Partners: Beyond The Shadows

by Kira Chase

  “I've got some sauce in the freezer I can take out to thaw.”

  “You haven't made any lasagna in a while. It'll taste good on a chilly night.” She smiled. “Maybe we should invite George to dinner, too. He looks like he could use a home cooked meal. What do you think?”

  “Sounds good to me.” Frankie shrugged as she pulled herself to her feet and walked to the refrigerator. She removed a container from the freezer and set it in the refrigerator. “The more the merrier.”

  Johanna's eyes brightened. “Let's give him a call right now to invite him. Maybe there are some new leads.”

  “Good idea. Maybe Fellows has been captured. Wouldn't that be great?” She grabbed her phone, punched in the sheriff's number, and put her cell phone on speaker.

  Johanna observed Frankie closely. Frankie ran a hand through her chestnut brown hair as she impatiently waited for George to pick up. She loved her so much that sometimes it hurt. They'd been through a lot together and she had to admit, Frankie always seemed to get them out of every sticky situation. Frankie was quick, though at times her tactics scared the hell out of Johanna. Frankie was a risk taker, but Johanna liked to analyze each situation. That's what made them such a perfect team. They balanced one another's strengths and weaknesses.

  But this was different. This wasn't a case they'd been handed. This was one of life's unexpected wrenches thrown into their otherwise peaceful existence. She was deeply disturbed with law enforcement's inability to catch Fellows. Until they found the missing link, he'd keep getting away with murder. One by one he'd go down his list. She wondered what position Frankie held on that list. Maybe he had more than one person working with him. Maybe he wasn't the person doing the actual killings. Something didn't feel right. And until he was caught, she'd never feel completely at ease and she'd never feel that Frankie was protected. But Frankie was right. She didn't know how they'd survive if Fellows wasn't caught and if, God forbid, the case eventually did go cold.

  George finally answered his phone. “Are you two all right?” He asked worriedly.

  “We're fine, George,” Frankie answered. “Before we get ready to leave for the office we were wondering if there's anything new on Fellows.”

  “I wish I had some good news for you, ladies, but I don't. To be honest, I can't recall another case where the perp just keeps slipping through our fingers. The entire country is on alert. It's only a matter of time before we get him.”

  “Have there been any more victims?”

  George exhaled noisily. “Yes…I was going to call you in a few minutes. Another woman was attacked. We're beefing up patrols and also our security for you, Frankie.”

  Johanna's heart thudded. “Where, George? In New York?”

  He paused for a few seconds. “Philadelphia.”

  Johanna's eyes searched Frankie's. She saw the fear Frankie tried to hide and watched her beautiful face drain of color. “Oh, my God! How is he slipping through the cracks, George?”

  “Hold on a minute, Johanna. We may have a break with this latest attack.”

  “They know where he's hiding out?” Frankie asked hopefully.

  “No.” George cleared his throat. “His victim didn't die. She was left for dead, but miraculously was found in time.”

  “She identified Fellows as her attacker?” Frankie asked anxiously. “Did she say how he managed to get to her?”

  “No. Before she lost consciousness, she said a woman had approached her as she was going into her apartment. The woman told her she was a detective working with the police and needed to ask her some questions. The woman hit her on the back of the head after she'd closed the door and was leading her into the living room. When she regained consciousness, she was in a severe amount of pain and she said she began screaming. Her next door neighbor ran to her apartment and seeing the condition she was in, immediately phoned the police. She was able to give a pretty decent description of the woman. Unfortunately, she lapsed into a coma an hour ago. Her prognosis doesn't look good. But at least we know now for sure that a woman is helping him.”

  “Okay, now this makes no sense.” Johanna bit her bottom lip. “How can you be sure that this is connected to Fellows? Maybe this is a copycat because of the damned media attention this case has been getting.”

  “How would a copycat know who Fellows’ victims are? The attack fits the same M.O., Johanna. This woman, I think, is doing the killing for Fellows.”

