Wind Chill

by Herron, Rita

  Gia sighed. “Anything else?”

  “Just heard from the State Patrol. They found Dr. Whitman.”

  “What? Where is he? Is he in custody?”

  “He had an accident not too far from the airport. His car wound up off the road in a remote section of farmland, crashed into some cornfields. They think it was weather-related.”

  “Is he okay?” Gia asked.

  “Unconscious. Took him to the ER with a head injury, swelling in the brain. Doctors put him in a medically induced coma until the swelling decreases.”

  “When did this happen?”

  “The day he was supposed to fly out. Looks like he crashed on the way to the airport. That’s the reason he never made his flight.”

  Gia’s mind raced. “Which means he couldn’t have killed Sari Benedict.”

  Brantley muttered agreement, and Gia pressed her hand to her mouth to stifle a cry.

  “I’ll keep digging on Folsom,” Brantley promised. “I also have a team reviewing security cameras near the locations where all the women were abducted. Maybe we missed something.”

  “Maybe. Have them pull photos taken at the crime scenes, too. Find out which reporters were there. Maybe they have their own shots and captured the killer hanging around to watch the aftershock of what he’d done.”

  “On it.”

  Gia hung up, a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “What’s going on?” Murphy asked quietly.

  She relayed her partner’s information. “If Folsom is innocent, and Dr. Whitman is off the suspect list, we have nothing. No leads.” Despair made her voice crack.

  Murphy pulled her to him. “We’ll find her,” he said vehemently.

  Gia choked back tears. and he cupped her face between his hands. Their gazes locked. Words unspoken. Tension and his compassion riveted her to his rugged, strong face.

  It had been a long time since she’d allowed herself to be comforted, especially by a man. After her mother died, she’d shut down. Closed herself off from others.

  Even her sister.

  If she lost her now, she would have nobody.

  Hungry for his comfort, she pressed her lips to his. For a moment, he went so still she feared he’d push her away. Then he slowly, gently moved his lips over hers. Brushing hers with such tenderness that her heart swelled with longing.

  The kiss lasted only a few seconds. It was enough. At least for the moment.

  She pulled her lips from his and exhaled. She had to do something. Act. “I want to talk to that reporter.” She couldn’t just sit around and wait for the killer to take Carly from her. Or for him to strike again.

  He’d come to Nebraska because of her. To taunt her. To hurt her.

  It was time she gave him what he wanted.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  4:30 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  Murphy sensed Gia was about to break. He wanted to bring her sister back to her more than he’d ever wanted anything in his life.

  But if he couldn’t…

  He’d be there when she fell, that is, if she’d let him.

  The woman had always been independent.

  He massaged her back, wanting to kiss her again. But his phone buzzed, and he forced himself to answer it.

  His deputy. “Yeah?”

  “Still no sign of Carly,” Cody said, anger and worry tingeing his voice. “But there’s a ten-car pile-up on the highway. In spite of the storm warnings, folks were panicked because of this case and decided to leave town.”

  Murphy muttered a curse. “I can’t make it there, Sherriff,” Cody said. “The road between the cottages and the highway where the accident happened is completely blocked with fallen trees and downed power lines.”

  He would have to go. “Injuries? Fatalities?”

  “Injuries, yes. Don’t know about fatalities. Someone called 911. First responders have been notified.”

  At some point they would be forced to stop responding for their own safety. “I’m on my way. Did you check out all the guests at the cottages?”

  “Yeah. Mostly families. One single young woman writing a travel blog who came for the festival and was alone. Another woman in her forties, also alone, who came to look at property. The two of them are going to hang together until this is over. Owner of the cottages said he had another building he planned to renovate for functions like weddings and family reunions. I’m going there now.”

  Murphy thanked him and hung up, then filled Gia in on what was going on.

  “Good grief, people are driving in this weather because they’re scared.”

  “I know. Not smart.” He was surprised they hadn’t started fleeing town the moment word spread the CK had struck in Tinley.

  “I have to go.”

  Gia nodded. “I’ll come with you.”

  Murphy gently touched her arm. “Why don’t you stay and try to rest a little bit?”

  “I can’t rest until I find Carly.”

  * * *

  4:45 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  Just the thought of closing her eyes brought images of the Christmas tree waiting for she and Carly to decorate. There were no packages under the tree either, not like when they were little. Although gifts didn’t matter.

  The only thing she wanted was her sister home.

  Nostalgia washed over Gia. Even though their mother had been on a tight budget, she used to wrap small presents so they could open one each day of the month. She and Carly saved up their allowances and went to the discount store and bought presents for each other. One year they’d bought each other the same set of paper dolls without realizing it. Another year, Carly had given her a bracelet making kit and she had given Carly a different jewelry set. They’d spent the entire day making friendship bracelets and pretty necklaces for each other.

  Their mother had turned wrapping presents into a party. Mountains of tissue, holiday wrapping paper and gift bags would be spread all over the den. Her mother hadn’t minded the mess. Instead, she’d laughed and started a tissue paper fight.

