The Blade Man

by Debra Purdy Kong

  “Serves Gwyn right for being too damn cheap to install cameras.”

  As they got out of the truck, she caught Lou glaring at Gwyn’s shiny new Mercedes in his reserved spot by the entrance. He marched past the vehicle, yanked the entrance door open, and charged inside. In the hallway, Lou stopped to talk with a handful of mechanics and drivers.

  The new mechanic, a thin, middle-aged man named Maurice Wallace, cast a nervous glance in her direction. Maurice spent his breaks either smoking or reading the Bible. Today, the guy looked especially haggard. Was it because of Gwyn’s summons or something else?

  Marie Crenshaw came up to her. “Stan just assigned me to work with Lou in the hot zone this weekend.” She tossed back her thick red hair. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll keep him safe.”

  Three years ago, her smug expression and tone would have annoyed the crap out of Casey. Marie had serious feelings for Lou back then, which had caused trouble. But all that had passed. She had a new man in her life now and seemed happy.

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “You don’t sound overly confident,” Marie remarked. “I can protect him as well as you.”

  Casey sighed. Too bad that her colleague’s professional rivalry dragged on. “I know you can.” The woman was fearless.

  Marie studied her. “You still think Stan should let you ride with Lou, right?”

  Denying it would be useless—Marie knew her too well. “My main worry is that he’ll have too many shifts in the hot zone.”

  “Wesley’s doing more than his share as well, which isn’t fair to either of them, but since when does fairness matter to management?”

  Casey couldn’t argue the point. “Is Stan in his office?”

  “Yeah.”

  Casey bounded up the steps and into the security department. She knocked on Stan’s partially open door and stepped inside without waiting for a response.

  “Any more news on Benny?”

  “No, but an RCMP contact of mine provided a bit of info about the man who was stabbed at the riot.” Stan picked up a sheet of paper. “He was a thirty-eight-year-old grocery store manager, no enemies or criminal activity. Looks like a random act, a case of wrong place, wrong time.”

  “Think the assault on Benny was random too?”

  “Good question.” Stan paused. “My contact isn’t willing to say publicly that both crimes were committed by the same man.”

  Casey frowned. “Even though both wore dark clothing and stabbed their victims in the abdomen?”

  “They want more details before announcing that a serial killer could be on the loose.” Stan picked up another sheet. “What they do know is that the suspect doesn’t have glasses, tattoos, or piercings, and he’s in his late thirties, average height and weight. Not enough info to come up with a decent composite sketch.”

  “That sucks.” She sat down. “The punks who taunted Benny might have gotten a better look at the man. Do you know if they’ve been found?”

  “Not that I’ve heard.” Stan rubbed his beard and frowned. “I’ve been in touch with TransLink’s security people.”

  “Really?” Stan didn’t often contact the competition. “What’d they say?”

  “Their drivers managed to stay out of the riot fray and none have had violent encounters this week.”

  Casey sat up straighter. “Are we being targeted?”

  Stan drummed his fingers on the desk. “It’s a theory that the police and Gwyn are tossing around, but keep it quiet, okay? Gwyn doesn’t want to upset staff more than they are.”

  “The drivers’ll figure it out, Stan.” She paused. “Think the graffiti’s linked to the attacks?”

  “No idea, but it’s pretty clear that MPT has enemies.” Removing his glasses, Stan added, “If we’re lucky, the police will find answers soon.”

  Casey didn’t have the heart to reply that good luck and MPT seemed miles apart right now.

  SEVEN

  Casey watched Lou step out of the bedroom. “I’ve put a sandwich and a couple of protein bars in your lunch box. Coffee’s ready.”

  “Thanks.” He adjusted the cuff on his uniform jacket.

  His thick hair, washed and blown dry, shone like copper. He looked refreshed from his nap, ready as he could be for an eight-hour shift. But she wasn’t ready. The bruises on Lou’s lower back had turned into an unsavory rainbow of ochre and greenish shades, which told her he wasn’t yet a hundred percent better. At least Marie would be there to handle dicey situations.

