“All done,” he said. “Your hair will completely cover any scarring. Let’s have a look at those ribs. Lie back for me.”
The nurse pulled Lexie’s t-shirt up to allow the doctor access to her ribs.
“Have you had any trouble breathing?”
“No. It hurts to take deep breaths, but in general my breathing is fine.”
“I don’t want you wrapping or taping your ribs. I know it feels better to wrap them, but I want you to take deep breaths. Shallow breathing can often lead to other issues like pneumonia.”
Dr. Myers examined Lexie’s badly bruised rib cage. She winced when he moved her around on the table.
“On a scale of one to ten, with ten being unbearable, how would you describe your pain level?”
“Maybe a five.”
“Are you taking the pain medication?”
“I’m going easy on the pain pills. I have to take them in the evening to sleep.”
“I’ll give you a prescription for another month. Take them when you need them.”
“Another month?”
“These ribs are going to take a good six to eight weeks to heal.”
Lexie hung her head.
“Your body sustained serious trauma. I suggest you take the proper amount of time to both physically and mentally heal. Have you talked to anyone about the attack?”
“You mean a therapist?”
“It doesn’t have to be a therapist. Sometimes talking to a good friend will work, too. Someone you trust.”
“I haven’t yet, but I will.”
“Good. After a traumatic event, the mind needs healing like the body.”
Coming from any other person, Lexie might have dismissed the advice, but this doctor seemed to have a Zen side to him. His long hair rested on the back of his head in a bun. Normally a man bun annoyed Lexie, but the look suited Dr. Myers. In addition, his wild beard gave him a hippie appearance.
“Am I cleared to go back to work?”
“It says in the file that you’re an FBI agent and you sustained these injuries in the line of duty.”
“I am and yes, I did.”
“So, you want to go back to the field?”
“I do.”
“I don’t recommend going back to the field until your ribs are fully healed.”
“But you said that would be six to eight weeks. I can’t be out of work for that long.”
“You can go back to work, but I recommend light duty.”
“The FBI really doesn’t have any light duty assignments, but I’ll try to stay out of the fray.”
“I’m stating my professional opinion. Whether you take my advice or not is completely up to you. But, in light of your injuries, I really recommend you take it easy for the next few weeks at a minimum.”
“Understood.”
“And talk to someone.”
Lexie smiled.
“I will. Thank you, Dr. Myers.”
***
Completely ignoring Dr. Myers’ orders, Lexie went to work. Driving the extra Bureau vehicle, a tan colored Ford Focus, Lexie pulled out of the parking lot and called Zach.
“How was the doctor visit?”
“Good. No more stitches. I can wash my hair like a normal person again. What’s new with you?”
“I’m chipping away at my to-do list. The Columbia agents are working at an insane pace. They want to get as much work done as possible before Tony gets back in the office.”
“What can I do?” Lexie asked.
“Have you been cleared to work?”
“More or less.”
“Do you feel up to working?”
“I do. What do you need help with?”
“Could you check to see if there are any video cameras on the MarshWalk and in the surrounding parking lots? Perhaps with a little luck we can retrieve a video of the meeting between LaBaron and Ace.”
“Good idea. It never hurts to have corroborating evidence. Plus, if we can identify Ace, then we can make him give up his client. What’s Don working on?”
“He and the AUSA are working on a proffer agreement for Clay Connors. As expected, Connors’s high priced attorney came looking for a deal.”
“That’s great. I hope the AUSA doesn’t offer him too good of a deal. He needs to rot in prison.”
“The investigative analyst has come up with a few possible locations for Prichard. The Charleston RA has a team of agents and SWAT on standby.”
“What’s the chance of me being able to go along when they arrest Prichard?”
“Slim to none. Hell, you’re not supposed to be working on this case at all.”
“I know. I want to see his face when they slap the cuffs on him. It will be good closure for me.”
“You’ll see him in court. I’m sure you’ll have to testify if the case goes to trial. You all right with that?”
“I’ve testified many times.”
“As an FBI agent, but this time you’ll be testifying as an agent and also as a victim. Are you doing okay, emotionally?”
“Why is everybody so worried about my psychological state? I’m sure the magnitude of the events will eventually hit me, but right now, I want to get these assholes behind bars and find out who killed Logan.”
“Understandable. Me too. But if you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Lexie, please be careful. I don’t like the idea of you running around by yourself when the subjects are still at large.”
“I’ll be careful.”
***
Lexie parked her car and walked to the end of the pier where LaBaron said he met Ace. She closed her eyes and relaxed as the South Carolina sun warmed her face. The sound of water sloshing under the pier was the only thing she heard. Lexie opened her eyes and watched a beautiful osprey soaring overhead in search of a fish for his next meal. Sweat beaded on her forehead as sun and damp air warmed her from the outside in. The briny air had a way of making the world seem like a better place.
After taking a few minutes for herself, Lexie scanned the area for cameras. Thrilled to locate several cameras on the MarshWalk, as well as a few in the parking lots, Lexie went to work researching the owners of the cameras.
