by Robin Mahle
“You’re serious?” Abrams asked.
“Damn right I am.”
“Does his family know?” Decker added.
“Son, I am just as in the dark as you are at the moment. We’ll have to sit tight until they arrive. Then we’ll find out where the hell that kid’s been. I better call the lieutenant. He’s had guys working round the clock to help us out.” Ward started toward his office. “Let me know when they arrive.”
“Will do, Captain.” Riley shook her head. “I still can’t believe it.”
“It’s a good thing, though, right?” Decker asked. “I mean, he’s alive and that’s what we all wanted.”
“Of course, yes. But Jacob said Alex was going on about how it was all his fault.” Riley returned to her chair and slowly sat down. “I don’t know what to think right now. I sure as hell didn’t see this coming.”
“None of us did, Riley,’ Ethan said. “Maybe now this whole thing can be put to bed.”
“I think this is only the beginning,” she replied.
The room fell silent. It was as if a miracle had occurred, yet no one could really believe it. They were sure it had been the men who approached Jacob and Alex two nights ago. No phone, no keys. It seemed impossible he was alive, let alone walking into work as if nothing had happened.
Riley tried to refocus, to wrap her head around this new result. It would change the entire dynamics of the investigation. Was there even an investigation anymore? “We can’t let Jacob go through with the game tonight. There’s no point now,” she said to no one in particular, though her three colleagues listened intently.
“Look, maybe the time’s come now, now that Alex is safe. We just go and arrest Levin for illegal gambling. The rest isn’t our problem.” Chris Decker returned to his desk and sat down. “I agree with Riley. No way in hell should we allow Jacob anywhere near that game tonight. He doesn’t need to be there. Not anymore.”
“I hear what you’re saying,” Abrams began. “But we’re still dealing with a situation whereby the man who owns the bar is fearful for his life, by all accounts. People are here and they are after him, make no mistake about that. Thompson hit the nail on the head. This ain’t over. We haven’t even scratched the surface.”
The door opened and Jacob walked inside with Alex a few steps behind.
Riley jumped to her feet. “I can’t believe what I’m seeing.”
Alex slunk in as if he knew the trouble he’d caused and regretted every second of it. “I can’t imagine what you all must think of me right now.”
“Do you know what we’ve done to try to find you, man?” Abrams asked.
“Yes. Jacob told me and I just don’t know what to say.”
Ward pulled open his door and stepped out. “How about you start by explaining what the hell went down two nights ago. And you better not leave out a single damn word.”
22
The revelation of Alex Laughlin’s whereabouts for the previous two days had been far less remarkable than the officers had expected. He’d spilled his guts and yet Riley knew there was more to the story. In fact, she sensed the entirety of his story had been fabricated but sat there in silence nonetheless. Laughlin didn’t know what she was capable of, and had he known, he might’ve worked harder to spin his tale. As it was, his transparency, or lack thereof, all but assured Riley this game was far from over.
“And so you just decided to come back and face the music, is that what we’re to believe?” Ward sat perched at the edge of Riley’s desk and he peered back at her, seemingly for confirmation she hadn’t bought it either.
“I realized what I’d put everyone through, especially my family, and I knew it couldn’t continue. I got myself into this mess and it was time I owned up to it. I can’t tell you all how very sorry I am.” Alex turned to Jacob. “And that goes double for you. I’m sorry, man.”
Jacob nodded half-heartedly.
“Well, what’s the plan now, Captain?” Abrams pulled his feet from his desk and sat at attention. “We have our supposed victim back, safe and sound.”
“That we do. I think it’s time we huddle up and sort through this mess and figure out a plan of action.” Ward stood. “Jacob, would you see to it Alex gets some food in him. You too, for that matter. It’s past lunchtime as it is.”
“Sure. I’ll run out and get everyone some food,” Jacob replied.
“Take him with you. Don’t want him pulling another disappearing act on us, now do we?”
