Knock Knock
Page 24
She coughed and wiped more tears away. “I don’t understand any of this. What did Sonya mean by being forced to use me.”
Casey took a deep breath. “The police believe that she’s an accomplice to the home-invasion gang. The asshole you shot is the ring-leader.”
Monica’s mouth fell open. “No! Sonya wouldn’t be part of that!”
“I’m not saying that she was breaking into homes. But the cops think that Sonya and Ricky, who is Tyrone’s father by the way, have been feeding him info about the seniors in your area.”
Monica’s lower lip quivered. “I thought Sonya was finally taking an interest in my life.” She sniffed and dabbed her nose. “I told her all about Elsie.”
Detective Ivan Novak stepped into the room. Casey noted the disapproving stare fixed on her. He looked away and spoke with other officers.
“Sonya’s addiction drove her to this,” Casey said to Monica. “As long as Tyrone kept her supplied, she gave them information. She had no control of her life.”
A tear dripped off Monica’s chin. “Nice of you to say so, but it doesn’t change the fact that we both contributed to Elsie’s death.”
“You couldn’t have known.” Casey kept her voice low. “I think Sonya tried to protect you from the gang as long as possible.”
Monica peered at her. “That bastard was here to rob me, wasn’t he? Sonya knew I’d be out, although why she showed up before I left, I have no idea.”
“She might have thought that you and I had already gone. I borrowed someone else’s car today,” Casey answered. “And the alarm was set. She might have heard her daughters with me in the kitchen and decided to hide Tyrone in the kids’ room.” Casey thought about the gesture Denis had made toward the window. “But then Shawna went in and saw them. Tyrone recognized my voice and decided to finish what he started with me the other day.”
Monica gasped. “He was the one who beat you?”
Casey nodded. “Yeah.”
Monica squeezed her hand. “You’ll get justice now.”
Casey no longer heard Sonya’s shouts outside or the girls’ wailing. All of them were probably inside vehicles now, being driven in separate directions. What would happen to those poor little girls?
“Sorry to interrupt.” Novak moved closer. “But I need to speak with you, Mrs. Silver.”
“Might as well.” Monica sighed and dabbed her eyes. “I’ve missed my doctor’s appointment anyway.”
He turned to Casey. “Would you mind stepping outside, please? But stay nearby. I’d like to speak with you as well.”
Now he wanted to talk? Casey bit back a nasty reply and gave him a curt nod. She headed outside. Sonya was in the back of a patrol car, still yelling and twitching. Her frantic expression reminded Casey of a wounded animal. Shawna and Seanna were nowhere in sight.
“Casey?” Denver walked up to her. “Are you all right?”
“I’ve been better.” She told him what had happened in the house.
When she was done, Denver said, “Ricky was picked up a half hour ago.”
“Good.”
By the time Casey finished providing Novak with a detailed description of events, she needed to go home and lie down, and be grateful that this nightmare was finally over.
THIRTY-TWO
“It’s even more beautiful than the first time I saw it.” Casey gazed in awe at Summer twirling before her in the turquoise dress.
“Absolutely stunning,” the salesclerk said. “The seamstress did a wonderful job.”
“You look so grown up,” Casey murmured.
Summer had just turned fourteen. With makeup, she could pass for eighteen, which didn’t thrill Casey. She’d already drawn the attention of too many boys.
“Too bad I don’t get to wear it right away.”
“October will be here soon enough.”
Lou liked the idea of a fall wedding, although he was worried that Casey might still be dealing with concussion issues. Assuring him that she’d be fine, she’d already booked a small, popular heritage house used for special events. The park across the street would be perfect for photos among the fall colors.
“Will your other bridesmaids be in for a fitting soon?” the clerk asked.
“Yes. Next week.”
Summer sighed. “I wish Mom could see this.”
“Why don’t we take a photo to give her on our next visit?”
“Awesome idea.”
As Casey readied her phone, the clerk said, “Would you like to try on gowns today, or would you rather wait for your friends?”
“Go for it,” Summer said. “If you find a couple you like, then they can help you choose.”
“I hope I’m not being presumptuous, but I put aside a dress for you,” the clerk said. “I thought it might be a little more to your taste.”
Since the clerk had gone to the trouble, the least she could do was take a look. “Okay.”
“Wonderful!” The clerk hurried off.
By the time Casey had taken several shots of Summer, the clerk had placed the dress in the fitting room and was unzipping a bag. She lifted out a simple ivory number that made Casey’s heart flutter.
“I noticed you looking at this style the last time you were here,” the clerk said. “I thought it might be worth a try.”
Casey’s eyes widened. “It’s amazing. Very elegant.”
“The embroidery on the bodice provides a romantic touch. The dress is made of top-quality silk,” the clerk said, almost in awe. “As you can see, it’s sleeveless, and two wide straps crisscross in back.”
