Cry in the Night

by Colleen Coble

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Saunders, but I have a personal crisis happening right now. I thought maybe you could help me.”

  The woman arched a brow. “I’ve been working through a personal crisis of my own, and I expect you to do the same.”

  “I-I think our problems are connected,” Lauri stammered. “That man I saw at your house and here in your office—he’s trying to force me to give him access to my nephew. A-and he killed my fiancé.”

  Mrs. Saunders frowned. “I don’t understand. The sheriff said a man named Wes Townsend had been shot. Was he your fiancé? What does all this have to do with me?”

  Lauri sighed. She was going to have to tell her boss how she got involved. Lauri would almost certainly lose her job. Launching into the story, she watched Mrs. Saunders’s face.

  The woman pressed together lips that had gone colorless. She rubbed the back of her neck. “You were incredibly stupid to have gotten involved in this.”

  “I know. My fiancé is dead because of it. And now my brother’s family is in jeopardy. What is it all about? Why is he blackmailing your husband?”

  “Like I said, I can’t help you.” She rose. “Take your things from your office and don’t come back.”

  Lauri’s eyes filled with tears. “Please, Mrs. Saunders! Davy isn’t even eight yet. His life is in jeopardy. I have to help him.” She dug out a picture of Davy with his gap-toothed smile. “This is my nephew.”

  Mrs. Saunders barely glanced at the picture. Her eyes flashed. “Don’t probe any more. Don’t you think you’ve already done enough? If your meddling causes them to harm her . . .”

  “Harm who?”

  “Get out of here. I don’t want to see you again in this office.”

  “Please, Mrs. Saunders! Don’t you care at all about a little boy?”

  Mrs. Saunders paused, and Lauri could have sworn there were tears in her eyes before the woman shook her head, went to the door, and held it open for Lauri to exit.

  Lauri pressed the picture in Mrs. Saunders’s hand. “Think about it.”

  22

  HE WALKED A DANGEROUS TIGHTROPE. QUINN LET HIM-self into the cabin. The temperature couldn’t be more than fifty inside. He tossed kindling and logs in the woodstove and lit it, but it would be awhile before the fire pushed back the chill, so he kept his coat on.

  He realized the window was open. No wonder it was so cold. When he went to close it, he heard Rosen outside talking to someone on the phone. Making arrangements to take Davy and the baby. And eliminate Quinn himself.

  Anger tightened his neck. He’d suspected it would come to this.

  He waited until Rosen ended the call, then rapped on the window. “What are you doing out there?”

  “Waiting for you to get home.” Rosen’s smile was feral. He went around the side of the cabin and entered. “You get the baby?”

  Quinn still mulled over what he’d discovered. Half a mil, and he hadn’t seen a penny of it. His best bet was to confront his partner. Rosen tended to be a pawn.

  “I’ve made arrangements to pick her up tomorrow, now that our demands have been met. Jenna is on the inside. It will be a piece of cake.” He’d have to make sure he moved before Rosen did.

  “What about the witness?” Rosen asked. “The Matthews boy.”

  The Nicholls boy. The adoption wasn’t final and, if Quinn had anything to do with it, never would be. So far he’d said nothing about his relationship to Davy, and he was unsure how much to reveal now. “I’ll handle that. It’s not your job.”

  “The boss says it is.”

  “And I say it isn’t.” Quinn lowered his voice to a menacing growl. “I’ll handle it.”

  Rosen shrugged. “Then take it up with the boss. Until he says differently, I’ll move ahead.”

  He couldn’t let on that he knew of their plans, so he said nothing. He waited until Rosen left, then moved to the bedroom. He noticed through the window that Jenna’s car was parked by the Dumpster, so she had to be here. He found her curled in the bed with the covers practically over her head.

  He shook her. “Jenna, how long have you been here?”

  Her eyelids fluttered open. “Quinn? Are you finally here?” She sat up and yawned. “That baby has been keeping us all up at night. What time is it? You’re late.”

  “Sorry. I hope you had a nice nap. Did you meet Rosen when he stopped by?”

  “Someone was here? I didn’t hear them knock. You know how hard I sleep.”

