by Kira Chase
Johanna's face paled. “You think he was here don't you?” she asked in a shaky voice as her eyes searched Arlan's. “You think you'll find his prints.”
“I won't lie to you. Yes, I do think he was here. I also think he's too cunning to leave his prints behind. But you never know.” He nodded toward the door. “Why don't you and Frankie go back inside with Kate until they get here?”
Frankie glanced around the small parking area. Her jaw tightened. She looked at Johanna's face. Fear was evident…a fear that Frankie herself now felt. If Fellows and even an accomplice did manage to evade the manhunt and slipped undetected into Charlestown then how the hell were they doing it? Something didn't add up. She scanned the street leading to their parking area. Anyone could have come back here. The large beautiful trees surrounding the back of the lot would have given them the cover they needed. But how did they get Johanna's car door unlocked without leaving any visible signs of entry? How did they get into the back door of the office without being detected? What other tricks was Fellows using if added to everything else he was also a professional with lock picking tools. Did he or whoever was helping him leave the back door open as a warning or was it a mistake? If it was a mistake, then hopefully it would be the flaw that would bring him down. She couldn't let this bastard take over her life. More importantly, she wouldn't allow herself to be another of his victims.
Johanna gripped her arm. “Let's go inside with Kate. It's cold out here.”
Frankie bit her bottom lip. She turned and looked into Johanna's beautiful green eyes. She put her arms around her and held her close for a minute. Johanna was shaking almost uncontrollably.
* * * *
“Are you certain you checked the back door, Deputy Allen?” George asked.
“Yes, everything was secure,” Kate replied. “In fact, I double checked it.”
George turned to Frankie. “As soon as we get the prints we'll see what that piece of paper on Johanna's car seat is all about.”
Frankie frowned. “If it was Fellows, then why didn't he just grab me while he had the opportunity? He could have barged in here and gotten to me while Kate was out front. She would have never known.” She threw her hands up. “I was in the bathroom a little while before he came here. He could have gotten to me without Johanna knowing it either.”
George ran a hand over his stubbly chin. “The only reason I can think of is time, Frankie.”
“What do you mean 'time', George?” Johanna asked.
Before George could respond, Frankie interrupted. “He means that Fellows likes to take his time making his victims suffer. He gets off on it. He'd never just shoot and run. Besides, from what we know, he likes to use knives…he enjoys carving his—”
“That's enough, Frankie,” Johanna cried. “Stop it!”
Frankie exhaled loudly as she threw her arms around Johanna. “I'm sorry.”
George turned his attention to one of his deputies who had entered the office. “Did you find something, Deputy?”
Frankie's attention immediately turned to the man. She didn't know him well, but she'd seen him around the Sheriff's Department. He was middle aged, sandy haired, and had a pleasant, but full face.
“They've got the prints,” the deputy answered.
George nodded. “Let's see what this mysterious piece of paper is all about.”
The group quickly moved to the parking area. Johanna hesitated, then opened the car door and swiftly retrieved the sheet of paper. She looked at the large scrawled writing on the paper, gasped, and began trembling violently.
Frankie was immediately at her side pulling the sheet of paper out of her hands as the sheriff and deputies surrounded the women. She let her breath out in a rush, cleared her throat, and then read the words aloud. “It says 'Francine Barker, your next'. He obviously flunked spelling class,” she said lightly trying to downplay the ominous warning. He spelled 'you're’ as ‘your'.”
“No! He's getting closer. George, how is he getting through all the barricades?” Johanna cried. “He came here with Kate watching the place. All the protection in the world isn't stopping him!”
“He's getting a sick thrill watching us,” Frankie said as her eyes scanned the parking area. “Hey, Fellows,” she yelled, “Are you watching us now? Come on, let's see how tough you are, you piece of filthy garbage.” She flung her arms into the air. “Come on, here I am. Come get me!”
Johanna tugged Frankie's arms. “Frankie, stop!” Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“No! I won't keep hiding from this scumbag! I'm not letting him destroy my life! Come on, Fellows! Let's see what a tough guy you really are!”
