by Rebecca Deel
“Might?”
“Cops aren’t known for being forthcoming with information on anything, especially their families. What’s interesting is the senior Bennett was admitted to a mental institution a few years after your kidnapping.” He paused for effect, then said, “And so was his daughter.”
Heidi’s eyes widened. “His daughter?”
“That’s right. And get this. According to Z, father and daughter were in the same institution until he died two years ago.”
“What are the odds of that?” she muttered.
Probably astronomical. “Now that the danger to Ethan is over, what do you say to a trip to the past?”
Heidi’s body jerked. “Are you talking about hypnosis or an actual trip to Black River?”
“Both.”
“I’ve already tried the hypnosis route. I didn’t see anything different than I do in my dreams.”
“You couldn’t remember any more details about the second man?”
She shook her head. “Do you really think a trip back home will help us figure out who’s trying to kill me and Levi?”
“Everything seems to stem back to your kidnapping, honey.” He wrapped his arm around Heidi’s waist and drew her up against his side. Though he enjoyed the feel of her body against his, Quinn had noticed Heidi shivering, a combination of the cold morning breeze and nerves. “I hate putting you through this, but I think we must if we want to learn the truth.” The thought of taking her back to a place filled with such ugly memories made him feel ill. The last thing he wanted was to cause her more pain. If he didn’t think it might help, he wouldn’t subject her to Black River’s ire. Facing them down would take courage, a trait she had in spades.
“The townspeople hate me,” she said, staring off into the distance.
“I know,” he murmured. “It was unfair. You were just a kid and had nothing to do with your father’s scheme except as an innocent victim.”
“Doesn’t seem to matter. The last time Levi took me to Black River, I still generated a lot of hostility. They blame me and my family for the loss of G & H Industries. Many of their lives were ruined because of my father.”
He gently turned her face toward him. “You’re not going home alone, babe. I’ll be by your side.”
She didn’t comment, just leaned her head against his shoulder.
“Unless you’re not up to the trip, I’d like to leave this morning.”
“I want to wait until Levi is awake so we can tell him where we’re going.”
When Charlie returned, they went into the house and found Levi and Angel in the kitchen, not speaking to each other, mugs of coffee in hand and bleary eyed.
“Good morning, Levi.” Heidi brushed his cheek with a kiss.
A grunt in response.
“I’m fine, thank you,” she said, a smile curving her mouth.
Levi rolled his eyes. “When did you get in?” he muttered.
“A little after midnight.”
“Did you find Ethan’s aunt?” Angel asked.
Quinn nodded. “She was admitted to the hospital with a scalp laceration and concussion. Ethan suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. Both of them will recover.”
“I was afraid Durango wouldn’t find her in time.”
Quinn had feared the same thing. Muehller had had minimal incentive to keep Ruth alive. Losing his aunt would have devastated the lawman.
“So what’s next?” Levi asked. “When are you going to do something about this maniac trying to kill me and Heidi?”
His temper spiked, but he answered with a mild tone. “Glad you asked. I’m taking Heidi back to Black River.”
“Those people hate her. The residents of the town think Heidi should have died with her sister.”
“G & H Industries still would have closed down because of the money loss. The outcome would have been the same whether she was alive or not.”
“Don’t you think I know that? But these people have long memories. The name Henderson is synonymous with thief in that town. No one will tell her anything. They wouldn’t help us the last time we asked. Why would that change today?”
“I wasn’t with you. Black River sees me and my family as victims. Where they might not talk to you, they will talk to me.”
Levi scowled. “I don’t like it. Heidi, please don’t do this. If lover boy thinks these attempts to kill us stem from the fiasco with your father, it would be crazy to head right into the heart of the enemy camp.”
Heidi held up her hand to halt the flow of words from her cousin. “No more running. The only way to stop this guy is to unmask him. I want a normal life, Levi.” She paused, threaded her fingers through Quinn’s. “We want a normal life together.”
“You and Gallagher?” His voice rose. “You’ve only been together for a few days. You can’t be serious.”