36
The day, overcast and dreary, was the kind of day you would expect for a funeral. The marble headstones against the gray sky provided a melancholy backdrop for the sad affair. From the surrounding monuments, sun-blanched angels watched over the black-clad mourners.
Lexie stood unobserved across the cemetery and watched Logan’s family and friends gather for the graveside service. She didn’t have a right to stand with the family, but she needed to be present. Logan’s parents stood beside the casket, the man with his arm around his wife. A younger man stood with the couple, his head bowed. Even from a distance, Lexie could tell the man was Liam. He and Logan had the same build and the same wavy brown hair.
Lexie recognized the owner and employees from the marina clustered behind the family. She had never seen the group when they weren’t cheerful and wearing shorts. The black clothing added to the somber mood. A minister stood at the head of the shiny, brown casket, reading scriptures from his bible.
Captain Meade had offered to come to the cemetery with Lexie, but this was something she needed to do alone. Lexie huddled behind a large memorial, careful to stay out of sight. She didn’t want to upset the family and she wasn’t ready to answer questions about her relationship with Logan. It was best that she pay her respects in private.
Lexie could see Logan’s mother’s shoulders shaking. Her husband encircled her in his arms as she buried her face in his chest. Liam watched as his father comforted his grieving mother. Lexie felt like a voyeur, secretly sharing in the family’s pain. She didn’t deserve to be here. She had caused this family’s grief. If not for her, Logan would be alive and well.
The smell of newly turned earth and freshly cut grass filled the air. Lexie dabbed her eyes, t
hen crumbled the tissue in her fist. All of this was so unfair. Logan didn’t deserve to die. The surge of guilt caused her knees to buckle. She dropped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Lexie crossed her arms and rocked back and forth, waiting for the stabbing pain in her chest to go away. She steadied herself then pressed her forehead against the cold, polished smooth monument.
“Goodbye, Logan,” she said softly.
37
The funeral took an enormous emotional toll on Lexie. So, for the first time in a long time, she took a day off. The owners of the surveillance cameras had all been cooperative and were preparing DVDs for the evening of the LaBaron and Ace meeting. Lexie planned to stop by the businesses the next day and pick up the remaining DVDs. Today, she was meeting Savannah.
The green sign of the Pawleys Island Hammock Shops welcomed Lexie. Since she was early, she parked and wandered into the Original Hammock Shop. The employee at the cash register smiled and greeted Lexie as she opened the door. Lexie made her way to the bookshelves of local authors. Books, ranging from area ghost stories to the history of the early rice plantations, lined the shelves. The large selection made it difficult to choose one, so Lexie picked up two and continued to look around the store. A few minutes into her shopping time, Lexie’s personal phone chirped, letting her know she had a text message. She texted Savannah her location and continued shopping.
“Whatcha buying?” a familiar voice asked.
Lexie turned to see the smiling face of Savannah Riley.
“Whoa, what the hell happened to you?” Savannah asked.
Suddenly self-conscious, Lexie turned away.
“What happened?”
“It’s a long story and I’ll share what I can with you over lunch. Let me pay for my books and we can leave.”
“Take your time. I love this store.”
Lexie poked around a bit longer and found a photo frame and a bracelet to buy. After the two women left the store, Savannah guided Lexie over to a secluded spot with a bench.
“How about you tell me what happened?” Savannah said.
They both sat down on the bench. Lexie took a deep breath then recounted the entire story, from her abduction to the killing of Logan. Savannah sat, mouth hanging open.
“I … ahh, I don’t know what to say, Lexie. I’m so sorry you had to go through the whole horrible ordeal. It’s a miracle you made it out alive.”
Using the back of her hand, Lexie wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“It’s me you’re talking to now. Not the Bureau. Are you really okay?”
Lexie took another deep breath, which reminded her of the cracked rib. She placed her face in her hands and rocked back and forth, her body quaking as she sobbed. Savannah draped her arm across Lexie’s shoulders and held her.
“I’m trying to be strong, but I’m devastated, exhausted, and terrified. My relationship with Logan was new, but during our time together, we … we connected. Now he’s dead and it’s all my fault.”
“You can’t think like that, Lex. It’s not your fault.”
“It is my fault. Completely my fault. I haven’t slept more than a couple hours a night since the attack. I have nightmares that I’m back in that awful cabin. When I close my eyes, I see images of Prichard. I can’t escape him or the damn cabin.”
“You did escape. You escaped and you are safe now.”
“Am I? Prichard is still out there.”
“Not for long,” Savannah said. “The FBI will find him and arrest him. He can’t hide forever. He’ll go to prison for the rest of his life and you’ll never have to see him again.”
“He lives in my head.”
“Well, evict him. I know you probably don’t want to hear this right now, but I think you need to talk to someone.”
“I am. I’m talking to you.”