George walked over to Frankie and laid a heavy hand on her arm. “Frankie, let's get inside. As soon as we get the results of the prints back maybe they'll be a clue as to who his accomplice is.” He turned his head to face Kate and Arlan. “I want the both of you to stay here. Arlan, you keep an eye on things back here and Kate you can continue guarding the front.” He followed Johanna back inside keeping a tight hold on Frankie's arm.
“This is like a fucking nightmare, George. How is he getting away with this?” Frankie asked once they were back inside.
“I just don't know. I wish I had the answers, Frankie.” He shook his head. “But now we know he's in Charlestown. I have to get back to the office to alert the police commissioner to put in place every resource at his disposal.” He paused. “If you're not up to dinner tonight I understand, but I think we all need to sit down and discuss a few things. Our top priority is keeping you safe.” He put a heavy hand on her shoulder. “We can pick up some pizzas or something and bring them over.”
“No, absolutely not. Dinner is still on.” She bit her bottom lip. “I need something to take my mind off of this and cooking has always helped whenever I have a problem.”
Chapter 10
Frankie sat on the edge of the sofa listening intently as George filled Trey and Will in on Carson Fellows. Johanna sat next to her watching her closely. As she listened to George retelling the murderer's history, her nerves jangled. Right now Frankie appeared to be calm…too calm. She knew Frankie was hatching a plan of her own to catch Fellows and that was what terrified her.
Trey Daniels, thirty-five, sandy haired and with model good looks glanced at Frankie and shook his head. His biceps rippled beneath the hunter green jersey he wore as he set his beer on a coaster. “This is unbelievable!”
“We're putting the addition on hold for right now,” Frankie said. “I called the contractor and told him we needed a couple extra weeks before they could begin work. I hope this doesn't put a crimp in our plans. It would really piss me off if the addition has to be delayed.” She crossed her long legs. “I suppose he'll understand why we had to delay once Fellows is caught and this hits the news.”
Trey absentmindedly ran a hand over his khaki dress slacks. “I've worked with him before. He's a decent guy. Don't worry, Frankie, you'll get your addition.”
“I hope so.” She smiled weakly. “You and Will still have access to the property, but you'll have to put on hold any projects that involve your crew, too.”
Will's eyes narrowed. “Frankie, stop worrying about all of this. We understand. Everything will get completed just the way you want. There's no hurry.”
“I know. I'm just impatient.”
“That's an understatement,” Johanna said with a laugh. “How are you handling the media, George?” she asked. “Do they know Fellows is in Charlestown?”
George ran his thumb over the handle of his coffee cup. “No. We're giving them as little information as possible. I don't know how long we'll be able to hold them at bay, though, until some reporter snoops around and figures it out.”
“Will and I certainly won't leak anything,” Trey assured the sheriff.
“I trust you two,” George quickly replied. “But some of those reporters can be ruthless and it's easy to unintentionally let something slip.”
“They can be useful, bu
t there are times they can ruin a case.” Frankie's face soured.
“We certainly won't tell a soul anything going on.” He looked at Frankie. “You know we'd never do anything to jeopardize your or Johanna's safety.”
Johanna smiled warmly. “We know that, Trey.”
Trey's partner, Will Benjamin, had been listening to the conversation as he sipped at his beer. At thirty years old he was cute with a boyish smile. He was dressed in dark brown dress slacks and a button down, short-sleeved tan shirt. “Trey and I can check in during the day while you're at the office to make sure everything is okay,” he stated. “And you know if you ever need us at night we're just a phone call away.”
“Since the girls have the security gate, I think the fewer people in or out is better for now.” George rubbed his chin. “I know your intentions are good, but until Fellows is caught the fewer people coming to the property, the better.”
Will nodded. “Well, if there's anything we can do to help just let us know.”
Trey picked his beer back up and took a long swallow. “I still can't believe this is happening.”