  He never knew when to believe her. She’d likely overheard, but it didn’t matter. “I got you some kiwi, sleepyhead. Want one to wake you up?”

  “That sounds great.” She staggered a bit when she got out of bed to follow him. “What did Rosen want?”

  “Just checking in.” He handed her a kiwi. “Got a new wrinkle in the situation and you could really help me, hon.” The unfamiliar endearment nearly gagged him.

  She stopped cutting the kiwi. “I’ll do anything I can. You know that.”

  “Tell me more about the Matthews family.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Why the questions? You left them behind years ago. Do you still love Bree?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Then stop with the questions. Once we get little Olivia, we’ll never have to see them again. I want to take Vic to civilization with us.”

  “I might not be able to hang around until he’s out of jail. If he gets out of jail.”

  Her lips tightened. “I’ve given up everything for you, Quinn. He’ll be out of jail soon and I’m not leaving him behind.”

  He shrugged. “Whatever you say.” He would leave her behind if necessary.

  She yawned and took a bite of kiwi. “I’m so ready to get out of here. There isn’t even a decent mall within ten miles.”

  “What about Bree’s husband? Kade’s a park ranger, right? Is he gone a lot?” At her suspicious glance, he rushed to explain. “I’m trying to figure out some logistics.”

  “Just normal hours, though he’s been working some overtime. He’s quiet. I think he’s worried about something. Really nice guy though. The kind you could trust with your life.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You sound like you admire him.”

  “He’s a total hottie. He and Bree make a perfect pair. He’s the kind who’d lay down his life for his family.”

  The perfect new husband. He wanted to make a face, but he kept his expression impassive. He got a beer from the fridge and faced her again. “Do you think you could ask about taking Davy out cross-country skiing? I could meet up with you.”

  “What are you up to?”

  He pulled her tight against his chest so she couldn’t see his expression. “I’m going to take my son with me.”

  Her eyes narrowed to a hard slit. “I won’t do this for nothing, Quinn. I’m taking a risk here. I need to know it will pay off.” She wiggled her ring finger at him.

  He wanted to refuse again, but from the inflexible line of her lips, he knew he had to cave or she wouldn’t cooperate. “I’ve got the ring all picked out. Two carats.”

  Her smile came. “When do you want to do this?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon.”

  “Okay. Bree won’t mind, I’m sure.”

  “Thank you, Jenna. You’re my lifeline in everything.” Lies, all lies. He’d figure out how to get rid of her when she brought him his son.

  Breakfast was a silent affair. Bree had tried to call her attorney, Ursula Sawyer, yesterday, but she’d been in court all day. Until she knew the legal issues she and Kade faced, she didn’t want to talk to Davy about Rob. While her son was bound to be thrilled to learn his father was alive, he would soon enough wonder why Rob walked away and left him in the plane wreckage. Bree’s heart broke at the thought of the rejection Davy would feel.

  Samson came down the stairs and plopped down at Bree’s feet. Bree looked up at Kade and broke the silence “I called Ursula and told her about the situation. We’re discussing it this afternoon.” She closed he
r eyes and grimaced at the thought of what lay ahead. “Can you pick Davy up after school?”

  He winced. “I’ve got a meeting. I don’t think I can get out of it.”

  “What’s happened?” Lauri asked, looking up from her cereal. Zorro lay at her feet. “You’re not getting a divorce, are you?”

  “Of course not,” Kade said. He and Bree locked glances. He shrugged. “She’s got to hear it sooner or later.”

  Lauri straightened. “What’s wrong?” Her gaze went wide. “Is someone else dead?”

  Bree bit her lip. “Just the opposite,” she said. “Someone we thought was dead is alive.”

  Lauri’s brow furrowed. “I don’t get it.”

  “Bree’s first husband, Rob, isn’t dead. He’s back in town.” A muscle in Kade’s jaw twitched and he glanced down at his half-eaten omelet.

  Lauri’s jaw dropped. “Holy cow,” she said softly. “So where does that leave you, big brother? Without a wife?”

  Kade flinched. “Nice jab, Lauri. You know where to stick the knife.”

  “Sorry,” she muttered. “But it looks like Bree has two husbands. Aren’t you worried about which one she’ll pick?”