“I mean a professional. I’m happy to listen and try to help, but I think you need someone who knows how to handle this sort of thing. Does the FBI have someone for you to talk to?”
“Yeah. We have an Employee Assistance Program. I’m sure our EAP counselor in New Orleans can assist me with finding a counselor if I need one.”
“I think it would be a good idea,” Savannah said. “I talked to a therapist after I moved back home from California and she helped me with the ups and downs that I experienced. It was nice to have someone to talk to who I knew wasn’t going to judge me.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Savannah dug through her purse and found a package of tissues. She offered the package to Lexie.
“Thank you,” Lexie said as she removed a tissue and wiped her face.
“I’m here for you, Lexie. You don’t have to be strong around me.”
“I want Otis Ray dead. I don’t want him in prison. I want him cold in the ground. I want all three of them dead.”
Savannah lowered her voice. “That’s understandable. But you can’t operate outside the law. You have to trust the legal system.”
Lexie stared at the ground.
“Are you listening to me? Don’t do anything stupid when it comes to these guys.”
“I heard you.”
Savannah handed Lexie another tissue. Lexie accepted it and blew her nose.
“I miss Logan. I keep expecting to get a call from him or a funny text message. I want to hear his voice again, but I never will.”
“I wish I could make things better for you.”
“I can’t talk to the guys at work about this stuff, so thank you for listening.”
“Lexie, I know we have kind of a weird relationship because of what happened in California, but I consider you one of my closest friends. You saved me from going to prison and I’ll never be able to pay you back for that, but I cherish our friendship.”
“You made the decision to do what was right. I merely provided the opportunity for you to do it.”
“You say that, but we both know how much you sacrificed for me.”
Lexie smiled and hugged Savannah.
“Why don’t you come stay with me?” Savannah said. “You’d be safe there and the salt air would do you some good.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it, but I’ll be fine.”
“The offer stands.”
“Thank you.”
The two sat quietly for a few minutes, allowing Lexie to regain her composure.
“How about we get some lunch?” Lexie said.
“Sounds good.”
As the two friends walked to the restaurant, Lexie’s phone chimed to indicate that she had a text message. She checked the message and smiled.
“It’s show time.”
38
The next morning, Lexie put on a navy-blue pantsuit, did her makeup, and fixed her out of control hair. She looked in the mirror and gave herself an approving nod. On her way to the Myrtle Beach RA, she swung by the businesses on the MarshWalk to pick up the remaining DVDs from the surveillance cameras. She arrived at the RA, parked, and used her code to get in the door.
“You clean up good, girl,” Don said.
Lexie laughed.
“Thanks. I have all the DVDs from the MarshWalk and parking lots. Since I have a little time before we have to leave, I’ll start reviewing them.”
“Sure. Take the extra office. There’s fresh coffee in the kitchen.”
An hour into her review, Lexie let out a triumphant yell. Zach and Don both barreled into the office.
“What?” Don asked.
“Gentlemen, we’ve hit the motherlode. Watch closely.”
Lexie keyed up the first DVD segment.
“There wasn’t a camera close enough to capture faces on the pier, but as you can see, there are two men meeting at the end of the pier. Although that image isn’t great, there are two camera angles that clearly capture LaBaron walking out onto the pier from one direction. A few moments later, this man walks out onto the pier and meets with the man waiting at the end. This
has to be Ace.”
“That’s a nice clear video, too,” Zach said, his voice higher than usual.
“Oh, it gets better. The two men meet at the end of the pier, then are picked up a few minutes later on another video camera on the MarshWalk, so there’s more quality facial shots. But, it gets even better. Are you ready for this?”
“You’re killing me,” Zach said. “Just tell us.”
“I found the person who has to be Ace meeting with two men in the parking lot. The parking lot surveillance camera picked up the meet.”
Lexie put in a second DVD and showed the meeting. She pointed to the computer screen.
“That’s Clay Connors and that’s Jack Stone.”
Don reached back and pulled a chair under him. He slowly lowered himself in the chair.
“Show me again.”
Lexie showed the entire sequence again. Don looked up at her and a huge smile spread across his face.
“Connors is screwed,” he said.
“It also ties Tony’s informant to these men,” Zach said.
“There’s no doubt who trashed the undercover apartment,” Lexie said. “And there’s a strong possibility that these two also killed Logan. If so, then Tony’s leaked information resulted in not only compromising the undercover investigation, but also led to a homicide.”
“Let’s not get the horse before the cart,” Don said. “We need to provide a copy of the DVD to Stuart and Matt for their investigation.”
Lexie made copies of the DVDs and placed the originals into evidence. She saved all the pertinent segments from the various cameras and burned them onto one DVD for easy access to present to the AUSA.
***
Don, Zach, and Lexie waited in the lobby at the United States Attorney’s Office. The proffer would take place in the conference room. The agents had discussed their strategy on their drive from Myrtle Beach to Florence. Don and AUSA Greenwood would take the lead. Zach and Lexie would limit their interruptions to keep the flow moving.
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