Casey smiled at her. “You’re really good at your job.”
The clerk beamed. “Would you like to try it on?”
Summer poked her head inside. “Oh my god! That’s fan-tabulous!”
“The dress comes with a wrap,” the clerk added. “You can wear it in any season.”
Casey’s fingertips grazed the smooth, soft fabric, almost afraid to touch it. Changing clothes wouldn’t hurt as much as it had the last time she tried on a dress. “Sure. Let’s do this.”
“If you need any help, just call,” the clerk said.
Casey closed the curtain and looked at herself in the mirror. In the days since Tyrone Ripple’s arrest, her ribs and shoulder had improved considerably. The bruises were gone from her face, and her ring finger was almost back to normal. Even the headaches were less severe or frequent. Given that the attack happened nearly seven weeks ago, she was in pretty good shape.
Only once had she awakened from a nightmare, terrified that Tyrone would be released on some stupid technicality. But that hadn’t happened yet. Denver had assured her that the sadistic freak wouldn’t be granted bail. Evidence from earlier home invasions across the country was tying him to those crimes as well.
Casey had just removed her sundress when her phone rang. Crap. Why did people always call when she was changing? “Hello?”
“Hi, it’s Stan. Got a minute?”
“Sure.” She’d spoken with him only once since Tyrone’s arrest. He’d said, “Great work,” then given her hell for going to Monica’s again.
“How are things going?” he asked.
“Good. I’ve had another counseling session and am pretty sure that I’ll get the all-clear for a few shifts.”
“Glad to hear it. I’m hoping to take a short vacation in mid-September, and I want you to take charge. Think you’ll be ready by then?”
“Absolutely.”
“Excellent. I just heard that VPD now has enough physical evidence to charge Tyrone Ripple with the murder of his cohorts. Of course, your statement will nail him for Harold Knox’s death, not to mention the assault on you.”
No need to tell him that Denver had already told her. “What about Elsie Englehart?”
“They’re still working on it. The good news is that the father’s ratting out his son to save his own ass. Word is that Ricky Hannigan’s been afraid of his son for some time and wants him put away.”
/> “Glad to hear it.”
Denver had told her this too. Said that Ricky had been coerced into spying on the neighbors. Sonya had also been talking plenty, but since she was a heroin addict, Denver doubted that much of what she said would hold up in court. Casey’s testimony would be pivotal in putting Tyrone away for a long time.
“We should go over some things you’ll have to take care of while I’m away,” Stan said.
“Sure.” After they arranged a meeting time, Casey put the phone down, grateful that things were returning to normal.
She had spoken with Monica a couple of days ago. Sonya was still in jail and Monica wasn’t interested in bailing her out. Her granddaughters were staying with her now, but Casey had no idea how Monica would support and raise two little girls even on a short-term basis. Monica had invited Casey for a visit, so she’d invited Daisy along. The two of them had hit it off. Daisy was even taking Monica to meet Hilda.
Casey slowly slid the dress up her legs and over her hips. Facing the mirror, she was stunned by the graceful, feminine, sophisticated image reflected back at her. Casey’s cheeks grew warm and her eyes misted over. August thirty-first was almost here. It would have been a beautiful wedding.
BOOKS BY DEBRA PURDY KONG
Casey Holland Transit Mysteries
The Opposite of Dark (#1)
Deadly Accusations (#2)
Beneath the Bleak New Moon (#3)
The Deep End (#4)
Knock Knock (#5)
You Can Contact Debra Through Her Website:
www.debrapurdykong.com
or email her at:
debra_kong@telus.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning writer, Debra Purdy Kong, lives in Port Moody, British Columbia. She’s published more than one hundred short stories, essays, and articles for publications that include Chicken Soup for the Bride’s Soul, B.C. Parent Magazine, and the Vancouver Sun.
Her criminology studies and work as a patrol & communications security officer, provided inspiration for her Casey Holland transit mysteries. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and a facilitator for the Creative Writing Workshop through Port Moody’s Parks & Recreation Program.
PRAISE FOR CASEY HOLLAND MYSTERIES:
The National Post - “Kong’s writing is no-nonsense at best . . . the end result is a mystery that fits the bill.”
The Hamilton Spectator - “A good read with urban grit and a spicy climax.”
Quill & Quire - “The novel’s short, punchy chapters whisk the story along to a thrilling climax, while the characters’ relationships and rivalries provided a strong emotional anchor.”
Julie H. Ferguson, Author of Book Magic - “This book is a page-turner. Purdy Kong creates rounded, believable characters and the story is complex enough to satisfy but not defeat you. I was never quite sure “who dun it”. Just what I love in a good mystery novel.”