  Kade’s head stayed down. Bree hardly knew what to say either. They had no idea what the legalities of this situation were. While a part of her loved the man Rob had once been, the reality of what he’d done sank deeper every hour. And cut more painfully. Kade would never walk away like that. Never.

  Kade cleared his throat when Bree said nothing. She realized she should have reassured him, but the moment had passed. And really, what was there to say? Finding their way through this maze was going to take time.

  Lauri was biting her lip so hard it was a wonder she didn’t draw blood. “You okay?” Bree asked. Olivia began to fuss in the carrier on the table, and she lifted the baby into her arms and jiggled her.

  Lauri’s eyes turned glassy as she stared at Olivia. “It’s been a hard week,” she mumbled finally. She pushed back from the table and rose. “I’m going to go shower,” she said.

  When Lauri left the room, Kade leaned across the table. The back of his hand brushed Bree’s jaw, and he gazed into her eyes with loving intent. “We’ll make it through this, Green Eyes,” he said.

  She caught his hand and pressed it against her cheek. “Yes, we will, Kade. We’ll get it sorted out. I love you.”

  “That’s all I needed to hear. That you’re not sorry you married me.” His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat.

  “Of course I’m not!” She clung to his hand for support. Though she was befuddled by all that had happened, she didn’t doubt her love for him.

  Jenna entered the room before he said any more. Bree let go of his hand and leaned back in her chair. “Anything new with Victor?” she asked.

  Jenna poured milk over her cereal and shook her head. “Just more of the puzzles. He’s still not talking. Mason is calling in a psychiatrist to see if he can get through to Vic, especially now that he found the dead baby.” She carried her bowl to the table. “I thought I might take Davy cross-country skiing after school if it’s okay.” She directed a brilliant smile at Kade.

  Jenna’s offer evaporated Bree’s continuing irritation with her houseguest. “That’s so sweet of you, but I need to keep him close to home. A situation has come up.” She broke off, unwilling to explain it all to Jenna.

  “It would solve our problem this afternoon,” Kade said.

  Bree frowned. “I can probably get Anu or Hilary to pick him up,” she said.

  “Look, I know you think I’m a complete airhead, but I can take care of him just fine. I already mentioned it to him, and he’s all excited,” Jenna said. “We’ll take the path along the lake with lots of people. I don’t know what’s worrying you, but he’ll have fun.”

  Bree exchanged a long look with Kade. “I think it’s probably okay, babe, but it’s your call,” he said.

  Bree bit her lip. “Take Samson with you, okay?” The dog would protect Davy no matter what.

  Jenna shrugged. “Whatever you say.”

  “You’d better get to work,” Bree said to Kade. “I’ll get Davy.” She called her son down for school, then kissed Kade and Davy good-bye. She spent the day surfing the Web for information about dead husbands returning when the smart thing to do would be to wait and see what Ursula had to say.

  At two, she loaded Olivia in the carrier and drove to Ursula’s office. She left Samson at the house so he could go skiing with Davy. The receptionist took her back right away. “What did you find out?” she asked the minute Ursula entered the room.

  An attractive brunette of about fifty, Ursula inspired trust in everyone she met. “It’s not bad,” Ursula said, sitting at her desk.

  Her friend’s brisk, confident manner put Bree at ease. She set Olivia’s carrier on the floor and pulled back the quilted cover. The baby was awake and sucking on her thumb. “So what’s the scoop?”

  Ursula adjusted her reading glasses and opened a file on her desk. “A death certificate was filed with Rob’s insurance. All legalities were met. So your marriage to Kade is legal. As far as the law is concerned, Rob was dead and you were free to remarry.”

  Bree breathed a prayer of thanks. “Kade will be so relieved too.”

  “That’s not to say there aren’t issues to work on. Rob will want to see Davy. We’ll need to reach a custody agreement and ask him for child support payments.”

  Bree’s gut clenched. “Kade is in the process of adopting Davy. It’s not final yet.”

  Ursula pursed her lips. “Now that the biological father is back in the picture, that might be difficult. Unless you get Rob to agree.”

