The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

  Chapter 17

  Matt hadn’t taken his eyes off her. “Jess, are you okay, sweetheart?” She wasn’t responding. “Jess, what’s happening?”

  Jessie turned into his arms. “Matt, please hold me.”

  “What is it, sweetheart?” Matt’s hand stroked her back.

  “I saw Ryan, and he knew I could see him. I can’t explain how it felt. There are no words.” She let the power of the moment wash over her, fighting back the gathering tears.

  “Let’s get you to the car.” He maneuvered around people until they made it to the car.

  “Is she okay?” Tom got in the car and closed the door. “I shouldn’t have been so hard on her.

  “Wait until she can explain it to you.” Matt pulled out of the parking spot.

  “I’m sorry. Don’t worry, Tom. I’m overwhelmed right now.” She had seen the existence of another world, and there were no words.

  “We’ll give you time, Jess, to pull yourself together. You can tell me when you’re ready,” Matt told her.

  “Thank you.” She wiped the tears running down her face. “I can’t explain what happened to me back there. It was an overpowering emotional experience. Ryan’s spirit was at his service. We saw each other. The remarkable thing was that he was aware that I could see him. He came close to me, and a strange sense of electricity passed between us. The sorrow I saw in him was overwhelming, but it changed to peace. I need to think about it and talk to Reba. I’ve never had to process emotions like this before.” She closed her eyes wanting to hold on to what she had seen. An angel had wiped away his tears.

  “Whew, I didn’t expect this. I thought you were upset with me for getting on you. I don’t know how you handle this crap. If I didn’t know you better, I think you were on the weird side.” Tom shook his head. “I’m a blockhead, but even I could tell something had changed as we stood there. I found myself wanting to get as far away from there as I could.”

  “I’m glad we went,” Jessie patted Matt’s shoulder. “I won’t forget this day. If ever I wonder again if a victim knows what has happened to them, I will remember the look on Ryan’s face. I’ll do everything I can to share his story so those who killed him can’t snatch away his memory along with his life. Finding their murderers is important.”

  “We’ll find them. As you’ve told me often enough, we have to bring justice and closure to the families.” Matt smiled at her in the mirror.

  “I remember reading an article about people who are adopting the victims of the Holocaust. They research the person by name and find out all they can about their lives to restore their memory and lineage. One by one, they are reclaiming them from the ashes. Murder shouldn’t ever wipe out the memory of a person’s life.” Jessie took the tissue Tom handed her.

  “Powerful.” Tom shook his head. “Is that what you do?”

  “In a way.” She paused. “Matt solves the murders, and I write to keep their memories alive.”

  “Heavy.” Tom raised his brows.

  “Not to change the subject, but I could use something to eat. My growling stomach is reminding me.” Matt winked at her.

  “I’m always ready to eat, as you know.” Tom rubbed his stomach.

  “How about you, Jessie? Do you think you’re up for it?”

  “I guess.” She sniffed. “I can’t let you boys go hungry because I’m crying like a girl, can I?”

  ****

  Tom was getting on her nerves, asking her every few minutes if she was okay. It made her feel like some kind of freak. She had learned to accept what was happening in her life. There were times she’d rather go through life blind to what was happening around her, but for whatever reason, she was here, and she could see. Maybe she wasn’t so unique. Reba was like her, and there might be others. People might be minding their own business, not looking for the unusual, and bam there it was in their lives—the unseen world suddenly coming into view, the invisible suddenly visible. She might have to get out some of her philosophy books from college. She wasn’t going waste her life worrying about it. She would help anybody she could for as long as she could. Even if the methods weren’t conventional, the look on Ryan’s face told her she had to try. The main question she had now was what was Matt up against, and how could she keep him safe? He always tried to protect her, and now it was her turn.

  He wouldn’t want her to hover. She would have to devise a plan that would let her be close but not close enough to stifle him. Jessie needed a plan. She heard a soft knock on her door.

  Jessie opened the door to Matt, after checking. “What are you doing here without Tom?’

  “He’s out in the car. I told him he could watch me from there. I need time alone with my girl.” Matt stepped in, shut the door, and stepped into her arms.

  “And he’s okay with it?” Jessie lifted her head to see his face.

  “Not at all. Tom complained and whined the whole way over here.” He grinned. “What can I say? I’m giving him job security. I won’t leave him out there for long.”

  “Why are you here?”

  “I wanted to check on you.” His hand moved up and down her back.

  “I’m still processing.” She pulled his head down and kissed him.

  “I knew I wanted to see you tonight, and it couldn’t wait.” It was his turn to kiss her, and she let him.

  She didn’t want him to stop. He didn’t. By the time he pulled away, they were both breathless. She gazed into his eyes. “You’re good at this kissing stuff, Mr. Parker.”

  “I get even better as the night wears on. I have a lot of moves I could show you.” He smiled at her.

  “I bet you do, but not tonight, not with Tom waiting in the car for you.”