Jacob nodded and led Alex outside.
Ward turned to Riley at their departure. “Now I know you have the gift of sight, but it doesn’t take a genius to see that boy is lying through his sparkling white teeth.”
“He is, and it’s because he’s afraid. They threatened him—threatened his family,” Riley said. “What he left out was that they want him in the game tonight. He doesn’t have a choice.”
“To what end and who?” Decker stood from his desk and walked toward Riley, leaning against the filing cabinet behind her.
“To make sure Silas Levin loses everything. Alex knows he has to go in there tonight and do exactly the opposite of what Silas wants. The men who held him, they know Silas’s back is against a wall and that he has debts that need to be repaid. They’re going to ensure he can’t repay them. It’s Ackerman who’s behind this, just like we suspected.”
“How is that possible? What do they know that we don’t?” Abrams asked.
“I can’t say. These people, they hang around in similar circles. Someone obviously said something and word got back to Ackerman.”
“What I still don’t get is why they took him in the first place,” Ward began. “Take him then let him go? Do they believe that won’t raise a whole lot of red flags?”
“Again, Captain, I just don’t have an answer for that.” Riley regarded her colleagues. “Alex is terrified, that much I know. I think our priority has to be to ensure the safety of his family and then to keep him and Jacob safe tonight.”
“You still want Jacob in on that game?” Abrams asked. “Why?”
“Because if anything changes, apart from the fact that Silas is going to be a little surprised to see Alex, he’ll bail. And if he does, we won’t find Ackerman or his men, who we know took Laughlin. Those men still have to account for their crime of kidnapping, even if Alex won’t admit that’s what happened. This can’t have all been for nothing. Ackerman is after Silas for something. And Silas will do anything to keep the people he owes money to off his back.”
Ward folded his arms. “Wires. Both those kids are going in there with wires. There’s no other way to keep them safe.”
“For Pete’s sake, Captain, that could make them far less safe,” Decker said. “What if they get a pat down?”
“They didn’t for the last game. Why would that change?” Ward replied. “That’s the deal or there is no deal. And we’ll turn this over to the big boys and let them put Laughlin’s family in Witsec or whatever the hell they want to do with them.”
“I don’t mind saying, I’d prefer to go that route,” Abrams said.
“Well, this is still our town,” Ward began. “Either we uphold the law or we fold like a bad hand.”
Captain Ward negotiated with the county to have access to their surveillance tech. While he waited at their nearest station, Riley and Ethan were tasked with following through on safety precautions for Laughlin’s family.
Riley pulled alongside the front of the home and stopped the engine. “Let’s go have a talk with Mrs. Laughlin.” She stepped out of the car with Ethan following closely behind. Upon approaching the door, she knocked lightly.
A young woman, not much older than Riley, slowly opened the door just a crack. “Yes?”
“Mrs. Zoe Laughlin? I’m Officer Thompson, this is Officer Pruitt. We’re here because of your husband.”
The woman opened the door a little wider. “Is he okay? He left here this morning.”
Riley raised a pre-emptive hand. “He’s
fine, although I’m sure you’re aware of the events of the past few days.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“Then you’ll understand it when I say that we’re here to escort you and your children to your nearest relative.”
“We have to leave? Why? Alex said everything was okay now.”
“It isn’t yet, but it will be soon. I promise you. Are your children here?”
“Yes. It’s summer vacation. They’re home.” She stepped aside. “Please, come in.”
“Thank you.” Riley walked inside. “You have a beautiful home.”
She nodded. “My sister lives in Terra Haute. We can stay there for a few days. She won’t mind.”
“Perfect. It won’t be more than a day or two, I guarantee. Our priority is to ensure you and your kids are safe.”
“Please understand, Mrs. Laughlin,” Ethan began. “You won’t be able to tell her why you’re there. Not the real reason. It’ll only make an already difficult situation worse.”
