Collecting the Pieces

by L. A. Fiore

  “Sounds good to me.”

  “See ya, Sidney.”

  I watched Ichabod for a minute as it settled over me that this was home. It had only been six months, but Rylee and I were now considered one of them and I had to say, that felt really great.

  Reaching the clinic, I unlocked the door while calling, “I’ve got coffee.”

  “Good thing I called out. Jayce stepped in front of Rylee, covering her body with his own; both were in different stages of dress.

  “Oh. Sorry.”

  “No, we are. We lost track of time.”

  “I’ll leave.”

  “We’ll only be a minute.”

  Rylee peered at me from behind Jayce, she was grinning.

  “I’ll get donuts to go with the coffee. Take your time.”

  “Best friend ever,” Rylee called after me and then she giggled. I went for donuts, ate two in the bakery to give Rylee and Jayce more time.

  Tiny was in the office, setting up the computer. Remy and I were building the worktables and the wallboards for the tools, but all I could think about was that fucking phone call. I thought she was dead and I fucking couldn’t breathe, hadn’t wanted to. It’d been three days and still just thinking about it caused my gut to twist in agony. Keith was okay; he was going to make it and only because Sidney had been there, had stopped him from bleeding out. Wildlife patrol came and removed the mountain lion. At least that threat had been removed. And Cain. I had told her to put him down that day months ago and yet he’d jumped in front of her, putting himself in harm’s way to protect her like she had done for him. If he hadn’t been there, she’d be dead. He could have whatever the fuck he wanted for the rest of his life. Sidney had made arrangements for Morning Star’s body to be cremated. It had hit her hard, losing her, but from what I had heard there wasn’t a thing she could have done.

  “Hi Abel.”

  Carly strolled into the shop, Duncan with her. She looked good and they both looked happy. “Hey. I heard about the job, congratulations.”

  “Thanks, I can’t wait to start.”

  Sliding my gaze to Duncan I asked, “How are you?”

  “Dad and I have been talking and I’m going to start a branch of Hellar Farm that works with racing horses.”

  “When did that happen?”

  “Our newest horse, Domino, he’s a runner. I want to see what he can do.”

  “From the look of you, it sounds like something you really want.”

  “Yeah. I’ve come to learn it’s not the farm I don’t want, I just want to focus on something more than trail rides and training.”

  “I’m happy for you brother. And you two seem to be making up for lost time.”

  Duncan’s arm went around Carly’s shoulders; she leaned into him, the action almost instinctual. “Yeah, we are. We stopped by to see if you wanted to grab lunch?”

  “I’d like that, but I’m behind.” And I was because I’d been cutting out early to spend time with Sidney. She was having a girl’s night with Rylee at her house tonight, which meant I could put in some extra hours. “Jayce and I are meeting up for dinner at the Brass Bull around seven.”

  “All right, we’ll see you there. We’ll let you get back to it.”

  They started away; I called after them. “I’m glad you’re back, both of you.”

  Tiny called it quits at five and Remy left around six. I was meeting Jayce and the others in a half an hour, just enough time to get the last worktable setup. I’d been thinking about Christmas and knew part of it involved presents. I had an idea for Sidney, but I was going to need some help. Rylee was the obvious choice, but I could also call Lauren. Christmas Eve was tomorrow; I needed to get on that. I couldn’t help the grin thinking about Sidney on Christmas morning in those pajamas she’d bought. Thank Christ she hadn’t gotten me any because I would have hated hurting her feelings but there was no fucking way I was wearing pajamas with cats in Santa hats. Besides I think she preferred my dress for bed, that being naked. I tried to convince her to do the same, but she always dressed after we fucked. I didn’t mind, I enjoyed the show, enjoyed even more removing her clothes in the morning.

  The sound of the door opening turned my attention to see as Sheriff Lenin entered. “Abel, do you have a few minutes?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I got a call from a Jasper Stephens. He mentioned you knew what he shared with me.”

  “He’s kept me in the loop.”

