clue where she is. Dog is gone too.”
Charity sneezed on the change table as Tyler fastened her sleeper. “Oh, my God, Jesse. She’s getting a cold.”
Jesse stepped away from Charity’s doorway to better hear Blaine. “Do you want in on the surveillance tonight? I’ve got ears on the doctor.”
“I want to, but Charity didn’t finish her bottle and Ty thinks she’s getting sick. He’s read that baby book ten times over. I better not.”
“You have a doctor in the house,” said Blaine. “Get Brian to give her a checkup.”
“Damn good idea, Blacky. I’m doing it now.”
Blaine smiled and ended the call.
Guess Jesse is tied up.
MISTY FREED her hands after an hour-long struggle, and let out sigh of relief. Hoodoo wagged his tail and moved closer. Stiff and sore from lying on the cold wooden floor, she sat up slowly, reached up and yanked the gag out of her mouth. “Oh, thank the goddess, that thing is gone. She leaned over and hugged the dog. “As soon as I get my ankles untied, we’re getting out of here.”
His tail thumped against the floor.
“You must be desperate to go to the bathroom, you good doggie. Your kidneys are probably wrecked—I know mine are.”
Misty leaned forward and fiddled with the ankle ties. Her numb fingers were awkward and disobedient. She rubbed them together until blood began circulating and she could move them again. Five minutes and a few failed tries, and she was free.
The building she was in wasn’t a cabin like she had first thought. Now that she had a good look around in the daylight, it was more like a hunting or fishing shack. Wooden walls with hooks holding rods and other equipment she couldn’t identify. Against the wall under the single window, a Coleman stove sat on a wooden table. A cot with a bare mattress against the back wall. No sink. No running water of any kind and worst of all—no bathroom.
“We’ll have to go outside, Hoo. Come on.”
The little shack was surrounded by trees but there was a path that led around the side. Misty rounded the corner and smiled. “I’m smiling because there’s an outhouse. That’s a first for me. Never used one before.”
Hoodoo didn’t have to be told to do his business. He was grateful for the great outdoors.
Misty brushed away the cobwebs and ignored the spiders
in the outhouse. Relieved and grateful to be free, she trotted around to the front of the shack. “There must be a road around here,” she said to the dog. “We need a phone. My purse isn’t inside. I wonder what he did with it?”
Her hand went to her necklace. “It’s a miracle he didn’t take this too. I think it’s worth a small fortune.” She held the moon in her hand and caressed it.
BLAINE WORKED on his laptop in his office digging into Kingsley’s life to find the answer. He pulled up screen after screen searching every facet of the vet’s existence. He knew where he went to elementary school, the grades he got, his test scores from university, his annual income, how much he paid for his house, and on and on. Every detail, and yet nothing he wanted to know. Nothing to tell him where Misty was.
Suddenly a shiver of warmth shot through him, and at the same time, his skin tingled right over his heart.
What was that? Am I so worked up, I’m gonna have an infarction?
ONE BLOCK OVER from Kingsley’s house, Travis and Farrell waited in the dark green camper unit. Bartley Winthrop had dropped Kingsley off at home an hour after the police wrapped up their search.
Kingsley had invited his lawyer in for a drink, they discussed the search and not much else. Winthrop asked a couple of probing questions, and Kingsley skirted around the answers. After Winthrop left, there were sounds of Kingsley feeding the dogs and talking to them. Nothing worth listening to, and nothing hinting at where Misty was.
“That’s the TV,” said Farrell. “Guess all we’re gonna get is second-hand news.”
Travis pointed to the little fridge tucked away under the counter top that held the equipment. “Hand me a Coke, would you, partner?”
RACE SLEPT MOST of the day in his squat. The Sheriff’s patrols went by a lot less now than when he’d first escaped. Maybe they figured he was long gone. Well he soon would be. Just one last thing to do, then he’d lay low for a while in Mexico with some friends until Annie cooled off. When the time was right, he’d send for her and Jackson. She’d come. She’d always done what he wanted in the past and that was one of the reasons he loved her.