  Although there’d been no further incidents since Benny’s assault six nights ago, this was Thursday, the start of what could be another dangerous weekend. Lou would be taking Benny’s place indefinitely.

  As she feared, it hadn’t taken drivers long to believe that they were being targeted. A couple of them had called in sick for tonight’s shift. She wished that Stan hadn’t removed her from the roster. She’d much rather be working than waiting to see if some maniac would go after the love of her life.

  Lou poured coffee into a thermos. “What are your plans for the evening?”

  “Well, I’ll see if Summer wants to share a pizza.”

  “Good idea. Is she home? I haven’t seen her all day.”

  “She should be.”

  He placed the lid on the thermos. “Sometimes it feels like she’s drifting away from us.”

  “I know, but it’s good to see her hanging with a nice friend for a change.”

  Friendships had been tricky for Summer since her mother’s incarceration three years ago. The snubbing and cruel remarks from former friends and classmates had created a wound not easily healed. Over recent months Summer had developed a couple of solid friendships, and Casey had allowed her to hang out with the girls a lot.

  “I’ll go talk to her now.”

  Casey jogged downstairs to the second floor, pausing outside Summer’s bedroom door. All she could hear were TVs and running water from the tenants’ studio suites at the back of the house. Casey’s knock prompted the familiar clicking of Cheyenne’s nails on the floor. Summer had to be inside. Her golden retriever followed her everywhere.

  Casey knocked again and opened the door a crack. “Summer? It’s Casey. Can I come in?”

  “Hi,” she called out. “I’m in the bathroom.”

  “Wanna split a pizza?” Casey peeked inside. Good lord, clothes and shoes covered most of the floor. Books and her backpack had been dumped on the unmade bed. “I was hoping we could catch up.” She scratched Cheyenne’s head.

  “Can’t, sorry. I have to go to Stacy’s. She has a big project that’s due and needs help. I could make us a pizza tomorrow, if you want.”

  “That’d be great, but can we eat early? I’ll have to leave for work at six.”

  “Sure.”

  Summer’s passion for cooking and baking had prompted Casey to let her prepare meals in the kitchen on the main floor. This meant that they didn’t eat together as often as she would like, and the kitchen was always a mess. Casey missed her company. She decided to head downstairs and see what needed to be restocked in Summer’s fridge.

  Casey was reading the expiry date on a carton of milk when she heard footsteps jogging downstairs. Seconds later, Summer entered the room, followed by Cheyenne.

  Casey’s mouth dropped open. “Wow!” And what the hell?

  Summer glanced up from her phone, her expression startled.

  “I didn’t know you’d come down here.”

  Yeah well, surprise worked both ways. The sophisticated hair and makeup had transformed Summer into a young woman ready for a fancy club instead of a fourteen-year-old about to help a friend with homework. Summer’s bright blue eyes sported three shades of eye shadow and false eyelashes. The sequined tank top didn’t quite match the jeans and running shoes, but she was probably carrying more clothes in that big tote bag.

  “That’s a pretty glamorous look for a school project.”

  “I’m a model for Stacy’s photography course. Tonight’s t
heme is glam.”

  “Sounds interesting. Have there been other themes?”

  “Sports, business, formal.” She shrugged. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s also kinda cool. Maybe I’ll try modeling professionally.”

  “You’d be great at it,” Casey replied. “Where’d you learn to apply makeup so well?”

  “Stacy. She wants to be a beautician after high school.”

  “Did she teach you to do your hair like that too? It’s gorgeous.” Summer’s raven hair had transformed into a cascade of loose curls pulled back from her face with crystal clips.

  “Her sister did it.” Summer headed for the back door.

  “Think she could do something with mine for the wedding?”

  “I’ll ask.” Summer scrutinized Casey’s loose, shoulder-length perm. “I like that light shade of brown on you, but highlights would be awesome.” Summer paused. “Which reminds me, Grandma phoned and asked if I could stay with her for a few days in July. I told her about your wedding and it almost sounded like she was hoping for an invitation.”

  “But Winifred doesn’t like me.”