Frankie scowled. “We can't either, Trey.” She stood and rubbed her arms. “I don't know if I'll ever feel safe again.”
Johanna cocked an eye at her. Frankie was finally admitting she was afraid. In five minutes from now she'd be acting fearless. What was wrong with her? Frankie's back and forth attitude was disturbing. Was she having a meltdown? She wondered if the others noticed. They'd known Frankie for years. Did they pick up on her unusual mind-set?
“You will,” Trey assured her. “Will and I will make sure. And we'll do everything in our power to help you two through this.”
Arlan grunted. “They'll be in good hands. George, Kate, and I will make damned sure of that. If I wasn't working for law enforcement, I don't need to tell you what I'd like to do to Fellows if I got my hands on him.”
“Nothing less than any of us would want to do,” Kate said.
Will's jaw twitched. “Murdering the mother of his child because she found out he's a pervert that gets off on little girls. I'd cut it off and stick it down his damned throat!”
* * * *
There was little conversation as they ate dinner. Even though everyone tried to keep the mood light and dinner conversation pleasant, it was hard to make everyday conversation in light of the events taking place. Everyone was on edge. Johanna didn't know how they got through the meal. Frankie's tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. She ate little, mostly pushing her food around on her plate. Johanna was worried. Circles were evident under her normally big, beautiful brown eyes, but it was the pain evident in them that deeply disturbed Johanna.
Johanna placed her hand over Frankie's. “That was delicious as usual.”
Trey pushed his plate away. “Wow! That is the absolute best lasagna I've ever eaten. I'm so full I think I'll burst.”
“If we behave she just might give us some leftovers to take home,” Will teased.
Frankie laughed. “You two know I always make enough for an army.”
“Well, I'll take some of those leftovers, too,” Arlan said.
Frankie smiled. “You've got it, Arlan.”
Johanna's stomach churned. She'd tried to make light conversation through dinner, but failed miserably. Frankie was in trouble and there was nothing she could do about it. The slightest noise unnerved her. Even with a house full of friends she felt vulnerable. They were waiting. Waiting for the sociopath to make his move. There was nothing any of them could do until he did. She was living in a nightmare…a nightmare that could have devastating consequences. She wondered if she'd ever get her sense of security back again. How safe were they really here? If Fellows could leave a note in her locked car without anyone noticing, and no visible signs of entry, then he would find a way to get in here no matter how top of the line Frankie claimed their security system was. They'd moved from the city to escape the crime, but every day, little by little, the crime that plagued the city was seeping its way into the suburbs, and now into their usually safe rural haven. She pasted a phony smile on her lips and turned her attention back to their guests.
“Yes, thank you for a delicious dinner, Frankie,” George said. He smiled warmly at her.
Johanna kept her eyes on his haggard face wondering when the last time was that he'd gotten a good night's sleep. She looked closer. There was something hidden behind his smile. Did Frankie notice? She was looking curiously at him, too. His tired eyes gave away the worry he couldn't conceal. She shifted her gaze to Frankie. Frankie had noticed. A small crease lined her brow as she continued to look intently at the sheriff.
“We're happy to have you here, George.” Frankie returned his smile. “Though I wish it was under better circumstances. Too bad it isn't a celebratory dinner like we'd hoped.” She sighed. “As soon as this is over I'm going to throw a huge party. Maybe it'll be nice enough by then to open the pool. We can have a barbeque.” She looked at Johanna. “Won't that be fun?”
Johanna saw the same worried look she'd seen in George's eyes, in Frankie's. It alarmed her. Frankie was tough, nothing ever got her down, but she was terrified and trying damned hard to keep her true emotions in check. And Johanna knew she was doing it for her sake. That was it! She was having difficulty keeping her real emotions under wraps and that's why Johanna had been alarmed at Frankie's shifting attitude. Frankie would never, if she could help it, ever let Johanna see her fear. If she showed her fear, then it meant she had no control over the situation. That had happened only a few times since they'd met. Frankie had taken the role of protector in their relationship, but Johanna wished for once she'd just be herself and let her true emotions out and lean on Johanna. She felt a little better knowing that Frankie wasn't having an emotional breakdown, but still, she wished Frankie would come clean with her and tell her she was afraid. It was better than worrying about Frankie going off half-cocked and doing something that could have fatal consequences.