  “Got some good direction from his investigators. I’ve been looking into Owen, not liking what I’ve been learning.”

  “The blackmail?”

  “That and the fact that he knew both Belinda and Sammie, was in town at the time of both of their deaths.”

  “You think he’s the killer?”

  “He had means and opportunity. In Sammie’s case, I’ve done some digging and withdrawals from Sammie’s accounts match deposits in that bank account Owen has.”

  “So Sammie was a mark.”

  “Yeah, but those deposits stopped in March.”

  “Giving Owen motive.”

  “Yeah.”

  “But why Belinda?”

  “Maybe she didn’t want to play anymore or maybe she wanted a bigger piece of the pie.”

  “What do you mean? He was giving her a cut?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Shit.”

  “It’s all circumstantial, but it’s enough for me to bring him in for questioning. He’s the only person that was linked to both victims, was in the area at the time of their deaths and doesn’t have an alibi. I’m telling you as a courtesy because I know he’s got his sights set on your girl. He catches wind I’m looking for him, it might cause him to put into action whatever he’s got planned.”

  It wasn’t anger but fear for Sidney that burned through me at that warning. Owen was a bit like the mountain lion, wild and backed in a corner. His actions were unpredictable at best.

  “Thanks for the heads up.”

  “You bet.”

  I really wanted to finish building the worktable, but after hearing the sheriff’s news so much for working late. I reached for my phone to dial Sidney to tell her that her girl’s night just became co-ed night when Owen stepped from the shadows with a gun trained on me.

  “Drop the phone, son.”

  “What the fuck are you doing?”

  “They’ve got it all wrong and I ain’t sticking around to have two murders pinned on me.”

  “Again, so what the fuck are you doing here?”

  “I need cash and I know where I can get a mountain of it.”

  Sidney.

  “The Stephenses will pay whatever I ask and you’re my leverage.”

  “If you think I’m going to help you blackmail them, you are out of your fucking mind.”

  “There’s a car in the back, let’s go. And if you think to call for the sheriff when we get out there, I will shoot him.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “I’ll shoot you too and then find that pretty little lady of yours. Maybe I’ll even enjoy her before I put a bullet between her eyes.”

  Bloodlust came over me as my hands curled into fists.

  “There’s no way you reach me before I squeeze the trigger and if you think I’d hesitate, you’re a fucking fool. Move.”

  “I’m going to rip your fucking throat out.”

  “No you’re not. See that blue sedan? Walk to the trunk.”

  Everything in me wanted to attack, take the risk, but if he shot me I knew he’d make good on his threat. I wouldn’t risk her. “You fucking put one finger on her and I swear to God you will die slowly.”

  The trunk opened. “Get in.”

  “Fuck that.”

  “I knew you’d be stubborn. I counted on it.”

  I heard two pops right before pain exploded in my chest and as I doubled over, strong hands pushed me into the trunk. “I’m not ransoming Sidney, I’m ransoming you. She’d pay anything to get you back.” A flash blinded me be
fore he added, “Too bad you’ll be dead when she does.”

  “I’m sorry you walked in on us that day. I thought we’d have more time.”

  Rylee and I were curled up on her sofa, drinking a glass of wine. I stopped home for Cain. After my rescue he didn’t like not being at my side. Currently, he was sprawled out in front of the fireplace. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “Jayce was a bit embarrassed.”

  “I didn’t see anything important.”

  Rylee’s head snapped up before she burst into laughter. “You should have seen your face.”

  “I can only imagine. I wasn’t expecting a show, but I can’t hold it against you since Abel and I did the same.”

  “You did not.”

  “Yeah, the night I stayed to watch Spike. We had sex on my chair.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah, while I read him that book you told me to read.”

  Her smile turned coy. “Kinky.”

  “Kinky or not it was hot.”

  “I bet. So what’s he doing tonight?”

  “Working late. He’s been leaving early to get home to me.”

  Compassion moved over Rylee’s face. “He’s still rattled.”

  “I don’t think it helps that his dad is in town and since we haven’t a clue what he’s up to, Abel is on edge.”