  She didn’t get along with her own daughter either. It was partly why Rhonda made Casey Summer’s legal guardian instead of Winifred. The old woman probably still resented that Casey paid little rent here in exchange for looking after Rhonda’s house. Resentment, however, worked both ways.

  Casey hadn’t quite forgiven Winifred for moving in uninvited shortly after Rhonda went to prison. Winifred’s constant criticisms of her and Summer had forced a confrontation and Winifred’s permanent departure from the house. Since then, Casey had rarely spoken to her.

  “Maybe she just wants something to do and free food,” Summer said. “Her life’s totally boring.”

  “Do you want her at the wedding?”

  Summer shrugged. “She won’t know anyone, which means I’d feel obligated to spend a lot of time with her. But it’s your wedding, so invite who you want.”

  “Okay. No invitation.” Casey glanced at the dirty plates on the countertop. “I thought you were going to clean all that up a couple of days ago.”

  Casey could almost see the cloud darkening Summer’s cheeriness. Chores were an ongoing issue between them. Casey didn’t want to nag, but Summer had become quite the procrastinator.

  “Sorry, but I’ve been busy with school. They’re giving us tons of homework before final exams.” She opened the door. “I’ll do it on the weekend. Gotta go.”

  “Need a ride? Looks like it’s about to rain and the news said a thunderstorm’s coming.”

  “No thanks. Stacy’s only four blocks away.”

  Casey knew this. Still, it seemed silly not to accept her offer, unless her ward had an ulterior motive. The normally chatty Summer hadn’t spoken about her social life lately. The last time she was evasive and uncommunicative was over a nasty boyfriend who encouraged her to keep things from Casey. Happily, that relationship was short-lived, but had she found someone new?

  “I can give you a ride home,” Casey offered.

  “Thanks, but Stacy’s brother’ll drive me.”

  Ah. Stacy had two older brothers. Probably cute, given how much time Summer was spending over there and the care she’d taken with her appearance. Was the school project thing completely bogus?

  “Can’t wait to catch up tomorrow,” Casey said. “You’ve been rushing about so much, it feels like ages since we’ve talked.”

  “You’ve been busy too.” Her tone was cool. “We’ll have plenty of time once exams are over.”

  Cheyenne started to head outside, but Summer stopped her. “Not this time, sweetie.”

  “Did she get out for a walk today?”

  “I let her out for a pee in the backyard.” A flicker of guilt flashed behind that perfectly made-up face. “I’ll take her for a long walk after school tomorrow.”

  As Summer quickly shut the door, Casey shook her head. She’d known Summer all her life, but these last three years hadn’t taught Casey nearly enough about raising a strong-willed teen forced to deal with a major family trauma. So, how far should she go to learn what Summer was keeping from her? A search of her bedroom didn’t seem ethical, but was it necessary?

  Lou entered the kitchen, lunch pail in hand. Casey’s stomach knotted.

  “Where’s Summer?” he asked.

  “Just left for Stacy’s.”

  Lou’s gray eyes peered at her. “What’s wrong?”

  Casey shrugged. This wasn’t a good time to discuss her ward’s secretive behavior. “Just anxious about you working the hot zone tonight.”

  Lou gently lifted her chin with his fingertips and kissed her. Lord, she loved his mouth.

  “I’ll be fine. Try not to worry, even though you do it so well.” He opened the door. “See you tonight.”

  “I’ll wait up.”

  He smiled. “I’d rather you keep the bed warm.”

  “I bet you would.” She chuckled until the door closed and he was gone. Worry was an insatiable beast. It took only one second for things to go wrong, for lives to change forever.

  As she listened to Lou drive away, Casey took a deep breath. She needed to keep busy, do something productive. Too bad she wasn’t taking another criminology course. What with the wedding and honeymoon, she’d skipped the summer semester. The problem with one or two courses per semester was that she’d earned only thirty credits in four years. The hundred and twenty needed to graduate felt a long way off, not that she knew what she’d do with a degree. Casey sighed. It was pathetic to be thirty-three years old and still undecided about a career choice.