  She’d made everything so special.

  Gia missed her so much she could barely breathe.

  She couldn’t lose her sister. They would be together again. She couldn’t imagine the outcome any differently.

  “I might be able to help,” Gia said. “Besides, maybe one of those people panicked because they saw something.”

  Murphy looked grim, but he motioned okay. He’d been such a rock for her that she wanted to help him. The bitter blast of wind stung her cheeks as they hurried outside to his vehicle. The siren on his police vehicle wailed as he drove onto the icy road.

  The snow was turning into whiteout conditions. Murphy powered up the defroster and wipers, but they screeched across the frosted glass as they struggled to clear it and were failing miserably.

  How were they going to find Carly in this disaster? Was the CK already choosing his last victim?

  An ambulance and fire engine roared up at the same time they did. The pile-up was bad. Ten cars, crashed in all different directions across the highway, some in the ditches, one crunched between two trees, another upside down. Two others were half buried in the snow.

  She, Murphy, and the rescue workers jumped into motion, hurrying from car to car to assess injuries. The next half hour was chaos as they helped people from their vehicles and the paramedics examined them. Most had sustained only minor injuries, bruises and cuts, but one man had a broken arm, and another woman was complaining of severe leg pain. Firefighters also worked to rescue a young couple trapped in their small sedan.

  Murphy called for back-up ambulances and phoned the preacher at the local church. He agreed to send parishioners with vans to transport victims to the hospital.

  Clarissa Klondike, the local news reporter, arrived with a camera team to capture the chaos. Murphy took statements from the drivers to figure out what exactly had happened. Weather definitely played a part.

  So did fear and panic.

 
Although most of the folks involved in the accident didn’t fit the profile for the CK’s victims, gossip about the snowplow driver’s death had leaked, and they were terrified of being caught up in the maniac’s clutches as they thought Harley had.

  No one had seen anything suspicious though. If they had, how would they know? Everyone was bundled up in heavy winter clothing, scarves, hats and gloves, making them indistinguishable. Stores were closed and people were locked inside, not out in town where they might encounter the CK.

  Of if they had, he’d blended in.

  Clarissa stood shivering in a thick gray down coat as she delivered the story for live news.

  Gia had wanted to talk to her. Now was her chance.

  While Murphy orchestrated the rescues and transportation as the church van arrived, Gia maneuvered her way over to the anchorwoman.

  She waited until Clarissa wrapped up the initial segment, then approached her.

  “Special Agent Franklin.” Clarissa pushed the microphone toward Gia. “Tourists and residents of Tinley are stricken with panic over this serial killer. Several told me that’s the reason they braved the hazardous conditions today.”

  Gia’s chest tightened as the reporter gestured toward the carnage of the pile-up. “Is it true you have a suspect in jail?”

  Gia had no idea how the woman had gleaned that information. She glanced at Murphy, but he was too busy helping an elderly man into the church van to notice Clarissa.

  “We are questioning a person of interest, but at this point, no formal charges have been filed, and we are not certain he is the CK.” That would frighten people more, but she refused to lie or offer a false sense of safety.

  “The investigation is ongoing, and my sister is still missing. Again, we ask anyone with information about this unidentified man or any of the murders to please call the police.”

  “Can you reveal the name of the man in custody?”

  “Not at this time.” Gia paused, planning her statement. “But I do want to address the man who kidnapped my sister. If you’re watching, I know you have two ornaments left. Eleven and twelve. I ask that you spare my sister and come after me instead.” She lifted her chin, ignoring Clarissa’s startled look. “I’m the one who challenged you. I’m the one who has been chasing you for the past three weeks.” She pressed a hand over her chest. “I’m the one you want, the one who’ll make you famous.”

  She actually managed a smile, one filled with challenge again. “So, call me. Talk to me. Tell me where to come and I’ll be there.”

  * * *

  5:00 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  Murphy grimaced at the sight of the reporter confronting Gia. A bad feeling seized his gut. What the hell was Gia up to? He knew she was desperate, but how desperate?

  Someone called his name though, and he turned back to handle the situation at hand. Some motorists were already suffering from hypothermia and shock. He, Gia and the first responders were at danger for that themselves. All the more reason to work quickly.

  Finally, the church van and ambulances headed toward the hospital.

  Clarissa Klondike and her cameraman approached him. “Sheriff, can you comment on the panic spreading through town or give the public any idea when they will feel safe again in Tinley?”

  Murphy shot her a warning look. She knew good and damn well he couldn’t. But he wanted to calm the residents of Tinley, so he adopted a neutral tone. “Residents and tourists, please heed the warnings about Holly and be diligent about safety precautions. Stay alert. Watch out for anything out of the ordinary or anyone acting suspiciously. This man targets females, although who knows what he may do if confronted. If you think you see him or cross his path, do not attempt to apprehend him. Call the police.”

  He ended the interview, anxious to get Gia out of the elements and to question Folsom again.