  “Don’t remind me. I feel like my dad’s waiting in the car for me while I walk my date to the door and try to steal a kiss. We could practice until we’re perfect. I could tell Tom he’ll have to wait a few more minutes. I still need to comfort you after today.”

  “This is only my opinion.” She gave him a coy smile. “But you’re perfect enough. Not that I would mind you showing me some of your other moves, but as far as your kisses go, I’d say you’ve mastered the art.”

  “Why thank you kindly, sweetheart. I’ll be happy to show you my art any old day.”

  “I’ll hold you to your promise.” She hugged him tightly. “Promise me you’ll let Tom watch your back. Don’t get all macho; let him do his job.”

  “What’s this?” He raised her head to see her face. “Are you worried about me?”

  “Of course, I kind of like having you around.”

  “The feeling is mutual. I won’t stray away from Tom.” He kissed her. “I promise, sweetheart.” He opened the door. “I like when you’re concerned about me. It makes me feel loved.”

  “You are loved.”

  “I love you, too, Jess.” He stepped out the door. “Remember to lock it.”

  “I will.” She watched him until they drove away.

  After he was gone, she flipped on her computer to check her e-mails. She opened the one from Jeremy. He had found out some information that might be helpful to the case. Jessie would give Matt time to make it home and then she would call. They needed to talk. She paced for ten and then called.

  “You miss me already. I can have Tom drive me back over.”

  “Not necessary.” She laughed.

  “I’m wounded.”

  Jessie could picture him clutching his chest. “Would you be serious for a moment?

  His voice sounded stern. “You want serious, I can be a grown-up.”

  She fought to keep from laughing. “Did you get the e-mail from Jeremy?”

  “I did. Tom has sent the phone numbers to the agency to have them checked.”

  “I wanted to make sure you saw them.”

  “I think it’s an excuse because you miss me already.” He chuckled.

  “Yeah, and that, too.” She smiled

  Chapter 18

  “You need to get marrie
d. I get tired of watching you two go back and forth.” Tom turned on the TV.

  “We will, but we’re not in a hurry. We’re having a good time getting to know each other.” Matt sat on the couch. Frank was nice and comfortable in the recliner. Radar was sleeping at his feet.

  “All I’m saying is there are sparks flying in all directions around you two.”

  “Yeah, I know, and I like it.” Matt pulled his glasses out of his pocket and slipped them on. “I hope this case is solved soon. Jessie’s birthday is coming, and I have something special planned for her.”

  “If the case isn’t solved by then, I’ll be involved in whatever you do.” Tom shook his head. “Not a good visual at all.”

  “No way. You’re not invited. No offense, but you’re not wanted.” Matt glared at him.

  “None was taken. I wouldn’t want you on one of my dates either. I do my best work alone.” Tom flipped back and forth between stations.

  “I have it better than both of you. I’ve been with my wife long enough that we can fill in the words to each other’s sentences. She’s comfortable being with me and isn’t shocked by my less than perfect habits. I like coming home to her at the end of the day.”

  “Don’t you get tired of the same person day after day?” Tom muted the TV.

  “No, she’s the love of my life. Why would I get tired of her?” Frank stroked Radar’s head when he lifted it. “I used to think like you when I was young, too. There’s something to be said about being with the person you love when you’re past your prime. We all get there, you know, and it comes faster than you think.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Tom looked at the TV.

  “With your mug, you’d better hurry; you’re almost out of your prime.” Matt slapped Tom on the back. “So am I. That’s why I’m not taking any chances. I love Jessie, and I have a well-ordered plan when it comes to her. I’m not letting her slip through my fingers.”

  “The goal is to keep you alive long enough to see it to the finish line.” Tom turned the sound back on. The sports scores were on.

  ****

  Jessie was at the store early. She turned on her laptop and searched through the wanted posters of international criminals. Jeremy had taught her how to do it. After a while, the faces blurred together until a familiar face popped up. Interpol wanted him for various crimes. Matt needed to see this.

  “Matt, where are you?” Jessie asked when he answered the phone.

  “I’m on my way to the station, why?’

  “Can you stop by the store for a minute? I have something you need to see.”

  “We’ll be right there.” She heard him tell Tom they had a quick change of plans.

  Jessie stood at the door and watched for him. Excitement bubbled up inside of her. Another piece to the puzzle had fallen into place. She unlocked the door when Matt parked in front of the store. Tom got out of the car, too. “This won’t take too long. I know you have to get to work,” she called out when she opened the door.

  “What do you have?” Tom stepped in the door.

  “Don’t mind him.” Matt grinned at her. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

  “Jeremy taught me how to search wanted posters in the US and internationally, and look whose face showed up today.” Jessie pointed at her computer screen.

  “Well, I’ll be damned. He’s the guy who’s been lurking at your store.” Tom shook his head. “What’s he wanted for?”

  “He’s wanted for racketeering, money laundering, and for torture, to name a few. He has several aliases, too.” Jessie read from the list a few of his names. “All of which were names of real people whose ID’s he stole after they were murdered.”

  “It’s hard to believe the picture of the man you gave me and this guy are one and the same.” Matt pulled up the photo on his phone.