  “I can understand that.”

  My phone buzzed and I was tempted to let it ring, but it could be Abel. It wasn’t, I didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hello.”

  “Sidney?”

  “Yes.”

  “Owen Madden.”

  Everything in me went cold. “What do you want?”

  “So you know who I am. That will save us time. I have something you want and I’ll give it to you for one million dollars.”

  At his words, an array of horrifying scenarios flashed in my head. He kept talking. “Before you dismiss me, I’m sending you a text. You’ll want to look. One million dollars. I’ll give you an hour. Time is of the essence.”

  The line went dead followed shortly with a text alert. Swiping the screen, I saw a picture of Abel, but it was the red blooming on his shirt that had bile rushing up my throat. My hands shook, tears welled in my eyes and rolled down my cheeks not quite believing what I was seeing. “Oh my God.”

  I heard Rylee’s gasp, but based on where Abel was bleeding time was of the essence.

  “Call 911, Rylee.”

  She didn’t move. Turning to her, I grabbed her arms. “I need you to call 911. Now.”

  “Yeah, right. Okay.”

  She hurried to the house phone; I was already calling the Stephenses.

  Jasper answered, thank God. “Sidney?”

  “Owen Madden has Abel. Abel’s been shot and I don’t know how much time he has. Owen wants one million dollars.”

  “Son of a bitch. I’ll transfer it immediately.”

  My voice broke, “Thank you.”

  “You’ve called the cops?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll contact the National Trust of Sheridan, make arrangements for the transfer. They should have enough money in house to cover it. I’ll notify the sheriff.”

  “Thank you, oh God thank you.”

  “Hold tight, Sidney. We’ll get him back.”

  I didn’t even hear the phone disconnect, my thoughts were on that picture. Abel had been shot at least twice in the chest. There was a really good chance he was already dead. And the thought of losing him, I couldn’t go through that again. If Abel died, there would be no coming back from his loss. I folded into myself, the sobs burning up my throat. I couldn’t lose him.

  “No.” I jumped from the sofa. “He’s alive.”

  Rylee watched me and I knew from her expression she wasn’t so sure of that.

  “He’s alive Rylee. We’re going to get him back.”

  She squared her shoulders and even feeling doubt, something I saw clearly in her expression, she said with conviction. “Yes. We’re going to get him back.”

  Over the next half an hour the house filled with people. I continued to pace the kitchen waiting for the sheriff who was getting the money as impatience and fear burned a hole in my gut. I didn’t know how it would work? Would the bank give us the money? What did the sheriff intend to do once he had it? What I did know was I was going to Abel; nothing was going to stop me. Mr. Milburn stepped up to me. “Can I get you something?”

  “No.” Realizing I had been curt, I immediately reached for his hands. “But thank you.”

  “He’s going to be okay.”

  “I believe that too.” And I did because he had to be. I couldn’t lose him.

  The sheriff came in through the back door, a duffel bag in his hand. “Got it. Sidney, call Owen.”

  I hit redial.

  “You’re early. Do you have the money?”

  “Yes. I want to talk to Abel.”

  “Making demands.”

  “I want to talk to Abel.”

  Dead air for a few seconds before Abel’s weak voice came over the line. “Doc.”

  “Abel, baby. I’m coming.”

  “Don’t—”

  “Only you. Do you understand? I see anyone else and I’ll put a bullet in his head.”

  “Okay.”

  “On the Roberts property, there are some out buildings. You’ll see the car.”

  “I’m leaving now.”

  “I mean it. Come alone.”

  I grabbed the bag from the sheriff and ran out the door.

  “You can’t go alone.” Sheriff Lenin ran after me.

  “He’ll kill Abel.”

  He grabbed my arm. “I’m not letting you go alone.”

  “Abel is dying. I have to get to him. Owen has already shot him twice; he won’t hesitate to finish him off if he sees you or your cops. I will call you as soon as I can, but please I have to go to him.”