  His phone buzzed. Hoping it was a lead, not fallout from the fear raging through town, he checked the number. Golden Gardens, the assisted living facility where his mother lived.

  His heart thundered as he connected. “It’s Murphy. What’s going on?”

  “Mr. Malone, it’s Teresa, your mother’s nurse. I’m afraid she took a fall. We’re transporting her to the hospital for x-rays to determine if she broke her hip.”

  Dammit, broken hips could be dangerous for someone as frail as his mother. Her RA had progressed to the point that she could barely walk without a cane.

  “I wouldn’t have called, but she’s asking for you, and…she’s having chest pains. It’s possibly just a panic attack, but we want a cardiologist to examine her.”

  Murphy ran a hand over his face. “I’ll be there ASAP.”

  He hung up and trudged through the snow to his vehicle. Gia was huddled inside with the heater running.

  “I have to go to the hospital,” he said as he maneuvered onto the road. “My mom fell and may have broken her hip. She’s also having chest pains.”

  Gia gently touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Murph. I know how much your mother means to you.”

  A muscle ticked in his jaw. “She’ll be all right. She’s tough.”

  But fear gnawed at him. His mother was all the family he had. And Gia understood about losing a mother.

  “She will be okay, but you have to be with her,” Gia agreed softly. “Drop me at the jail and I’ll see if Folsom is ready to talk while you go to her.”

  Murphy didn’t want to leave Gia. But he would come back to her, for the case. For Carly. And Sari.

  And to see if something else was going on between him and the woman he’d always loved.

  But he had to check on his mother first.

  * * *

  5:10 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  Ten minutes later, Gia studied Folsom before closing the distance to the cell. He was agitated, pacing, twitching and cursing.

  When he saw her, he came to a halt and gripped the bars of the cell. “Are you ready to let me go?”

  “No,” Gia said. “Not until you come clean with us.”

  “I’ve told you I didn’t kill all those women!” Folsom bellowed.

  “Just tell me where my sister is.”

  His eyes narrowed, then his voice calmed. But his tone was nasty. “You’re wasting your time here with me. If she dies, it’s your fault.”

  Gia reached out and yanked him by the throat. “She’d better not die,” she hissed. “If she does, I’ll put you in the grave.”

  Her cell phone buzzed on her hip. For a moment, her breathing was so erratic the sound didn’t register.

  “Where is she?” she shouted.

  His fingers curled around her hands as he tried to loosen her grip. “You’ve got the wrong man. And you’re going to pay for it.”

  Her phone trilled again, finally hacking through the fog of furry consuming her. She shoved the man away, then stepped back and jerked her phone from her pocket.

  Dragging in a cleansing breath, she strode into the hall and checked the number.

  Carly’s.

  Hands trembling, she connected. “Carly?”

  “Help me.”

  A sob lodged in Gia’s throat. “Where are you, honey?”

  “Tree…Christmas tree…”

  “Christmas tree…which one? Where are you?”

  But the line went dead in her hand, cutting off her sister’s response.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  5:15 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  He gently wiped a tear from Carly’s cheek.

  She was so beautiful and so much sweeter than her sister. It was a shame to have to kill her.

  But it was part of his plan. And she’d seen too much. Knew too much now.

  While the blizzard raged on, she’d talked to him, wanted to know what made him tick. Had asked as if she genuinely cared.

  That was just an act though.

  She was just stalling. Trying to keep herself alive.

  Still, he’d indulged her by telling her that he’d first seen her sister wher
e he’d posed Page. That had been a lie though. He’d seen her a long time ago and wanted to get to know her then.

  But she’d ignored him.

  She wasn’t ignoring him now.

  Gia was a worthy opponent, he told Carly. She hated Christmas as much as he did.

  On some level, he knew she understood him, too.

  “You don’t have to do this,” Carly whispered. “My sister and I need to be together this holiday. We lost our mother....”

  “Don’t worry,” he murmured. “You’ll all be together this year.”

  A sob escaped her. “Not that way though. I want Gia to remember we’re still a family. You don’t know her. She’ll help you.”

  Oh, he knew her very well. More than any of the others.” A bitter laugh escaped him. “Your sister wants to lock me in a cell for the rest of my life.” A suffocating feeling tightened his chest at the thought of being confined in a six-by-eight-foot space with nothing but steel bars surrounding him. Lying on a threadbare cot at night where men acted like animals.

  And the food tasted like crap.

  “Please,” Carly begged. “Just let me and my sister help you.”

  “You are going to help me,” he murmured. “You’re going to help me finish out the Twelve Days of Christmas.”

  Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead and left her to wait.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  6:10 p.m., December 19, Tinley

  At the hospital, Murphy rushed to the nurses’ desk and identified himself.

  “Yes, Sheriff. They’ve taken your mother for an EKG and then to x-ray. Let me show you to the ER room.”

  He followed the nurse to Room Seven and pushed the curtain aside to see an empty room. He stepped inside, battling the fear pressing against his chest.

  After his mother kicked his old man to the curb, it had just been the two of them. She had to be all right.