“It’s my life, Levi. You want me to be happy. Quinn makes me happy.”
Levi turned to Quinn, a warning in his eyes. “Hurt her and I will take you down hard. I don’t care if you are a crack soldier. I love her.”
“That makes two of us, buddy. I’ll make it my life mission to keep her happy, whatever it takes.”
“So how are we going to do this?” her cousin asked.
“Not we, Levi. Heidi and I will go to Black River alone. We’ll attract less attention as a couple than as a pack of five.”
“You might need help protecting her.”
Quinn’s lips curved. “I won’t need help. You have my word that I’ll keep her safe. No one means more to me than Heidi.”
“How long will we be gone?” Heidi asked.
“Until we find answers. Pack for a few days.”
“Where will we stay? I doubt any rooming place in town will rent to me.”
“Let me worry about that. I’ll find us a place to stay.” He had a place in mind, one she would object to if she knew ahead of time. He’d beg for forgiveness later. At least he’d know Heidi was safe.
An hour later, he and Heidi drove out of town. Knowing he might be pushing to get back to Otter Creek in time for Rio’s wedding rehearsal, Quinn placed a call to his friend.
“Do you know what time it is?” Rio groused. “I’ve only been asleep a couple hours.”
Quinn chuckled. “You’ll survive. Listen, I’m taking Heidi to Black River.”
“Wait.” Rio yawned. “Give me a second to splash water on my face.” When he returned to the phone, the medic said, “Why are you going back to Black River? You hate that town.”
True enough. He hadn’t been home for years, always managing to meet his family in other cities. “It’s where all of Heidi’s troubles began, Rio.” He went on to explain what Zane had learned about the Bennett family.
His friend gave a soft whistle. “Timing is interesting.”
“That’s what Z and I thought.”
“Sometimes mental illnesses are from genetics. Other times they aren’t. I’ve known some psychiatric patients who couldn’t deal with a traumatic event in their lives. A few slipped into a catatonic state. Need help with your hunt?”
Quinn’s throat tightened. Rio should be concentrating on his upcoming wedding, not worrying about catching some determined arsonist. “No thanks, buddy. Spend your time romancing your almost wife. Don’t want her to change her mind. I just wanted to let you know I might be late for the rehearsal, but I’ll be there.”
“You better be, Gallagher. You’re the best man. Heidi?”
“I’m here.”
“How do you feel today?”
“A little sick to my stomach at the thought of returning home, but good other than that. No more headache and only a few muscle twinges.”
“Excellent. Provided there aren’t any unpleasant happenings in Black River, you should be clear to work Monday. Deke said he’ll get in touch with you Sunday night about the class schedule for Monday. Your first session isn’t until ten o’clock.”
“Great. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Y
ep. Quinn?”
“Yeah?”
“Watch your back.”
“Copy that.”
Three hours later, Quinn took the Black River exit off Interstate 40. He glanced at Heidi. She was still slumped against the passenger-side door, sound asleep. Might as well go to his mother’s place and drop off their luggage before tracking down Detective Bennett or his father’s former partner.
As he drove through town, Quinn noted the changes. The old movie theater in the center of town was now a restaurant. Several stores he remembered frequenting while he grew up were gone, replaced by boutique stores he’d never step foot in unless Heidi wanted to visit them. The ice cream shop was still in business. That place had the best ice cream. Don’t know if the store changed policy, but the original owners had made ice cream themselves every day.
When he turned into his mother’s driveway and shut off the engine, Heidi stirred and opened her eyes. She glanced around, froze. “Oh, Quinn, no,” she said. “Your mother won’t want me to stay here. Seeing me will hurt her.”
“Do you trust me, babe?”
She nodded without hesitation which had warmth blooming inside his chest. Man, he loved this woman.
“Mom wants you to stay in her home. She told me so when I called to tell her we were coming.” He leaned close and kissed her. “It will be fine, Heidi.”