  “No. I’m only letting you do this at all because we don’t have time to fuck around, but you are a civilian and not trained for this. Where are you meeting? My men are discreet. Owen won’t see them.”

  Tears of frustration rolled down my cheek. “He’ll kill him.”

  “Sidney, trust that I know what I’m doing. He won’t know we’re there.”

  There wasn’t time for this so I conceded. “The out buildings on the Roberts property.” I grabbed the sheriff’s arms. “He can not see you. Promise me.”

  “I promise. Fucking clever of him, probably where he’s been holing up. He was likely what spooked that mountain lion to attack Keith.”

  I hadn’t thought of that, didn’t think long on it now. “I have to go.”

  “We’ll be watching, but I’ll hold back. If he tries something, we’re coming in.”

  I wasn’t sure how Owen drove a car to the out buildings, he clearly knew of another way in. I took the footpath I had seen that day Mr. Roberts showed me around. The buildings came into view, a blue sedan parked in the front of one and Owen Madden standing just next to it.

  “Where’s the money?”

  “Right here.”

  “Toss it.”

  “Where’s Abel?”

  “Inside.”

  There wasn’t time to demand to see Abel; I tossed him the bag. He grabbed for it like a greedy child, a sickening smile spreading over his face at the sight of it.

  “You shot your own son.”

  “He was never a son, just a burden.”

  “You’re a bastard.”

  “Yeah, a rich one.”

  “I want to see Abel.”

  “By all means.” He said that, even gestured grandly in the direction of the building. I didn’t hesitate, ran up the steps and pushed open the door. I heard the car engine turning over, but my attention was on Abel in the middle of the dirty floor. He was so perfectly still.

  “Abel!” I dropped to my knees at his side and my hand shook as I felt for a pulse. Then I nearly wept in joy when I felt one.

  “Abel, baby, I�
�m here. Listen to the sound of my voice. The ambulance is on its way.”

  His eyes cracked open, a hint of pale blue peeking out. “Doc.”

  “Don’t talk.”

  “Love you.”

  Tears ran like rivers down my cheeks. “Don’t you say that. Don’t you act like it’s over. Do you hear me? Stay with me. You better fucking stay with me.”

  “Took the pieces, made me whole,” he whispered.

  “And you made me whole. Stay with me, Abel. Help is coming.”

  But his eyes closed and his breathing grew labored and all I could do was sit and watch him die.

  Abel had flatlined on the way to hospital. He’d been in surgery for hours, but it wasn’t looking good. I needed to stay positive, he was alive, but the thought of wearing black again, of sitting next to a casket with him in it. The sob burned up my throat as tears flooded my eyes. That emptiness I hadn’t felt since I was young, I felt it. Chipping away at the memories I’d filled it with, breaking down all that I was. Determined to leave me in pieces again. Abel was still here with me and as long as he drew breath, I would battle that emptiness back. Wiping at my eyes, I looked around the waiting room where there was standing room only. Abel thought he didn’t have a family, but he did. And all of them were here praying and hoping. The doors opened and Mr. Milburn walked in. He wasn’t so much walking as he was staggering. I jumped from my spot to go to him, but Sheriff Lenin appeared just behind him with a gun pointed at him.

  “Drop it, Reginald.” Sheriff Lenin shouted.

  It was only then that I saw Mr. Milburn had a gun in his hand. He moved right up to me.

  “Mr. Milburn?”

  “Owen won’t bother you again.”

  “Reginald, I mean it. Drop the gun.”

  “They couldn’t get away with it. It isn’t right. I spent my life defending people like that, my wife dedicated hers and for what? What did our lives work amount to but helping those not worthy of being helped. I couldn’t allow it. I had to do something.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “Belinda. Maggie had tried so hard with her, day and night, weekends where Maggie spent hours and hours trying to reach her and that woman comes to me on the anniversary of my wife’s death sharing with glee how she’d been manipulating the townsfolk—giving information to that vile man so he could blackmail our neighbors and friends—and wanted me to help her cover her ass in case it all went to hell.”