  She looked at Cheyenne. “Would you like a treat?”

  The golden retriever wagged her tail while Casey retrieved a biscuit and the dog brush. Five full brushes later, she decided to tackle the crusted, dirty dishes. Summer could wash the floor and clean the fridge on the weekend.

  Casey filled the sink, wondering how she’d pass the time once this chore was completed. Wedding preparations were pretty much done. Lou’s mom Barb wasn’t involved like she had been last year, which made things simpler. Her best friend Kendal was arranging a bachelorette spa day. All Casey had to do was show up.

  Taking a closer look at dried food on the plates, it was clear that the dishes needed a good soaking first. Casey sighed and looked at the dog. “Shall we go for a walk, Cheyenne?”

  The dog scrambled for the leash dangling over the basement door. She brought it to Casey and practically vibrated with excitement as Casey clipped it on. Outside, the early evening air was warm and humid. Dark, heavy clouds threatened to soak the city, but at least it would clear the haze and freshen the air. Cheyenne strained on her leash so hard that Casey needed both hands to control this seventy-pound bundle of energy.

  By the time they’d ventured three blocks from home, Casey figured there was no harm in walking one more block to Stacy’s street. If Summer spotted her, she wouldn’t be pleased, but so what? If she’d taken the time to walk Cheyenne earlier, Casey wouldn’t be here now. Besides, she needed to make sure her ward wasn’t engaging in reckless, dangerous behavior. Rhonda would expect nothing less from her daughter’s legal guardian.

  Casey kept Rhonda updated because this was what she wanted. Rhonda called weekly, but the conversations weren’t always easy. Unresolved issues and resentments triggered arguments. Real-life distractions and Rhonda’s inaccessibility often created an emotional distance between mother and daughter. The best solution was a prison visit, although this sometimes made things worse.

  Stacy’s place was three doors down on the right. There were two cars in the driveway, but no lights on in the living room. Strange. She supposed they could be at the back of the house or in the basement. On the other hand, what if they weren’t there at all?

  Casey stared at the windows until she thought she saw a curtain ripple slightly in one of the bedrooms. Damn, had someone seen her? Summer maybe? But what would she be doing in a darkened bedroom? Oh god. Casey’s body g
rew rigid as she tried to figure out what to do. Should she head down the back lane and view the house from another angle? Should she charge up to the front door and start pounding?

  A raindrop plopped on her forehead, then another. An ominous rumble filled the sky, followed by lightning. Cheyenne whimpered and pulled on the leash. The dog wasn’t going to put up with a recon mission in wet, thunderous weather.

  “Okay, girl. Let’s go home.” An impulsive act wouldn’t help anyway. She needed to think through a strategy to find the truth about Summer’s activities.

  Picking up the pace, Casey barely made it to the end of the block before the deluge started. She and Cheyenne began to run. The only good thing about the weather was that fewer people would be out tonight, which could mean fewer problems for Lou.

  Another lightning bolt made Cheyenne bark. Cheyenne couldn’t get home fast enough. She raced up the back steps, whining and fidgeting until Casey opened the kitchen door. Fetching Cheyenne’s towel, she soaked up the worst of the raindrops before they headed upstairs.

  Inside her apartment, she peeled off the wet clothes, then checked her phone. A text message from Summer sent less than ten minutes ago said, Change of plans. Gone to Theresa’s. Bigger space.

  Interesting timing. Casey didn’t know where Theresa lived, but since Summer’s friends went to the same high school, it likely wouldn’t be far from here. Not that this put Casey’s mind at ease. Still needing a solid plan, she texted OK. Texting made lying far too easy.

  . . .

  Casey had dozed off in front of the TV when her phone rang. Calls at one-thirty in the morning were never good. At least Summer had come home just before her curfew and was safely in bed. Casey jolted upright and grabbed the phone. It was Lou.

  “You all right?” she blurted.

  “Yeah, fine. Thought you should know that Gwyn’s office has been torched. I had to park the bus a block from the property. Fire department and cops won’t let us in.”

  “Holy crap. Are the dispatchers okay?”