by Pamela Tracy
Leann took a black-and-white photo out of her pocket. She held it up so Russell could see the forty-something man. “It’s not Jace.”
“What?” Bianca chirped.
“I hate to say I told you so.” Russell squinted, studying the photo. “Sure looks like Jace, but it ain’t.”
“The fingerprints belong to Brian Blackgoat. Does that name mean anything to you?”
“Never heard of him. Course, there’s a few Blackgoats in Arizona. Distant cousins. Is that where he’s from?”
“He’s from California. There’s something else, though. His name is Brian Russell Blackgoat.” Leann leaned forward, put her hand on Russell’s arm and asked, “Didn’t your daughter live in California before returning here with Lydia and Jace?”
“Yes,” Russell said slowly. “Maybe Angela found a distant relative. She could have told him about me living here. Wonder why she didn’t mention him.”
Maybe because he was a criminal, Gary thought.
Russell’s face was scrunched up as he took the photo and held it closer.
“Brian Russell Blackgoat should arrive any minute if he’s not already here.”
“Then let’s go,” Russell said with purpose and jumped to his feet.
It was true, Gary mused minutes later as he steered his truck down Main Street. You just never knew. He’d gotten up this morning expecting to help Russell deal with his grandson. Instead, he was following Leann, taxiing Russell to the police station to meet his grandson’s lookalike. Russell sat in the passenger seat, coming up with a half-dozen scenarios. Brian Blackgoat might be a cousin, a nephew, a stranger with Jace’s face or a grandson Russell didn’t know about.
What was funny was Russell’s attitude. He was excited about the chance his family might grow.
“He’s likely a criminal,” Gary cautioned.
“The first time I met you, I thought you were a criminal.” Russell smiled. “And what about Leann? How did she feel about you? She’s changed her mind, eh?”
Leann had changed her mind, but what concerned Gary the most was how he was changing because of her.
* * *
THERE WERE AT least a dozen cars in the police station’s lot. “Rush hour,” Leann murmured under her breath as she parked on the street so Gary and Russell could have the last spot. Hurrying, she met them at the entrance and led them inside. For his age, Russell was fast. Or, maybe it was the thought of meeting Brian Russell Blackgoat that had him moving at a snappier pace. Compared with this morning, the station was quiet. Zack was still at the front desk, answering a call. “Lucas is in his office.” Zack muted the phone with his hand. “Head on back.”
After handshakes, Chief Riley updates and a vague reference to the weather, Lucas said, “They’ve not arrived yet.” Turning to Russell, Lucas added, “Never seen anything like it. I’ve looked at the mug shot of Brian Blackgoat, and I remember Jace from when he was in high school. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were twins.”
Leann wished she’d have paid more attention to Jace when they were in high school.
Out of the blue, Zack appeared in the doorway. “Brian Blackgoat managed to open the door to the police van and jump out. They were near the Turner farm.”
“How long ago?” Leann asked.
“Minutes! Just minutes!”
“Turner farm,” Russell mused. “That’s on the way to my place.”
“And it’s not a stretch to think that Brian’s been there before.”
Leann was already running to the door, with Gary and Russell at her heels. Behind her, she could hear Lucas on the phone telling their colleagues that they would take over. After all, they knew the territory.
Thanks to all her visits to Gary, she really did. What usually took almost two hours was just an hour. She left New Mexico State Highway 4 and slowed on the gravel road leading up to Russell’s place.
Brian would be on foot, so she would arrive before him. She needed to get to Russell’s and put the police cruiser where he wouldn’t see it.
She blew out air, trying to calm herself.
Only twice before had she dealt with escaped prisoners. Both times, she’d been a nervous wreck. This time was no different. She drove past Russell’s, parked in a heavily wooded side area and then quickly and quietly made her way to the cabin. She retrieved his spare key from under the front step and, gun drawn, entered the living room.
Silence greeted her. The air felt heavy, and Leann silently slipped from room to room, opening closets and looking under beds.
Given she was driving, and he was likely on foot, she’d figured she’d beaten him there.
She settled for the bedroom closest to the front of the house. Leaning against the wall, she had a side view of the driveway. She didn’t know whether she wanted Brian to arrive first or Gary and Russell.
The best-case scenario was for her to get ahold of Brian, thereby stabilizing the situation before Gary and Russell got there.
The kitchen clock, a cat with a moving-tail pendulum, she recalled, loudly ticked off the seconds. The creaks and moans of the old cabin reminded her how alone she was.
She hated waiting.
A distant whir became louder. She affirmed her grip on her gun and waited. A quad pulled into the driveway. Gary stopped, helped Russell off, and then concealed the quad in a group of trees.
She let out the breath she was holding and went into the living room and opened the door. “Maybe you should wait—”
“My home,” Russell said simply.
Gary jogged up and closed the door behind him. “Russell, all your firearms locked up?”
Good question. Leann wished she’d have asked it.
“They are.”
Then, Gary surprised her. “Your call,” he said. “Where would you like us?”