  “Yesterday we were discussing the possibility that Fellows is using an accomplice,” Frankie said. “Now we know he is. So, it could be any woman on the street. Obviously she's able to get through the roadblocks. But where is Fellows? He's the one we need to get.”

  “We're still trying to find him,” George answered.

  “So now we have to worry about every woman we come in contact with.” Frankie glanced at Johanna.

  Johanna's forehead furrowed. “A thought just occurred to me. If she was knocked out by this woman, then she doesn't know if Fellows was there or not. Maybe he was hiding and came in afterwards.”

  “That's a good point, Johanna.” He paused. “I agree with the media attention, but in this case, we do need their help. People need to be informed. The whole country knows what he looks like. He can't hide forever.”

  “I suppose, George, but forgive me if that only gives me cold comfort.”

  “I understand, Johanna,” George replied. “Why don't you two stay put for a few days?”

  “No, we need to go to the office, George. We have a new client coming in this morning.” Frankie frowned. “I refuse to let that monster make me a prisoner. If he wants me badly enough he'll find a way to get me.” She glanced at Johanna. “Besides, won't it be better to stay out in the open?”

  Johanna gave her a hard stare. There was no way she'd change Frankie's mind once it was set on something. And she did understand Frankie's motive. She wanted this over as soon as possible so they could get back to their lives. She walked to the sink and rinsed out her coffee cup before placing it in the dishwasher. She smoothed her navy blue skirt and then picked up the matching blazer she'd placed over a chair and slipped it on over a cream colored silk blouse. Her pumps matched the color of her suit.

  “It's dangerous, Frankie,” George replied. “This is getting too close for comfort. We don't know what direction he may take next. He could make a beeline for Charlestown or throw us off track and head to another state before coming back here.”

  Frankie shook her head. “I'll be fine, George. Johanna and I are going to stay close together at all times. In fact, we're only going to work in the office today. And we're riding together in Johanna's car. We're following your advice.”

  “I can't change your mind about staying home today, I know. But promise me you won't leave the office, even for a cup of coffee, unless Kate escorts you. In fact, I'll send her over now so don't leave until she gets there.”

  “I promise to stay in the office, and instead of running next door for my afternoon latte, I'll just make a pot of regular coffee.”

  Her touch of sarcasm wasn't lost on Johanna. She shot her a sharp look. Frankie grinned sheepishly. Johanna didn't know which disturbed her more. One minute Frankie seemed deeply disturbed by the events and the next she seemed to brush it off as though it was just another ordinary day. Was that her way of protecting her true feelings or her way of pretending everything would be all right just for Johanna's sake?

  “Johanna, I'm counting on you,” George said.

  “No need to worry, George. She's not getting out of my sight. I'll handcuff her to me if I have to.”

  Frankie raised her eyebrows and smiled widely. “Promise?” she mouthed.

  Her comment almost made Johanna laugh.

  “Good. Make sure you don't leave the house until you hear from Kate.”

  “We won't. By the way, the reason we called you was to let you know that Kate and Arlan are coming to dinner tonight. We thought it would be a good idea to let Trey and Will know what's g
oing on since they are close friends of ours and are always popping in and out to do work. Can you join us?”

  “For a home cooked meal? I wouldn't miss it. Thank you for inviting me, girls. Let's hope that Fellows is picked up before the day is done and it will be a celebratory dinner.”

  Chapter 9

  Frankie exited the small bathroom in the back room of the office, which also led to a private parking space for their two cars. “I'm going to put on a pot of coffee,” she called to Johanna who was already busy at work in the main office.

  “Sounds good,” Johanna called back to her.

  Frankie started the coffee and then joined Johanna in the main office. “I didn't think it would be this chilly today.” She walked to the thermostat and turned it up. “I thought we'd be getting warmer weather by now.”

  “Ah…you're just rushing spring. Those few nice days last week spoiled you,” Johanna teased. “It's still officially winter.”