  “Looks can be deceiving. This man has a mean streak; I could see it in his eyes. Old Harry, here, would order a death in a heartbeat if someone crossed him. At least I thought so when I saw him, and now this confirms it for me.” Jessie shivered, rubbing her arms.

  “Harry, huh? Doesn’t sound like the name of an international crime boss, does it?” Matt scrolled through the list of his names.

  “I don’t think he’s the boss, only one of the minions. There’s someone above him who doesn’t want to get his hands dirty.” Jessie’s eyes lit up as she talked. “Jeremy can track his movements so we can learn how Harry operates and who he meets up with.”

  “You’d make a great FBI agent, Jessie. Any chance you’d consider a job with the Bureau?” The corner of Tom’s lips curved up.

  “No, I’m happy where I’m at. Matt and I make a good team.”

  “You’ve trained her well, Matt.”

  “She answers for herself, don’t you, sweetheart? From the first day we met, she told me what she was going to do.” Matt pulled her into his side. “Not one lecture I gave ever stopped her, and she was right most of the time.”

  “I’m a bit of a rebel when it comes to men telling me what I should do. I would rather rise or fall on my own actions and decisions.” She turned her head to glance at Matt. He was smiling.

  “Do you want to ask Jeremy to do the research?”

  “Sure, I’ll send him an e-mail right now while I’m thinking about it.” She typed it as they talked about a trap for Harry.

  “Great work, Jessie. I’ll send this information on to the agency.” Tom walked to the front of the store.

  “Jess, if you see him around, let me know. There will be someone watching the store. If he comes in again, we want to follow him. Who knows where he might lead us?” Matt kissed her.

  “He’s Harry to me, although I wonder what his real name is. He’ll be back. I’ve seen him several times already.” She walked with Matt to the door. “Be careful, Matt. He may not look the part, but he’s one tough customer.”

  “I will, and this is where I tell you to do the same. I have someone watching out for me, but you don’t.”

  “I’ll be careful. Only this time, I think I’m safe. The suspects are not after me.” She kissed him goodbye.

  “We don’t know that yet. Be cautious. I’ll send you my observations from Amir and Shara’s services in an e-mail.”

  “Thanks.” She waved.

  ****

  Marshall had hit pay dirt getting up early to follow the cop today. He had no idea who the man with him was. He snapped a photo of the two men when they came out of the store. The boss could figure it out. Today he’d watch the store for a while. Marshall didn’t want to go anywhere near the police station. The place was crawling with reporters. He couldn’t risk anyone placing him in town or someone recognizing his mug. He had done a few interviews with reporters over the years. Marshall was tired of sitting in the car. What was the purpose? Yeah, he made money, but he had no idea what he had gotten himself into. This was a mean crowd. A few more pictures and he would tell them he was done.

  Chapter 19

  Matt stared at the open file on his desk willing something to jump out at him; even a small clue would be nice. The man casing Jessie’s store was trouble; that much he knew. The tail following his car was still waiting when they came out of her store. Jessie was right. The guy wasn’t good at it. How did he fit into the case? Matt saw no correlation between the man at the store, the person following him, and the murdered students. He had to find something to connect them or a least a way forward. Right now, he had pieces. How did they all fit together?

  Tom walked into Matt’s office. “I checked on Carlos, and he’s showing signs of a slow but steady improvement. He’s still in a drug-induced coma because of swelling in his brain. The hospital promised to let us know when we could talk with him.” Tom sat in the chair in front the desk.

  “I’m happy to hear about Carlos. It would be nice if he made it.” Matt tapped his pen on the notepad.

  “You look stumped.” Tom placed his coffee cup on the corner of Matt’s desk.

  “I am. We have a l
ot of parts, but nothing that ties them all together. We’re missing something significant: the link.”

  “You know how this works. Eventually, the sections come together to form a story. We’ll figure it out.”

  “I want to work with Jessie. You see how her mind works. She thinks around the edges like the investigative reporter she is. One idea leads to another. We play off each other.” Matt ran his hand through his hair. “Did you see the excitement in her eyes when she found Harry, as she likes to call him? She’s good at this, and she makes me better. Her questions challenge me to think.”

  “You’ll have to spend time with her then. Look, I, of all people, know the value of a good partner. They can save your life in a tight spot. We’ll do what we have to do. Hell, I can babysit the both of you, or better yet, chaperone you.” Tom laughed.

  “Good. I wanted you to understand how important this is. When Jessie said we work well together, she meant it. So do I. Kaufman is skeptical, and the other agents wouldn’t give her the time of day, except for her looks. I’m telling you, if something should happen to me, listen to her. She’s not crazy. She knows and understands this better than we do.”

  “Nothing is going to happen to you.” Tom frowned at Matt. “You know I have respect for Jessie, and I’d listen to her and make the others listen also.”

  “Thanks, Tom, this is a must for me. I knew you’d understand.” Matt doodled on the paper in front of him. He looked up to see Tom watching him.

  “Something is bothering you? What is it?”