Johanna inhaled deeply and composed herself. “Yes, and you'd all better be here, too.” She pasted a smile on her lips. “That's an order.”
“Oh, we definitely will be,” Trey replied. “Will and I would never miss an invitation where you two are cooking and baking.”
“You've got that right,” Will said. “Once that bastard is behind bars for the rest of his miserable life we'll all be ready to celebrate.”
Kate and Arlan nodded and then cast uneasy eyes on George.
Johanna became increasingly nervous as she observed the looks that passed between the three of them. Was there some new information? Her heartbeat quickened.
George cleared his throat. “I'd like to run something by you and Johanna, Frankie. Arlan, Kate and I have already discussed it, but the final call is yours.”
Frankie propped her elbows on the dining room table. “What is it?”
Johanna's heart pounded as she waited for George's reply. Her hand anxiously gripped the edge of the long heavy table. They rarely used the dining room except for special occasions, but since they had too many to sit at the breakfast nook, where she and Frankie usually ate, they'd decided to use the dining room tonight.
She loved this room. It was cozy, yet roomy. They'd spent hours picking out the paint, moldings, furniture, lighting, and flooring. Sometimes she and Frankie ate in here, when they were celebrating special occasions alone. They'd found some beautiful antique pieces at auctions, had them refinished, and gave the room an 1800s look, but with all the modern conveniences. It was a peaceful room.
George glanced at Deputies Allen and Paton before turning his attention back to Frankie. “After what happened at your office today, we think it might be a good idea if Kate stayed right here in the house with you two, until Fellows is apprehended.”
Johanna felt a rush of relief. She didn't give Frankie a chance to respond. “I think it's a great idea, George.” She turned her head and looked at Frankie. By her expression, Frankie didn't share her relief. At thi
s point Johanna was ready to take every precaution and offer of protection that George offered. But Frankie would feel threatened and vulnerable, as though she were giving up. Why wouldn't Frankie let someone else take the role of protector for a change? She had to admit that this was too big even for her. When would she realize she couldn't do this alone and accept the help that was offered? Johanna looked at the familiar stubborn jut to Frankie's chin and then at her beautiful big brown eyes. She saw for a fleeting moment the same thing she'd seen earlier, the one thing Frankie hated to show anyone, as Frankie caught her eye. It was fear. Rarely did Frankie admit that she was afraid of anything. Johanna was the only person she occasionally allowed to see her vulnerable side.
“Thanks for the offer, George, but we can protect ourselves in our own home,” Frankie replied. “Besides, you can't spare the manpower.”
“Frankie, I've got it covered. You already know that we've been given all the resources we need. Right now, this case is top priority. Every agency in the country is hunting for Fellows.” His eyes narrowed. “If you don't want Kate to stay in the house, then she, along with other law enforcement, will be posted around every inch of this property.” His eyes burned as he looked at her. “You won't become one of Fellows' victims…not on my damned watch!” His face turned beet red. “This isn't a game. He means business. Those women were tortured before he killed them. They were mutilated, Frankie! Dammit, listen to reason…they suffered horribly before he finally put them out of their misery. Do I have to spell it out for you?” His face contorted with the emotions raging through him.
Johanna felt an icy chill creep up her spine. “You don't have to spell it out for me, George,” she said quietly. “Kate, yes, please stay in the house with us. I'll feel better with you here.”
Frankie held a hand up in front of her, palm out. Her eyes blazed. “Wait a minute, Johanna. We're perfectly safe in our own house. I won't let that bastard make me a prisoner in my own home! I don't want to discuss it any further.” She turned to Kate. “I appreciate the offer, but no thanks.”