Murder at Black Lake

by Anne Patrick

  She wasn't surprised when Gage informed her before he left that he had every intention of going with her to the interview in Cheyenne tomorrow. He played the night-in-shining-armor very well.

  "Morning, sweetheart." Stella wrapped an arm around Jamie and gave her a gentle squeeze. "I don't suppose you've been to bed?"

  "Not yet." It wasn't for lack of trying. Every time Jamie closed her eyes, she thought of her intruder. The attempted mugging had shaken her, but not like this. The man was in her house. In her bedroom. Had his hands on her. Could have easily killed her. She remembered the first words he spoke. There wasn't a doubt in her mind it was the same man who had killed her father and stabbed her.

  Stella pulled a skillet from one of the lower cabinets and placed it on the stove. "I'm going to fix me an omelet. You want one?"

  "No thanks." Jamie took a drink of her coffee.

  "Do you want to talk about it?"

  "Not really." All Jamie wanted were answers. What happened to all of her mother's money? Did her mother hire someone to kill Jamie and her dad? Why didn't the guy kill her when he had the chance? Was he the same person who attacked her in Greensburg? Was he only trying to scare her off? If so, why? She had few memories of the night her dad was killed. It's not like she could identify the man who did it, but maybe he thought she could.

  Jamie recalled the police chief's statement in her dad's case file. She had fought with the guy. Was it possible she got a look at him and just couldn't remember?

  There was only one way to find out. She had to go back to Eden Forest.

  ***

  Gage finished typing Jamie's statement and slid it into a folder. He would have her sign it tonight when he joined her for dinner. His mom had extended the invitation when he called earlier to check on Jamie. She told him that after a lot of persuasion, she finally talked Jamie into a nap. Seeing Jamie in that state had brought out emotions he hadn't felt in a long time. He was determined now, more than ever, to find the man who attacked her.

  Derek came in the office. "I replaced Jamie's basement window. Now I'm going to head home and get some sleep."

  "Thanks, Derek."

  "See you tomorrow."

  "No, you won't. I'm switching with Alex. I wanna go with Jamie to her interview in Cheyenne."

  "Good idea. Saturday then." Derek started out the door then turned. "Any news on Lucy Jennings?"

  "She's still in critical condition. Keep her in your prayers."

  "Will do."

  Gage remembered what Jamie told him yesterday about Lucy's recollection of an eyewitness and decided to give his boss a call.

  Mrs. Brody answered the phone then passed it to her husband. "How're things going, Gage?"

  "Well, let's just say I appreciate you more than I did."

  Ken Brody laughed. "From what I hear, you're doing a great job."

  "Thank you, sir. How's the back?"

  "Hurts like the dickens, but I'm getting around a lot better."

  "That's good to hear. Hey, boss, the reason I called is the Riedel case. Remember I told you Jamie Riedel requested to look at it? I read through it, too, but there is no mention of an eyewitness. Which, according to Mrs. Jennings, there was one."

  "That's right, there was. It wouldn't be in the file, though. It's my understanding that the kid went straight to the prosecutor later in the trial. That's all I know. She could request the trial transcript from the courthouse."

  "I thought of that, but since he was a juvenile, his name was most likely omitted from the court records."

  "What's going on, Gage?"

  "Well, sir, I'm almost positive the jury convicted the wrong person. The killer is still around here, and he's tried to hurt Jamie twice now."

  "Tell me everything."

  Gage told him what he knew and asked him to please not tell anyone that she was in town.

  "I won't unless I absolutely have to. It sounds like this witness could very well be the killer. Let me make some phone calls and see if I can track down Joe Franklin, the former chief, and find out if he knows the guy's name. In the meantime, try and keep all this as quiet as you can. If the media gets wind of this, it's going to turn into a nightmare for both Miss Riedel and us."

  ***

  Later that night, Gage joined Jamie on his mom's deck. In the distance, streaks of lightning lit up the dark sky, followed by the low rumble of thunder. "God is putting on quite a show for us tonight."