“Back in Sarasota Falls waiting.”
He shook his head. “Not going to happen.”
“I was in the front bedroom, looking out the window.”
“I’ll take the back bedroom.”
“I’ll turn the television on in the living room and act like it’s a regular day,” Russell volunteered.
“I don’t want you in danger,” Leann started.
“I won’t be,” Russell said calmly. “I have both of you.”
Leann started to argue, but Russell cocked his head. “Birds are stirring up a fuss. Something’s out there. You really want to argue?”
She shot Gary a stern look. “Please stay in the back bedroom until I give you a call. I’ve got this.”
He reached out a hand, moved a lose strand of hair away from her eyes and said, “I know you’ve got this. I’m just here as backup.”
“I won’t need backup.”
The television was switched on, but Leann couldn’t make out the show. Her whole body was on alert. Gary’s fingers still caressed her forehead, his touch soft and kind. He cupped her chin. “You might not need backup, but I will always have your back.”
Always?
What did that mean?
Before Leann had time to reflect, she heard someone run up the back steps and push hard on the door.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
GARY’S KNEE WAS firmly atop Brian Blackgoat’s chest. The man wasn’t moving. Easing up his weight, Gary flipped Brian onto his back so that Leann could take it from there. She did so, quickly, stating the Miranda and telling him to get to his feet.
Again, Gary was taken aback with Leann’s efficiency and directness. She’d been calm in a tense situation. He’d seen less from some stronger types while serving. “You don’t have to take him right to the station,” Russell spoke up. “You can do your questioning here.”
“Probably not a good idea.” Leann’s response was quick.
“Well,” Russell said, matter-of-factly, “he didn’t make so much
as a sound when Gary here took him down.”
“This needs to be done right.” Leann reached down and, with little effort, got Brian to his feet.
“I can help,” Gary offered.
“You’re not a cop.”
“I absolutely am a cop.”
“Was.”
“Once a cop, always a cop.”
Leann merely gave him a look.
“I’m right here,” Brian said. “You’re talking like I can’t hear you.”
Leann shook her head, ignoring Brian’s comment and addressing Gary instead. “I can handle this.”
Finally, she looked at Brian, and Gary knew what she was thinking. If Brian had any sense of family, even a tiny thread, Russell would get through to him, but she wanted this to happen by the book at the station.
Leann looked from Brian to Russell, right versus reality showing on her face. She knew as well as Gary did that they were more likely to get answers here, rather than in a formal interrogation room.
“He’s nearing eighty,” Leann said, indicating Russell. “You upset him and you’ll answer to me.”
Brian didn’t say anything.
She urged him toward the living room. He took two steps and stopped. Russell was in his way, but rather than moving aside, the older man enveloped Brian in his arms, not letting go.
Gary put out an arm, stopping Leann from separating them. He knew physical contact was against the rules, knew that Brian had already gotten away once and could see the benefit of him using Russell as a possible human shield in order to escape. But, there was something about the look in Brian’s eyes that said it would be all right. Brian just stood there and let Russell hug him, not returning any affection. Finally, he said, “It’s all right, old man.”
“Please, let’s go in the living room.” Leann looked a little pale. She took Brian by the arm, led him to a chair. She settled on the end table right next to him. Russell slowly walked to the couch and sat. No one spoke for a moment. Then, to Gary’s surprise, Brian cleared his throat and spoke to Russell. “I should have knocked on your door and introduced myself.”
Russell nodded.
Gary would have loved to start asking questions, but Leann began with, “What is your relationship to Russell?”
Brian directed his answer to Russell, not Leann. “Unless I’m mistaken, you’re my grandfather.”
“How?” Russell’s voice wobbled. His hands were clasped and turning red. Gary reached over and patted him on the shoulder.
“I only have part of the story. It’s what got me here.”
“What’s your mother’s name?” Leann asked.
“Angela. Angela Blackgoat.”
Russell’s hand went to his mouth.
“And your father?” Leann queried.
“I never met the man, but Angela told me his name was Roberto Guzman.”
* * *
IF LEANN HADN’T been sitting, she’d probably have toppled to the floor. As it was, she didn’t have time to topple anywhere. She stood just as Gary growled, “Liar!”
Brian shook his head and gave Gary a look that would have stilled a lesser man.
“Truth isn’t always a friend, is it?” Brian said. “I know who you are. I’ve seen you working on the property. It’s part mine, you know.”
Leann pointed at Gary. “You either sit or I’ll put handcuffs on you,” she threatened.
“What charge?” he barked. His cheeks had gone a faint flush color, and Leann knew she had to remain in control.
“Interfering with a police investigation,” she barked back.
“Calm down, Gary,” Russell said softly.
It annoyed Leann a bit that Gary obeyed Russell’s order without questioning it. She hadn’t guessed that Brian wasn’t just Russell’s grandson, he was Gary’s half brother.
Leann grappled with this twist in events. It was one thing to catch up to a person wanted for questioning in a serious crime. It was another for Gary to find out he had a new sibling. Once again sitting on the end table, she asked, “Would you know if he’s still alive?”
