The Final Flashpoint

by Iona Morrison

“It’s a damn mine field. You never know where to step.” Matt twirled his glasses in his hands.

  “I’m going to call it a night. If you need anything, you know where to find me. Don’t stay up too long. I’ll be awake because technically, I’m not supposed to sleep while you’re awake.” Tom stood.

  “Look, the house is buttoned up tight, and Radar should warn us if he hears anything. Go ahead; I’m fine. I won’t be up much longer. Sanders gave us a lot of new information. Something is bothering me, and I can’t put my finger on it.” He motioned him to go ahead.

  “Like I said, you know where to find me.” Tom headed down the hall.

  Finally, the house was quiet, and he could concentrate. Matt scanned the pages, looking for the piece of information that would tie the facts together. He read a paragraph at the bottom of the page, paused, and read it again. “Bingo! There it is.” He slapped the chair arm. There was the connection, a motive, and the perfect means to cover their crime. Roth wouldn’t let a couple of kids stand in his way.

  Matt closed the file and placed it on the end table. He shut off the light and went to the kitchen for a glass of water.

  There was a faint rustling sound coming from the garage. He turned toward it. There it was again. The darn raccoon must have slipped through the dog door again, digging in the trash and making a mess of his garage. Matt set his glass on the counter, flipped on the light, and opened the door. He stepped into the garage, and someone grabbed him from behind. Something wet and pungent covered his face, and he gasped, his head swimming instantly. One chance… He slammed backward with his elbow, heard a grunt of pain, and yanked the cloth free as he started to turn.

  Then, darkness exploded in his head, and he fell down into it…

  Chapter 34

  Jessie flew out of her room. Radar was going crazy. Tom was in the garage yelling for someone to call an ambulance. Her heart beat rapidly, and her stomach was churning as she raced through the kitchen.

  Matt lay on the floor of the garage, his blood shockingly bright against the gray concrete.

  Oh, God… She froze in the doorway.

  “Stay with him!” Tom yelled at her. He took off running after Frank and Radar.

  Jessie dropped to her knees beside Matt’s sprawled body, almost afraid to look at him. Her shaking hand reached for his, searching for a pulse. Thank God, he still had one. He was out cold. Not dead.

  Not dead. Thank you, God.

  Jessie knelt beside Matt and lifted his head onto her lap. She stroked his cheek. “I love you, damn it,” she whispered. “Don’t you dare die on me now. You hear me?” Tires squealed on the asphalt as a car sped away. Radar’s insistent baying and sirens filled the night air, but Jessie didn’t move. She held him, never taking her eyes off the steady rise and fall of his chest.

  Tom ran back to the garage. “Damn, they got away.” He looked at Frank who was right behind him. “How did they get in here?”

  “Beats me. Is he okay?” Frank placed his hand on Jessie’s shoulder.

  “His breathing seems to be fine.” She turned her head to look at Frank. “There’s a huge bump and a gash on the back of his head.” She used her sleeve to wipe away the sticky blood.

  “If we had taken a few minutes more to react, he wouldn’t be here. Radar’s barking saved his life. They were carrying him to the van and dropped him when we all came charging out here. I can’t believe they had the audacity to waltz in here.” Tom paced. “This changes the stakes. Damn, I wanted to get that van.” Tom slammed the side door and locked it. He opened the garage door as the ambulance pulled up.

  The medics went to work checking Matt’s vitals. He stirred, groaned, and tried to sit up. “Sir, you need to lie back for a minute. Let us finish checking you out,” the sandy-haired paramedic said firmly.

  Matt groaned and reached for his head. “What happened?”

  “I was about to ask you the same thing!” Tom swore under his breath. “Why did you go into the garage? Can you remember?”

  Matt struggled to sit again. This time the medic helped him. “It’s a little foggy, and my head feels like it’s cracking open.” He frowned. “I heard something and thought maybe the pesky raccoon I’ve been fighting with had found a way back into the garage and was getting in the trash.” Matt rubbed his forehead. “I walked out the door, and a cloth was slapped over my nose. When I tried to pull it off, I was hit from behind.”