  "Yes, He is." Jamie folded her arms.

  "You doing all right?"

  Jamie nodded her reply. She had been quiet throughout most of dinner. Obviously still shaken by the break-in.

  "Jamie, you don't have to stay. I'm sure Mr. Addison would be happy to handle the listing of your house. The paperwork can be completed by mail. And as far as the work on the house, Mallory and I—"

  "I'm not going anywhere, Gage. Not until I have some answers."

  A part of him was glad she wasn't running away. But he knew those answers she sought could come at a great price. "That could take awhile . . . and you may not like what you find."

  "I'm willing to take that chance." She lowered her arms. Placing her hands on the railing, she looked at him. "My father's killer is still out there. My being here scares him. There's only one reason I can think of as to why that is."

  "He thinks you can identify him," Gage surmised.

  "Maybe I can. I think if I go back there, it may jog my memory."

  "Is that what you were doing when I followed you into the woods that day?"

  "Yeah, only I lost my nerve." She shook her head and stared off into the distance.

  Gage knew from the chief's statement in her father's case file that she had defensive wounds on her arms and hands. She had fought with the man. The cop in him wanted to go along with her suggestion of going back to the campsite, to see if she could remember something else that would help lead him to the killer. But at the same time, he didn't want to subject her to any more pain.

  "Will you come with me? We could go tomorrow, after my interview."

  "You bet," he answered. No way was he letting her go into those woods alone. "So what were you looking for when you ransacked the house?"

  "Oh, that. I was looking for my mother's cache. I found out Dad's insurance paid half a million dollars to Mom after my father was murdered. I also found a bank statement, which showed a saving account balance of two hundred thousand before the money was added. That means at one point, she had seven hundred thousand dollars; but when I went to close out her account, there was only forty-two thousand."

  "She blew that much money in fourteen years?"

  "I think a large part of it may have gone to the person she hired to kill her family."

  "What?"

  "I'm serious. According to her bank statements, there were several large cash withdrawals, beginning with one hundred thousand shortly after she received the insurance money, followed by smaller, but still significant ones over the years. Mr. Stanford confirmed them. Since I haven't been able to find any money she might have hoarded away at the house, the only other explanation I can come up with is she paid to have us killed."

  Gage tried to wrap his head around the accusation. It seemed ridiculous, but he knew other cases where it happened. These days, the news was littered with stories of spouses and even children murdering their family members for money. And seven hundred thousand dollars was a lot of incentive.

  "I should've told you earlier, but it's hard to believe my own mother was capable of something that terrible."

  "Did you look in the attic?" Gage refused to give into the theory just yet. "When I checked the wiring last week, I noticed a lot of boxes and old trunks stored up there."

  "That's the only place I haven't searched."

  "I'll check it out this weekend."

  Stella came to the door. "Gage, Mallory's on the phone. She wants to talk to you."

  "Excuse me." He turned at the doorway. "You want some more tea when I come back out?" />
  "No, thanks."

  ***

  Jamie watched Gage disappear inside. She had never had a man in her life as dependable as him. Not only was he protective of her, just as he had been as a kid, but he also listened to her. Really listened. He didn't cast judgment. Wasn't condescending. Didn't try to impress her. He had that unpretentious 'what you see is what you get' attitude that most men in her circle of friends lacked. Most of all, he was sincere in his actions, and never pretended to be someone he wasn't. He was comfortable with himself and didn't give a hoot what other people thought of him.

  Jamie leaned out and let the gentle mist hit her face, its heavenly scent casting away her anxiety. The sensation brought her a sense of peace. Like God placing His hand on her shoulder and telling her everything was going to workout.

  The patio doors opened again and it wasn't but a second, Gage stepped to her side.

  "The storm is getting closer." He leaned on the railing next to her. Their arms nearly touching, she could feel his body's heat. And the steady breeze carried the scent of his cologne.

  "Yeah."

  "Are you sure you're okay?"