“I understand, but I’m still waiting to hear the real reason.” She regarded them with uncertainty. “Is this supposed to happen now?”
“It would be best, yes, ma’am,” Riley replied. “We can escort you to the edge of town. From there, the County Sheriff’s office will take you the rest of the way.”
“Of course. I’ll go pack a bag and get the kids ready. It’ll just be a few minutes. Can I get you some water or something?”
“No, thank you.” Riley bared a tender smile. “This will be over soon.”
Zoe nodded and disappeared into the hallway.
Riley’s shoulders dropped and she exhaled a breath. “I feel terrible for her.”
“It’s for their safety. Just try to remember that,” Ethan replied.
“I know. I just hate lying to people. She’s scared out of her mind. I don’t know what Alex told her, but I have a feeling he might’ve told her the truth, which is probably what he should do, but it’s placed a terrible burden on her.”
“You can’t do anything more than you’re doing, Riley.” Ethan held her gaze. “You’re a good person. I know I’ve said this before but dealing with the emotions of others—I don’t know how you do it and don’t completely fall apart.”
“Oh, I fall apart sometimes. I just don’t show anyone.”
Zoe returned. “Okay, we’re ready.” She held the hands of her two young children. A boy and a girl, who appeared to have no understanding of why they were leaving but didn’t seem concerned by it.
Riley nodded. “Then we should head out.”
They returned to the cruiser while the mother of two loaded her children in her minivan and started the engine.
“Once we make sure she’s safely in the Sheriff’s hands, we’ll head back to base and check to see how they’re coming along.” Riley pulled out behind her and trailed the woman. “You don’t see any tails?”
“No. We’re not being followed.” Ethan eyed the side-view mirror and peered back over his shoulder. “I just want to make sure we keep it that way.”
“Me too.” She kept her eyes glued on the minivan as it worked its way through town. “After this, do you mind if we take a quick detour? It won’t take long.”
“Not at all.” Ethan studied her for a moment. “I’m glad it was you I was assigned to.”
She turned to him with mild confusion. “What do you mean? When you joined?”
“Yeah. I mean, I could’ve been paired with Decker, or worse, Abrams. But Captain put me with you.”
“That was a long time ago, Ethan.” She continued to keep her sights on the vehicle ahead.
“Four years. I knew I wanted to be a cop, so that’s what I did. And I couldn’t imagine a better partner.”
“This is it. Town limits.” Riley flashed her lights at the Sheriff’s car ahead.
The deputy returned the gesture before pulling out onto the road just behind Zoe Laughlin and her children.
“You sure she’ll be okay the rest of the way?” Ethan asked.
“I’m sure. The county guys know what they’re doing.” She turned to him. “And besides, I have a gut feeling.” Riley smiled before turning around and heading back.
Ethan looked on until it seemed he figured out where she was heading. “This minor detour of yours—Carl?”
“I want to talk to him for a minute. Is that okay?”
“Of course it is.”
Riley pulled to a stop near the entrance of the church’s cemetery. She unbuckled her seat belt and opened the door. “I’ll only be a minute.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Ethan asked.
“I need to do this on my own.” She stepped outside and began walking. A brief turn back and she noticed Ethan keeping an eagle-eye watch over her.
Riley walked across the perfectly manicured grass until reaching the headstone. Carl, of course, didn’t have any family, so it was up to her to organize the funeral. As a Vietnam veteran, he had been buried with military honors. She wasn’t sure if he would’ve appreciated that or not. Riley had witnessed some of the hardships he’d faced during the war. Their bond was such that it had become inevitable she would live through it as he had. Part of it anyway. Any more and she might have been driven mad with pain and grief. It was no wonder he was hardened.
Riley stood before his headstone and smiled at her recollection of the first time she met Carl Boyd, Sr. He frightened the living daylights out of her. There she stood, in front of his trailer as he opened the aluminum door. She was only ten and hadn’t yet known the reach of her gift. In fact, in those days, she’d barely known what it was. But Carl changed everything.