  “Damn.” Tom paced. “They wanted you alive.”

  Jessie watched Matt’s face pale. “Is he going to be okay?” Jessie asked.

  “Yes, he’ll have a big headache for a while,” the young medic told her. “The cut is bloody but pretty shallow. You might want to come in and get it stitched up.” He shrugged as Matt shook his head. “My theory is, somebody put a cloth doused in an anesthetic over his nose—old fashioned ether by the smell of it—and he was hit with a blunt instrument from behind. There’s a bump to prove it. He didn’t stand a chance. The ether takes the legs right out from under you.” He cleaned the wound. “I’d put some ice on that knot. It’s minor, with no sign of a concussion, but it’ll bother him.”

  “All I know is, I turned on the light, opened the door, and then everything went to hell,” Matt mumbled.

  “We’re damn lucky. They meant to take you. You’d be another statistic had Radar not gone crazy and alerted us.” Tom crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the wall.

  “Let’s get him inside.” The two medics helped Matt inside to his recliner. The medic gave him a pill with a glass of water and handed Jessie a list of concussion symptoms to watch for. “He should be fine in a few hours, but if you see any of these things take him to the ER.”

  “I will and thank you.” Jessie filled a bag with ice and wrapped it in a towel. “I know that headache all too well and, believe me, rest will help.” She took hold of his hand. “I’m not going anywhere, so you can relax.” She handed him the ice bag and started reading the paper the medic had given her.

  “Thanks, sweetheart.” He settled into his chair, adjusting the ice bag behind his head. Wincing, he closed his eyes.

  “That was too close. They almost got him.” Frank stood beside Matt’s chair, his voice quiet.

  “You’re telling me.” Jessie found herself often glancing at Matt to make sure he was doing all right.

  “Now what?” Frank asked.

  “I’ll tell you what. We’re going to secure the perimeter of this property. I want to make it as hard to break into as Fort Knox.” Tom raked his hand through his hair. “Too damn close for my comfort. I’m on watch now. You catch some sleep, Jessie.”

  “I’m staying with him.” She lifted her chin. “I told him I would, and I want to be here if he wants to talk.” She glanced at Matt’s peaceful face. “This isn’t over. They won’t give up without a fight.”

  “I know. They want Matt, and they won’t stop trying until they’re dead or in custody. Truthfully, I prefer the first,” he said grimly. “It’s the only sure-fire way to stop a group like this.” Tom grabbed the file Matt had left on the table, plopped down in one of the chairs, and began to read it. “I know we haven’t seen the end of them, and the next time we’ll be ready.”

  “I don’t know about you both, but I have too much adrenaline pumping through me to sleep. I thought Radar would rip my arm off as I tried to hold him back.” Frank sat on the couch next to Jessie. Radar lay down at his feet.

  Jessie glanced at Matt as she stood. “I could use a cold drink. Can I get either of you one?”

  “I’ll help you.” Frank jumped up. “Tom?”

  “I’ll come with you. I feel like I could punch a few faces, but I might have to settle for a wall.” Tom followed them into the kitchen.

  “Tom, you know the guy following us, the one I wrote off for his inept ability? I bet he led them here.” Jessie grabbed a glass from the cupboard.

  “He probably did. I wish now I would have taken him in for questioning. Matt wanted to watc
h him for a few days.” Tom pulled a beer out of the fridge. “How did you know about the headache? Will he be okay?”

  “On our last case, Rose used some kind of drug on me. My head felt like it was cracking open. The only thing I could do was sleep it off. It does go away, but it’s no fun until it does.”

  Frank filled his glass with iced tea. “How did they get into the garage?

  “The lock was professionally picked, which tells me we’ll have to be alert. The suspects know about the dog now, which changes how they’ll go about it next time.”

  “I believe they’ll draw Matt out the next time. I hope that doesn’t mean someone else will be murdered.” Jessie walked toward the living room to check on Matt.

  “It’s a possibility we’ll have to consider.” Tom opened his beer and poured it into a glass. “I’ve already talked to Sanders. He’s sending a couple of agents over to watch the house tonight. I don’t want to give them any opportunity to find us asleep on the job again.”