  Jamie looked at him. "I guess I can add this experience to my internal catalog of inspiration to draw from in future roles."

  A smile feathered across his lips and reached his warm green eyes. The memory of him sneaking that childhood kiss popped into her thoughts and her heart raced. She remembered how natural it felt when she called him after the break-in. How safe he made her feel when he took her into his arms and soothed her fear with the gentleness of his voice.

  Gage slowly leaned toward her, his gaze steady, his warm breath caressing her skin. He stopped mere inches from her lips. "It's late. I should let you get some sleep." Then started to walk off.

  Jamie snagged his hand. He turned and she slid her arm around his neck, pulling him toward her, and kissed him lightly on the lips. Embarrassed by her actions, her cheeks aflame, she took a step back, but Gage wrapped both arms around her waist and drew her to him. His mouth fell hard on hers and she didn't hesitate giving in to his searching embrace.

  The kiss ended as he leaned back and gazed at her, the corner of his mouth lifted.

  "Wow. You've been practicing," Jamie said with a nervous giggle.

  He laughed then pulled her back into his arms and hugged her.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Gage stood off to the side of the set and watched Jamie's interview on the portable monitor. The female news anchor asked Jamie a series of questions, beginning with the attempted mugging. Thankfully, the location wasn't mentioned. She then asked Jamie about the movie she had just finished filming a few weeks ago. They talked about the grueling hours an actor puts in on a movie set and the stress that goes along with it. Gage was impressed with Jamie's candidness and humility, but what struck him most in the interview, was that Jamie credited God for all her achievements. He admired that. A lot of people forget their roots and are spoilt by the bounties of success. Maybe she, too, had been at one time but she was no longer that person.

  His thoughts drifted back to their kiss last night. Neither of them had spoken about its repercussions on their friendship, but their relationship had definitely moved to a whole other level. What that meant, he wasn't sure. He just knew he had to be careful because he could easily fall in love with her—if he hadn't already.

  "Well, how was it?"

  Jamie's voice snapped him back to the present. "I'm sorry?"

  "You weren't even watching, were you?" She hiked a hand up to her waist. The blue dress she wore hugged every curve of her body.

  "Yes, I was. I was only distracted for a second. You did a superb job."

  "Thank you." Jamie blew out a short breath. "I'm glad it's over with. Let me go change and we can get out of here." She started in the direction of the dressing rooms and was accosted by one of the cameramen and an older woman who requested autographs.

  Gage frowned, as she obliged. On the off chance he had a future with her, this is what it would be like. Jamie was a celebrity. She had millions of fans. There would be movie premieres, awards banquets, elaborate dinners to which he would be obligated to go with her. Could he handle that? Would he be able to deal with the limelight, the paparazzi, and the tabloid stories? Where would they live? What would he do? He was a cop. He loved his work. How could he ever give that up?

  I'm moving way ahead of myself. It was just a kiss, for crying out loud.

  ***

  On the drive back to Jackson Ridge, Gage had grown awfully quiet. It wasn't like him. They were never at a loss for words when they were together. Jamie glanced over. He seemed in deep concentration, but not so much on the traffic. She wondered if he was thinking of backing out of their plans to go to the campsite. "Everything okay, Gage?"

  He smiled at her. "Yeah. I was just thinking."

  About last night? Jamie didn't dare ask. She had never been that brazen with a man before and wasn't sure exactly what it meant. One thing was certain, she'd been kissed by some of Hollywood's hottest leading men, and none of their kisses had nearly the effect on her as his kiss did.

  "Who all have you spoken to about your dad's murder since you've been back?"

  "Just your family, Bob Addison, and Lucy Jennings," Jamie answered, glad for the distraction. "Why?"

  "You were in town both Tuesday and Wednesday. Besides Lucy, who all did you see?"

  "Mr. Addison on Tuesday. I wanted to know about my dad's insurance policy, and we talked a little about the trial. He didn't know who the witness was or who Dwight's attorney was. Then on Wednesday, I went to the bank and talked to Mr. Stanford about the bank statements. What are you thinking?"