  “Look who's talking. You were ready to get out there in your garden.”

  Johanna shrugged. “No, I was only going to till it. You know I never plant anything too early. The weather's too unpredictable around here.”

  Frankie grinned at her. “I did feel bad when your very first garden froze. Remember that? Who would have expected a blizzard at the end of April after an unusually warm March? It even took me by surprise.”

  She slowly shook her head back and forth. “That year was crazy. It took me awhile to learn, but I think I've finally got it down to a science. And I know to cover the plants if the weather changes. But at least the flowers survived that year. I was grateful for that.”

  “That's because you didn't plant them until late. Or have you conveniently forgotten?”

  Johanna giggled. “I was hoping you had. Anyway, with all the ups and downs to becoming a gardener, all these years later I'm a pro.”

  “In more ways than one,” Frankie said with a wicked smile.

  Johanna lifted an eyebrow. “Only with you, babe.”

  She looked down at their appointment book. “I'm relieved that our new client postponed for a week. I don't think George would have been too thrilled with us tailing someone at night.” She shivered. “Actually, I don't think I would be able to do it right now. I'd be too jumpy.”

  “I know.” Frankie gave her a quick hug then moved to her own desk. “Her case does sound intriguing, though.” She laughed. “If her suspicions about her husband are true, it should be a very interesting tail.”

  Johanna giggled. “Well, at least money is no object according to her.”

  “But if her husband is having an affair with his boss, who just happens to be married to her best friend, it makes for a very strange case.” Frankie nodded vigorously. “Two men who were afraid to come out of the closet. It must have been strange when they went out together. I wonder how the men handled their attraction to each other in the beginning. I mean, how would you approach your wife's best friend's husband and tell him you're interested in him?”

  “Maybe they knew each other beforehand.” Johanna's eyebrows knitted together. “Do you think she's anti-gay?”

  “No. I think she's only anti-cheating. Man or woman, cheating still hurts.” Frankie leaned back in her chair. “I'm glad she gave us as much detail as she did over the phone. Once things settle down, we can do a little investigating and get a head start on the case. Maybe tonight after dinner I'll do some research on the computer. See if there is any connection between the two men going back that their wives didn't know about.”

  “I'll help.” She sighed. “I found a new program for background checks I need to test. Who knows what we might come up with?”

  Frankie peered out of one of the windows located on either side of the door. “I feel bad for Kate out there standing watch.” She sighed. “She's got to be bored to tears.”

  Johanna nodded. “I know, but we have no choice. Fellows could be anywhere. And we still have no clue who's helping him.”

  Frankie directed her yes to Johanna. “Have you found anything on Alice?”

  She shook her head. “For all we know she could be dead.” She tapped her fingertips on the edge of her desk. “But I'm not ready to buy that. I think she disappeared and changed her identity to distance herself from that part of her life.”

  “But why? Her grandparents, aunt, and uncle were so good to her. I don't know anyone who would put up with what that girl did. I would have been afraid to be alone with her. She definitely takes after her father from the sounds of it.” She grimaced.

  “Maybe everything got so twisted inside of her mind that she blamed them because she ended up losing both of her parents.”

  “So because of everything bad that happened to her she took out her pain and frustrations on those who loved and protected her?”

  Johanna chewed her bottom lip. “The mind is fragile. She needed to lash out at someone and unfortunately for them, they were her target.”

  “Ahh…what's that expression? You always hurt the one you love.”

  “Something like that. But I always thought it's the most ridiculous expression there is.” She pushed back her chair. “I'm going to see how the coffee's coming. Why don't you ask Kate to come in and have a cup with us? It'll warm her up.”

  “Good idea.” Frankie walked to the heavy door and pulled it open. “Come on in for some coffee, Kate.”

  Kate rubbed her hands together. “Sounds good.” She entered the office, turned, and closed the door behind her keeping her eyes on the door. “It's cold out there today. It wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for that stiff wind. And this strip mall seems to get it worse.”