His girlfriend wrapped her arms around his neck and shared another kiss. “I hope we don’t regret coming here,” she whispered against his lips.
Unsure whether she meant coming to his mother’s, Black River, or both, he pressed another kiss to her soft lips, then exited the SUV. With their bags in hand, he escorted Heidi to the front door and knocked. He still felt weird about walking into his mother’s house without knocking even though he had a key. This wasn’t his home anymore.
A moment later, locks disengaged and there stood his mother. Her blond hair was a little lighter than the last time he’d seen her and she’d cut it a different way. Hmm. Noreen Gallagher was trying out a new look.
She grinned. “Quinn!” Noreen launched herself at her son and wrapped him in a tight hug. “Great to see you, baby. And look at this beautiful young lady.” She released Quinn and enveloped Heidi in a gentle hug. “Welcome home, sweetheart. It’s been a long time.”
“Thank you,” Heidi choked out. Tears swam in her eyes.
“Oh now, none of that.” Noreen released her and stepped out of their way. “Come in. Quinn, take Heidi’s gear to the girls’ room. Your old room is ready for you. You’ll have to work around the toys.”
Quinn chuckled. “How are my nieces and nephews?”
“Very excited that Uncle Quinn is in town for a couple days. The whole clan will be here for dinner tonight.”
At Heidi’s deer-in-the-headlights look, Quinn said, “You have nothing to worry about, honey. We all know you weren’t responsible for anything that happened years ago. You’re safe here.”
“Sweetheart, why don’t you deliver those bags while I take Heidi to the kitchen.” Noreen sent Heidi a knowing look. “I imagine she could use a good cup of coffee about now.”
“Sounds great,” she agreed, though she looked a little uneasy at the thought of being alone with Quinn’s mother.
He leaned down and brushed Heidi’s mouth with a soft kiss. “I won’t be long,” he murmured.
With a nod, she followed his mother. Once he’d deposited the bags in the rooms, he retraced his steps downstairs to the kitchen and found Heidi looking comfortable as she relaxed on the barstool at the counter.
“So, Quinn Gallagher, do you have something to tell me?” Noreen slid a mug of coffee across the counter to him.
“Like what?”
His mother waggled her finger at him. “Spill. What’s going on with you and Heidi?”
“I’m going to marry Heidi Thompson as soon as she’ll have me.”
The silence grew thick in the kitchen. “Marriage?” A broad smile curved Noreen’s lips. “Oh, Quinn.” Tears gathered in her eyes.
“Mom?”
“These are happy tears. Congratulations to both of you.”
“You don’t mind?” Heidi asked. “Even after everything that happened?”
“If you make my son happy, then you have my blessing.” She turned to Quinn. “What’s first on your agenda?”
“Tracking down Ivan Bennett, Junior and Bennett Senior’s partner. Do you have the key I asked about?”
A troubled expression settled on Noreen’s face. “I wish you would reconsider.”
“If it’s not necessary, I won’t use the key, Mom.”
She pulled the key from her pocket and slid it across the counter. “After this is resolved, I’m bulldozing the place.”
Once all their questions were answered, Quinn planned to drive the dozer himself to flatten that house of horrors. But first, he had a murderer to catch.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Heidi’s cheeks burned as she and Quinn walked to the police station. She should have worn a bulletproof vest. Many people greeted Quinn pleasantly enough. Those same folks lost the smile when they recognized her. Most didn’t bother to acknowledge her at all. Nothing like being treated as if you were a pariah or invisible. Either one was equally bad in her book. She wished they’d say their piece and be done with it. At least she could defend herself. This way she had no recourse except to duck and run. She just hoped PSI’s insurance coverage was excellent because if the glares were anything to go by, she wouldn’t return to Otter Creek unscathed.
“Wonder if they’ll change their minds about you when we discover the identity of the second kidnapper?” Quinn murmured.
“I doubt it. I’ll still be the person they all love to hate. I’m glad they’re talking to you. Maybe you can find answers.”
“I’m counting on the guilt factor.”
She slid him a sideways glance. “Guilt factor?”