  “He abandoned his son to die! Don’t we have a legal recourse?”

  “The circumstances might carry some weight with the judge. If you want to take it that far.” Ursula sat back in her chair. “Have you thought this through, Bree? What it’s going to do to your son to have all this come out?”

  Bree tugged on a curl by her ear. “I’ve been able to think of little else. Davy idolized Rob. When he realizes what his father did, how he left him . . .” She choked up. “I don’t want to tell him.”

  “Maybe Rob will just disappear again. It might be the kinder thing if you can talk him into it.”

  Bree bit her lip. “He wants to see Davy.”

  “Talk to him about it,” Ursula advised.

  “I will if I can find him.” Bree rose and grabbed Olivia’s carrier. “Thanks for working me in, Ursula. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

  “If you need anything, just call.” She embraced Bree. “Hang in there, Bree. It could have been worse.”

  Bree managed a smile. Right now she couldn’t see how. Their family was about to be ripped to shreds.

  She pulled the cover back around Olivia and went to the Jeep. A hint of moisture hung in the air. More snow was coming. “Let’s stop and see Mason,” she told the baby once Olivia was fastened in.

  She wanted to tell Kade the news, but he was probably still in his meeting. She decided to call anyway and leave it on his voice mail. She smiled as she left the message. “It’s okay. Our marriage is valid.”

  She hurried with the baby through the cold air. The deputy out front buzzed her back to Mason’s office. Bree lifted a fussy Olivia from the carrier and pulled a bottle from her bag while she waited for Mason.

  “Bree, you okay?” Mason asked, closing the door behind him.

  “As okay as I can be with this. How’s Hil?”

  “She hasn’t slept much. I didn’t know there were that many tears in the world. She jumps between mad and glad. She’s desperate to see him, but he’s nowhere I’ve looked.” He went around his desk and sat down in his worn leather chair. “Did you find out anything from Ursula?”

  Bree nodded. “She says my marriage to Kade is valid. That’s one good thing. But the adoption is up in the air unless Rob doesn’t contest it.”

  Mason rolled his eyes. “Who knows what he
’s going to do.” He jiggled his mouse and leaned toward his computer. “I found out some interesting stuff. I lifted some prints from the doorknob on your back door after you said he’d been out there. They match a Quinn Matilla. He’s been implicated in some small-time smuggling, some bigger racketeering, and a suspected bank robbery. But the interesting thing is that he’s suspected of dabbling in black-market babies too.” He nodded toward Olivia. “I suspect we’re going to find she’s part of that too.”

  Her arms tightened around the baby. “You think Ellie Bristol sold her?”

  Mason shrugged. “It looks that way to me.”

  “And Pia’s death?” Bree whispered. “Surely Rob didn’t kill her.”

  “I hope not. It would hurt Hil and Anu too much.” Mason’s face was grim. He glanced up, his eyes shadowed. “The coroner suspects the baby we found buried in the snow died of tetanus. Could have had it from birth if the umbilical cord was cut with a knife. It wasn’t murder.”

  Bree’s vision swam and she closed her eyes, then reopened them. “I don’t want to think about that,” she whispered. “How could he steal babies?”

  “This stuff might be the least of what he’s done.”

  Nausea churned its way up her esophagus. “How do we find out more?”

  “I need to talk to Rob. Did he give you any hint at all where he’s staying?”

  “No.”

  “If he contacts you again, try to get word to me. Text me or something while you keep him there.”

  “Maybe he’ll agree to come in and talk to you. You’re family.”

  Mason snorted. “Not likely, Bree. He’s not the Rob we knew.”

  The knowledge of how much her former husband had changed kept slapping her when she least expected it. “What about missing persons around the time the plane went down?”

  “Several actually. I’m still checking them out. The one I have my eye on is a young state cop by the name of Henry Boxer. Lived in Houghton. He told his wife he was going fishing and never came home.” He rose. “I want us to talk to Victor.” He glanced down at Olivia, whose eyes had drifted shut. “Maybe seeing the baby will break through to him. Stay here and I’ll go get him. It’s a little unorthodox to bring him in here, but I don’t think he’s dangerous. I’m going to release him today in light of the new evidence.”