Her legs had frozen in place as he peered at her with irritation. “What do you want?” he’d said. Typical, crotchety old man. He never changed either. Except they’d grown to love each other and depend on one another deeply over the next fifteen years. And now he’d gone and left her to her own devices.
“You showed me the cards. I didn’t understand it then, but I see now what lies ahead.” She crouched down and placed her hand on the mound of grass before her. “I can’t see it all, though. Not this time. I don’t know how it will end. Why can’t I see it? What’s happening to the command of it I once had?”
He’d been gone far too long to reach her; she knew that well enough. Their connection had severed, and she was on her own to figure this out. But just talking to him one more time; perhaps it would bring clarity.
“I’m afraid for Jacob, but I have to go through with this. You know it as well as I do.” She shook her head. “I really need you, Carl. I need your guidance.”
Nothing. She felt nothing, not that she expected to, but maybe… Riley pushed up again and started back to the cruiser where Ethan waited patiently. She had been instructed to put such a tight rein on her ability that she no longer realized its full potential. Carl advocated for such a day because, deep down, he was fearful, both of her and for her. She’d given in to him and to Dan Ward, and to Jacob. She’d given in to all of them because she always strived to please those around her, regardless of her own feelings, her own desires.
Now that Carl was gone, Jacob was once again in a perilous situation, and Ward, as always, levied restraint in her, maybe of her. Perhaps the time had come for Riley Thompson to let go of that restraint, unleash her potential. Something inside told her this was required in order to make it to the other side. The other side of what? she thought.
Riley returned to the car and stepped inside.
“Everything okay?” Ethan asked.
“Fine. Thanks for giving me the time.”
“Sure.” He peered at her for a moment. “Did you—see anything?”
“No. I’m on my own this time.” Riley turned the engine and pulled away.
The station was just ahead and Riley hadn’t said anything the entire drive back. She parked and stepped out, immediately walking toward the entrance without waiting for Ethan, who jogged to catch up.
A quick overview of
the parking lot and Riley noticed Jacob’s car was still there. That was a good sign. It appeared Ward had also returned, meaning it was time to get the ball rolling.
Riley pushed through the doors and spotted the team in the bullpen, with Ward fiddling with the surveillance equipment. “Do you know how to use any of this stuff?”
He gazed up at her from the table where the equipment sat. “I’ll have you know I keep up to date on my training, thank you very much. Just remember I’ve been a cop since you were in diapers.”
She smiled on approach and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know that, Captain. I’m only giving you grief.”
Jacob walked toward her. “How’d everything go? Alex is in the restroom. Anything I should know?”
“Zoe Laughlin and her kids made it safely out of town. I don’t foresee any problems ahead for them. The rest of us, I’m not so sure about.”
Alex emerged from the hall. “You’re back.”
“Everything’s fine, Alex. Your family will be safe, and when this is over, they can come home.”
His shoulders sank in relief. “Thank you, Officer Thompson. Thank you.”
Riley nodded before turning back to Ward. “How much longer before we can strap up these two?” She thumbed at Alex and Jacob.
“Just as soon as I can figure out how the hell this receiver works.” Lowell Abrams sat at the table and turned knobs and pressed buttons as though he knew what he was doing.
Chris Decker appeared from the back entrance of the building. “Okay, the van’s here. We’re all set to get the gear inside and get her hooked up.”
Ethan checked the time. “We still have about four hours. Anything else we need to get handled before we move this thing along?”
Jacob took hold of Riley’s arm. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
She peered at the team, who witnessed the exchange. “Sure.” She followed him back to the breakroom. “What is it? We’re right in the middle of this and I can’t have you pulling me aside for personal reasons. It doesn’t look good, Jacob.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I just need to talk to you about things that might go unsaid otherwise should tonight not go to plan.”