“Yep. By the time I’m finished with them, they’ll feel guilty for blaming an innocent kid and rush to spill their guts to make up for the injustice.”
“Right. Good luck with that.” Heidi would believe that when it actually happened. If it actually happened. She wasn’t holding her breath. The people of Black River never forgot their history, and unfortunately the name Henderson brought back feelings of anger, grief, and betrayal.
Inside the police station lobby, she and Quinn approached the desk sergeant and waited for him to finish his phone conversation. When the lawman ended his call, Quinn said, “We need to see Ivan Bennett.”
“He’s at a crime scene. You can leave him a message.” He slid a notepad and pen to Quinn.
Another message. A fifth message in the past three hours. Heidi resisted the urge to scowl at the policeman. She’d learned on the drive into town that Quinn had left voice mail messages for Bennett to get in touch with him and had yet to hear back from the detective. She suspected this message would end up in the garbage can without Quinn receiving a call back. Didn’t seem as though the detective was interested in talking to them, which puzzled her.
He was a law enforcement officer. Shouldn’t he be interested in seeing justice done, in closing a case that his father couldn’t close? Heidi thought every cop hated unsolved cases. She sighed. Maybe he didn’t want to solve the case if his father was the culprit behind Moira’s death. Although she wouldn’t know from personal experience, perhaps Bennett, Junior believed loyalty trumped truth when it came to protecting his father’s good name.
Once Quinn finished scrawling another message for Bennett to call him, he asked, “Do you know who Bennett, Senior’s partner was at the time of the Henderson kidnapping?”
The desk sergeant scowled, suspicion growing in his gaze. “What do you want to know that for? It’s ancient history.”
“I don’t care how old the case is, I want to know the truth,” Heidi said. “I’m the surviving child in that kidnapping case. I want to talk to a detective connected to my case and I know Detective Bennett p
assed away. If you won’t give me the information, I will go over your head, Sergeant.”
His eyes grew cold. “You’re Katie Henderson?”
“I go by the name Heidi Thompson now. Katie Henderson has painful baggage in her past weighing her down. Heidi Thompson doesn’t.” She couldn’t say the same for the rest of her assumed identities.
A snort. “Changing your name doesn’t get rid of the baggage. Follows you wherever you go and however far you run.”
“A new name changes how I feel about myself and my past, and also provides separation. Will you help me find answers? I can’t go back and save my sister, but I can bring resolution and close that part of my past for good. Please, Sergeant Banks. Moira was only eight. She didn’t deserve to die.”
He was silent so long Heidi thought he wouldn’t help her and that she and Quinn would be forced to ask Zane for more computer hacking. She hated to ask him to break the law, especially since she didn’t know if the case file was accessible. Durango believed their fellow Fortress operative could get any information they needed. Those hacking skills wouldn’t be useful if this backward police department didn’t have the files in a computer hard drive Zane might access. Heidi wouldn’t put it past the Black River Police Department to keep everything in paper files. They weren’t known to be cutting edge on anything, at least not that she’d learned in visiting their website over the years. She had zero skill in creating websites, but even she recognized amateur workmanship when she saw it.
“I have a granddaughter that age,” Banks muttered. “If Kelsey had been murdered like that, I wouldn’t rest until I’d run the perp down like a dog. Hang on.” He turned to the side, glanced around to see if anyone was watching, and tapped on the computer keyboard. Banks scanned the screen, scrolled down, then said in a soft voice, “Albert Graham. Need an address?”
Quinn shook his head. “Thank you. No need to compromise yourself any further, Sergeant Banks. We’ll take it from here.”
“You find out anything, you let us handle it, you hear? This is police business, not a job for civilians. You might get hurt.”
Heidi bit back a laugh. If Sergeant Banks only knew what Quinn did for a living, he wouldn’t have worried about her boyfriend being hurt. The policeman should be more concerned about the kidnapper’s safety. Quinn’s family had been hurt by the scheme her father and the kidnapper cooked up.