  Jessie picked up her glass. “Roth has an extensive record, and he wants Matt. He’ll stop at nothing to get him, but in the end, Matt will be the one to stop him.”

  “You sound sure.” Frank looked at her.

  “Last week I wasn’t. Nothing has changed in the circumstances, but I know he’ll figure this one out. I’m sure of it.” Jessie walked into the living room followed by the men.

  “Where did everyone go?” Matt kept his eyes closed as he talked.

  “We went into the kitchen for something to drink.” Jessie grabbed his hand. “How’s your head?”

  “I’ve felt better.” Matt grimaced. “Tom, I’ve been thinking, and we need to talk.”

  “We’ll talk in the morning.” Tom stood. “You’re going to bed, my orders.”

  “One question; how did they get in?” Matt swayed as he stood.

  Tom reached out to steady him. “One of them picked the lock. It’s easy enough if you know what you’re doing, and one of them did.”

  “I didn’t think they would come to my house. I won’t underestimate them again. Read the file that Sanders gave us. I want to see if you come to the same conclusion that I did. I have a theory that ties it all together.”

  “I’ll read, and you sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.”

  “Say goodnight, Jessie.” Tom grinned at her.

  Jessie kissed Matt goodnight. She walked behind them down the hall. “If you need anything, Matt, call me.”

  “I will.”

  Jessie walked back into the living room. They had been lucky this time.

  Chapter 35

  Jessie was typing on her laptop when Tom walked into the living room. “Matt was out when his head hit the pillow.”

  “He’ll sleep it off and feel better in the morning.” Jessie glanced over at Tom.

  “Can I ask you a question?” Tom picked up the file Matt had told him to read.

  “Sure.” Jessie stopped typing.

  “Does anything ever get you down?” Tom stroked his chin. “You seem to take all this in stride.”

  “Are you kidding?” She rolled her eyes.

  “No, I’m serious. How do you do it?” He leaned forward in the chair.

  “I try to make the best of a bad situation.” She frowned. “But, don’t be fooled, I’ve done my fair share of complaining through all of this. I can’t say I’ve handled it well at all. I’m like anyone—I have my good and bad moments. Life can be dark at times, and you have to suck it up and find a way to survive. Sorry, I got mad at you earlier. I was struggling with my own doubts and fears about all of this.”

  Tom waved it off. “We’re all tense; it’s this damn waiting. All I’m saying is that you’re a positive person.”

  “Thanks, but if you knew how many times I’ve trembled in my shoes since moving here, you wouldn’t say that.” She gave him a lopsided grin. “If I have one person to thank for any positivity, I’d have to say it’s my grandmother. She’s a trouper.” Jessie glanced at her computer. “And Reba Thomas. I would have never made through all these crazy events without her.”

  “I’d like to go on the record as saying I don’t know how you do it. I can’t imagine any woman I know jumping out of a tree onto a hitman ready to fire his weapon. You’re unique and a tad strange.” He chuckled.

  “Now you’re talking more like the Tom I know. The truth is I’ve made peace with it all. I see it as a way to work with Matt and solve some tough crimes.” She smiled and patted his shoulder. “It is what it is. Goodnight.”

  ****

  Matt jolted awake, his head jerking side to side. The house was quiet, too quiet. Silence filled the dark room. The dog wasn’t barking, which was a good thing. He might have to get another dog after this. Radar’s barking had saved his life. At least the fog had lifted from his head and he could think clearly again. Damn, he groaned when his hand brushed against the tender spot on the back of his head. What had they hit him with?

  He rose to his feet and made his way down the hall. The light was still on in the living room. “What are you doing still up?”

  “Some fascinating reading.” Tom waved the file in the air. “Not of the light variety, but the kind that gives you nightmares. I should ask you the same question.”

  “I woke up and needed a glass of water. I have no idea what time it is. I never looked at the clock.” Matt sat on the edge of his recliner.

  “The sun will be coming up soon.” Tom glanced at his watch.

  “Shouldn’t you get some sleep?” Matt stood up to get his glass of water.