“Who?” Brian asked.
Gary’s mouth snapped open and then closed.
“Roberto Guzman.” She couldn’t stop her stomach from fluttering.
“I told you I’ve never met the guy.” Anger laced Brian’s words. “And why do you care?”
Russell, ever stoic, repeated Leann’s question.
Brian sat back. He kicked his feet out in front of him. His well-worn boots showed mud and the beginning of a hole where the left big toe was.
Russell stared, his lips compressed, and his eyes grew stern. “I knew Berto, you know. He lived on the next property. I knew him from snotty-nosed kid to manhood. I believe Officer Bailey asked you a question. I’d appreciate you answering her.”
“I’ve changed my mind about answering questions. I think I want a lawyer. I have the right to one.”
“At the moment, we’re not talking about any crime. We are trying to ascertain if you’re related to Russell Blackgoat. This is a courtesy.” Leann had already compromised, and it had been a mistake. She stood and reached for Brian’s arm. “My cruiser’s right outside. We can end this now. Thank you for your cooperation this far. We will—”
“I didn’t say I wouldn’t answer,” Brian retorted. “I just, er... What do I get in return?”
“Nothing,” Leann said. “You are currently under investigation for theft and hit-and-run and—”
“I get it.” Brian struggled a moment and then looked at Russell, and said, “Old man, where were you all those years ago when I needed you?”
Russell leaned forward. “If I’d known you existed, I would have moved hell and high water to come find you. Why didn’t Angela bring you to Sarasota Falls when she returned home?”
“Dunno. She left me with the babysitter when she went to the hospital to have Lydia. Never came back.”
“Then how do you know you have a sister named Lydia?” Leann was quick to ask.
Brian smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Something else simmered there; not emptiness or hate but despair. “That’s something you’re going to have to find out.”
“She left you with a babysitter?” Russell queried. “Is that who raised you?”
“Yes.”
“Doesn’t make any sense,” Gary joined the conversation. “What kind of babysitter keeps someone else’s kid and doesn’t try to find the parents or relatives or—”
“The kind that receives money every month, good money, at least until I turned eighteen. I just assumed it came from Berto Guzman, my father. Then, the money stopped.”
Gary grimaced.
Russell cleared his throat. “So, my daughter raised you until you were...?”
“Five.”
“Who told you Berto was your father?” Leann queried.
“My mother and then Willow, the woman who gave me a place to stay until I turned eighteen.”
Leann noted that Brian didn’t say “raised me” or “cared for me” or “gave me a home.”
“I am saddened by my daughter’s behavior,” Russell said.
Leann nodded and struggled to keep professional. No mother, father, should ever desert a child. Even her husband had remained a presence in her boys’ life, albeit long-distance.
It made her question her attitude toward Ryan. She should be more welcoming to him; he was going to be a bigger part of her boys’ lives. She was scared. There were so many what-ifs and he could hurt her boys, get their hopes up and then let them down. She wanted to trust Ryan, trust any man for that matter. Trust Gary Guzman, who kept exceeding her expectations.
Looking across the room, she noted the vulnerability in his eyes. Oh, yes, he could identify with Brian. Feeling abandoned by a parent no matter the circumstances was a strong bond.
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She tamped down her emotions and asked, “Why do you think your mother left you and didn’t come back?”
“Her new boyfriend didn’t want to raise someone else’s kid. He was a B actor who had plenty of money and promised my mom help getting her acting parts and a big house. She made a choice.”
“You remember a lot for only being five at the time,” Leann observed.
“Sometimes Willow told me things. When I got older, I found more on the internet.”
Leann figured one of the things Brian discovered was Jace’s existence, most especially their likeness.
“Did you ever see a check with the name Roberto Guzman?” Gary asked.
Brian shook his head.
There was a lull in the conversation as all three men stared at each other. Gary was simmering, Brian angry, Russell contemplative. One thing was for sure: Leann would find Willow and track down whoever had sent the money for Brian. She seriously doubted it was Berto Guzman. Something just wasn’t adding up.
Berto had fathered four children with Gary’s mother and disappeared, what, more than a decade later? Leann couldn’t wrap her mind around the logistics.
Why would he faithfully send money to one child but not continue to look after his other four? The ones he’d fathered with his wife? The ones he’d actually known?
Leann needed to step back, regroup and fit the puzzle pieces together. Switching to a different thread, she asked, “Did you burglarize Russell’s cabin?”
Russell stopped staring at his hands and looked up.
Brian hesitated, but only for a moment. “Yes, I needed the money. We, er, I was hungry.”
“How did you know where the money was hidden?”
“My mother only left a few things behind. A couple of books, some clothes and a photograph of you, old man.”
Not much, Leann thought, trying to figure out the mind-set of a woman who could walk away from her child. Brian had been five. Five! Both Leann’s boys had cemented a place in her heart mere seconds after their birth, making them hers for life.
“Still need to answer the question,” Russell urged.
“One of the books was full of drawings.”