  “I know. It’s not as bad out back where we park, though. I think there are more trees blocking the brunt of it.” She looked up as Johanna rushed into the office.

  “Frankie, you locked the back door when we arrived this morning, didn't you?”

  Frankie frowned. “Of course. That's the first thing we do every morning. You know that.” Johanna's complexion paled. “What's wrong?”

  Johanna swallowed hard. “The door was open when I went back for the coffee,” she answered in a wobbly voice. “How did the door get open if you locked it?”

  The hair on the back of Frankie's neck stood up. “Do you mean actually open or just unlocked?”

  “Open,” Johanna said hoarsely. “I felt a draft and went to look and it was ajar.”

  “I'd better check it out. I'll get George and Arlan over here.” Kate quickly called for backup, and then cautiously proceeded to the back room. She kept her gun poised as she slowly made her way into the room. As she surveyed the room Frankie and Johanna stood behind her, their guns within easy reach. She motioned for them to stay inside.

  She peered out of the door looking from side to side before stepping out into the back parking area. She proceeded toward Johanna's car. She kept her eyes trained on her surroundings as she did a walk around Johanna's car. When she was satisfied that nothing was amiss, she walked back into the room.

  Deputy Arlan Paton, talking on his radio, made his way from the main office to the back room.

  The three women turned as he entered.

  Kate nodded to him. “Johanna noticed the back door was open. It doesn't appear to have been forced.”

  Frankie did a quick visual sweep of the room. “Nothing appears to be out of place or missing.” Her eyes narrowed. “Maybe I only thought I shut and locked it. We were anxious to get inside because it was so cold out. I'm sure that's what must have happened.”

  Arlan focused on Kate. “Did you notice anything suspicious after they parked the car this morning?”

  “No.” She looked at Frankie. “After you went inside, I tried the handle and the door was locked. So you did lock it.”

  Arlan inspected the lock. “It doesn't appear to have been tampered with. Whoever did this is using professional locksmith tools to enter.” He walked outside and over to Johanna's car. He studied the car doors. They were securely locked. He pee
red inside the car windows for a few seconds. “Johanna, would you unlock the car?”

  “Let me get my keys.”

  “Go with her,” he instructed Kate. “We can't let either of them out of our sight even for a second.”

  Frankie's heart pounded. “What's wrong, Arlan?”

  “That.” He pointed to a sheet of notebook paper lying on the passenger seat. “Did you or Johanna leave that there?”

  “No.” Frankie looked in the driver's side window and saw the sheet of paper lying on the passenger seat.

  “I'm going to ask George to put extra security on the office…especially back here.” He looked around. “I'll get someone over here to dust for prints, too.” He sighed tiredly as he ran his hand through his dark hair. “I don't need to tell you how dangerous Fellows is, Frankie.”

  Frankie drew a shaky breath. “No, you don't.”

  He grabbed his cell phone and made a quick call.

  Frankie exhaled slowly as her eyes did a sweep around the parking area. She'd always felt safe here in their spot in the strip mall. Charlestown had always been relatively safe compared to much larger cities, but in the past few years, crime had been infiltrating their peaceful existence. But nothing like this had ever happened. It was like a scene out of a movie. All she could do was hope and pray that Fellows would be caught before he murdered anyone else. Or before he got too close to her. Or had he? She glanced uneasily over her shoulder. Was he watching her right at this very minute, laughing at her fear? Enjoying the power he held over her security? She drew another deep breath. No! She would never let him see her fear. He wouldn't win…not with her. She swallowed again and drew several quick breaths. She had to keep her wits about her.

  Johanna and Kate came back and Johanna, with shaky hands, pressed the remote and unlocked the car. She was poised with her hand near the handle when Arlan stopped her.

  “Don't touch the handle, Johanna. George is sending a team to dust for prints.”