  "I don't know yet. What was your dad's relationship with Addison like? Did they get along? They were equal partners in the firm, right?"

  "Yes, and according to Mr. Addison, they were best friends."

  "But that's just what he said. Do you remember if your dad ever had any problems with him?"

  "As far as I know, they always got along. You don't think Mr. Addison is involved, do you?"

  "I don't know, Jamie. One of them could've hired this guy to run you out of town. Bob and your mom were close friends in the years following your dad's murder. He knew about the insurance policy, and he knew you were coming to Jackson Ridge."

  "What happened to the theory of the witness being the killer?"

  "It's still in play. I'm just working all the angles."

  "Spoken like a true detective."

  Gage chuckled as he reached over and wrapped his hand around hers. Jamie smiled at him. Whatever this was, she had never felt it before.

  An hour later, they arrived at the entrance of Eden Forrest. Please help me do this, Lord.

  Gage parked his truck at the trailhead, then Jamie followed him into the woods. Unlike the day she had come here alone, she felt safe. He continued to hold her hand as they traveled through the dense forest of trees.

  The feeling of safety faded quickly the further they went into the forest. Jamie's heart raced; her throat went dry. She licked her lips and swallowed, trying to ease her discomfort to no avail. Determined to continue, she sucked in another long breath and soldiered on, keenly aware of every little sound. The air grew thicker. Perspiration gathered on her forehead. Jamie tried to force herself to take long even breaths, but it wasn't working. She felt like she was trapped in a room with no air.

  Jamie stopped. "I can't do this, Gage. I thought I could, but I can't. I'm sorry."

  "Come here." Gage pulled her into his arms and held her.

  The steady rhythm of his heart beating against her ear was soothing. Reassuring.

  "Look at me." He lifted her chin.

  Jamie met his sympathetic gaze, tears welling in her eyes. She wanted so badly to be brave. To not disappoint him.

  "Remember the night I told you I was the one who kissed you and not Carter? Remember later, you told me you trusted me? Well, I'm asking you to trust me right now. I know y
ou can do this, Jamie, or I never would've agreed to it. You're one of the strongest people I know, and having lived in a house with three of the most independent women I've ever met, that's saying a lot. I'm going to be right there with you. I swear I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You're safe. No one is going to hurt you while I'm with you."

  "Okay."

  ***

  To put Jamie more at ease, Gage suggested they take a shortcut and move along the bank of the lake and approach the campsite that way. It was the trail they sometimes took when they were kids, and hopefully, it would help to settle Jamie's nerves. Up ahead, he saw the old boat dock from which they used to dive. After the park service built the campgrounds on the other side of the lake, hardly anyone but hikers used this area. That's why they had preferred camping here. No adults to holler at them to keep their radio down; could stay up as late as they wanted. They had so much fun.

  Jamie turned loose of his hand and walked up the slight incline. He followed, but not too closely.

  The area where they used to camp was now overgrown with weeds and vines, but the fire pit he and Carter had built when they were nine was still visible. Jamie walked slowly toward it. Gage stayed a few steps behind her. He prayed they weren't making a horrible mistake by coming here.

  "My dad and I made S'mores here," Jamie said, stopping at the fire pit. "I remember wishing you and Mallory were here with us. Ours didn't taste as good as the ones she made." Jamie walked around the circle of stacked rocks. "Dad said it was getting late. We should turn in so we could get up early and go fishing again."

  Several minutes later, Jamie came to an abrupt stop. She stared straight ahead at the grove of trees. "There." She pointed. "He came out of there. As soon as I saw him, I screamed. Daddy jumped up." Jamie's chest began to heave. Gage could hear her breathe from where he stood. "He grabbed my dad . . . cut his throat. There was so much blood." Her voice cracked. Tears streamed down both cheeks. "I remember the look in my dad's eyes. He was looking right at me."