  “I’ll sleep later. Dickerson is going to watch Jessie’s store today, and Sanders has assigned a couple of agents to shadow you today while I catch some z’s. He wants to keep an eye on the both of you. We’re both convinced they will use something to draw you out after their failed attempt. Jessie is the likely candidate.”

  “I’m glad they’ll be watching her. Was it someone’s idea of a cruel joke to put the handsome single guy on duty as the one to watch her?” Matt ran his hand through his rumpled hair, wincing when he inadvertently touched the bump. At least the cut had scabbed over.

  “I thought you would appreciate our attention to detail.” Tom chuckled. “I doubt Sanders even gave it a second thought. It’s possible that Dickerson was the first to volunteer for the job. I mean, what’s not to like about a cushy assignment watching a beautiful woman all day.”

  “Well, that makes me feel a hell of a lot better.” Matt’s brows creased.

  “You don’t have to worry about her. She’s rock solid when it comes to you.”

  “It’s not her I’m worried about.” Matt leaned back in the recliner.

  “No, I guess it wouldn’t be.” Tom tugged at his shirt collar and unbuttoned the top button. “How’s your noggin?”

  “Better now. At least the fog is gone. What do you think about what you’ve read so far?” Matt took a swig of his water.

  “From your notes in the file, I’m beginning to see where you’re going in your thought process. I’m following on your heels. You made some great connections. Our task is to keep you alive and catch these dudes before they can do what they came here to do. Should be a piece of cake, right?”

  Matt shook his head. “I’m holding out for lots of luck, too.” The squeal of the bedroom door opening reminded Matt he needed to oil the hinge. He smiled at Jessie when she walked into the room. “I hope we didn’t wake you.” He touched her hand as she walked by the chair.

  “I thought I heard your voice, and we need to talk. I’m glad you’re awake, too.” Jessie looked at Tom as she sat on the edge of the couch.

  “What’s up,” Tom asked her.

  “To make a long story short, you’re about to find another body.” She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  Chapter 36

  Tom’s jaw dropped open. “How do you know?”

  “She saw it, didn’t you, sweetheart?” Matt grinned at Tom’s ridiculous expression. “Tell us what you saw.”


  Jessie described the scene. “The man was tied to a tree. He seemed to be in a place where he’d be easy to see. They want you to find him.”

  “Damn. Of course, they do. The perps were bold enough to walk into this house. What’s to stop them from putting a body where someone will find it?” Tom slapped the file down on the table.

  “What, if any, details did you see?” Matt rested his head back against the chair.

  “He seemed to be older, but I didn’t notice much else about his appearance. I couldn’t get past the look of shock on his face. He was taken by surprise, which makes me wonder…” She hunched forward, propping her chin on her hands.

  “What, Jess? I can see the wheels spinning. Tell us what you’re thinking.” Matt leaned forward.

  “I wonder if he’s the man who has been following you. He might have gone there to meet them thinking he would be paid and wound up dead instead.”

  “Good theory, and you could be right.” Tom stretched out his legs. “Is she always like this?”

  “Most of the time.” Matt beamed at her. “Did you recognize the area?”

  “I haven’t had time to explore this area much since I’ve moved here. The main thing I noticed was there was a well-worn path like a hiking trail. The tree was near the trailhead, so he should be easy for someone to find. Who knows? Maybe they’ll have another method of telling us where he’s at.” She straightened.

  “I need coffee. Something tells me I won’t get much sleep today. Anyone else want some?” Tom stood and walked toward the kitchen. “Jessie, Agent Dickerson is taking you to work today and will watch your store in case someone shows up there.”

  “Okay, I’d better get ready.” She paused by Matt’s chair. “Where will you be?”

  He motioned for her to move closer then pulled her onto his lap. “I’ll be at the station. If you need anything, or if Dickerson gets on your nerves, call me. I’ll make Tom drive me to the store. Dickerson tends to talk a lot, and I don’t want him bothering you while you work.” He kissed her good morning.

  She smiled at him. “I’m sure he’ll be fine. I have enough work to keep me busy, and I’m sure he’ll stay out of the way. I doubt he’ll pay any attention to me.”