by Maria Pease
“You’re no fun,” I told him, and then, “so, what’s our plan?”
“We’ll keep eyes on Michael by taking shifts. Don’t get too comfortable, that’s when mistakes happen. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“I’ll take the first shift. You girls get some sleep. How about you head back in the morning around 7:00?”
“Okay,” I said, as Alana and I slid out the door then scooted around the corner and into the stairwell. We walked down several flights of stairs and took the elevator the rest of the way.
At the valet station, I got an earful about not waiting for my ticket, and after twenty minutes of explaining myself, they brought up the Jeep. The valet manager continued to scold me, explaining the only reason they remembered us was because we almost knocked him down in our haste to get inside.
“So, when will we go in for Michael?” Alana asked.
“I’m not sure. It’s complicated.” I climbed into the Jeep.
“But why is it complicated? We should just go in and get him!”
“Alana, you know we can’t do that. As a criminal justice major, you know there are rules.”
“I know, but it seems wrong to just leave him. He’s a runaway.”
“Alana, I’m really tired, and all I want to do is go home. Sorry, but this is the way it is. The sooner you accept it, the better off you’ll be.”
I dropped her at her car and made my way through the back roads of Temecula to my little house. It was after ten and I was completely wiped out. I didn’t expect to be working so late and I hadn’t left the porch light on, so I fumbled in the dark trying to get the key in the door. I turned on the light and went to the kitchen for a quick bite and a glass of wine. Turning on the television, I took my turkey and cheese sandwich and glass of chardonnay and relaxed on the couch with a re-run of Law & Order. I don’t know exactly what it is about Jerry Orbach, but he’s the coolest. After my last sip of wine, I headed up to bed, making sure to set my alarm for 6:00 AM.
The warm breath on my neck roused me in slow motion as I felt his hands moving across my body, gently caressing my most important parts. He slowly removed my T-shirt and shorts that doubled for pajamas before moving his body to mine. He kissed me passionately and without opening my eyes I kissed him back, moving my hands along his toned back, taking in the scent of his cologne. It felt like a dream, but either way, I didn’t care.
When the beeping sound woke me at 6:00, the moonlight was streaming through the window. I couldn’t help but wonder whether my “dream” was real or not. I darted my eyes around the room and then slowly lifted the covers. Thank goodness. It wasn’t a dream. I only hoped it wasn’t some stranger who gave me one of the most sensual nights of my life.
Getting out of bed, I grabbed my robe and headed down for a cup of coffee before climbing into the shower. The hot water felt good as it ran down my body and my thoughts once again drifted back to last night. I smiled. God, that was sexy! He came in the middle of the night, had made passionate love to me, and was gone before I woke up. The only evidence of him was the lingering smell of his cologne.
I put on black jeans, a white sweater, and pulled on my boots. As I put on my make-up, I found that the smile on my face could not be distinguished, no matter how hard I tried to dim it. As I stepped out the door, the cold air took me by surprise, though it shouldn’t have. After all, it was November.
I let the Jeep warm up as I tried to think of a quick response to Frank’s inquiry, knowing there would be one. Frank had a sixth sense about sex. It was uncanny how he always seemed to know when I had a night of passion. By the time I had arrived, I still hadn’t thought of anything clever, so I decided to wing it.
I quietly knocked on the door and waited. When he opened the door, the smell of bacon and coffee drew me inside. “Good morning. Was there any action last night?”
“Not for me, but it looks like someone saw some.” He lifted an eyebrow,
I gave myself a mental head slap and ignored his comment, moving to the one piece of bacon left on the plate. I stopped in my tracks when I heard the shower. “Should I ask?”
“You can ask anything you’d like. It doesn’t mean I’ll answer.” He grinned.
“Okay… did you actually keep watch last night or was this the honeymoon suite?” I looked around for champagne glasses or lingerie.
“We took shifts, Sam.”
Monique appeared in the bedroom doorway. “Hey! I thought I heard voices out here. How are you?”
“I’m good.” I glanced at Frank. “Frank said it was pretty quiet last night.”
“Too quiet,” she said, and then, “I’d better finish getting ready for work.”
Monique disappeared and Frank’s eyes lingered on the doorway, and as I watched him, I had the feeling he was really in love with her. He glanced at me and all I could do was smile. Less than five minutes later, Monique grabbed her coat and kissed Frank before slipping out.
“Where’s Alana?” Frank asked.
“She’s on her way.”
“I’m going home to get a few hours of sleep. I’ll check in with you later,” he said.
“Okay.”
Once Frank left, I looked around the suite and glanced out the window. Time didn’t seem to matter as the small figures moved in and out of the casino doors. It was a whole different world here. A place to blend in and go unnoticed. Expecting Alana, I moved to the door and peeked outside just as she walked into view. I quickly opened the door before she could knock.
“Sorry I’m late.”
“No worries. I just got here. I guess it was pretty quiet last night.”
“Are Wally and Michael still in there?” she asked.
“Frank didn’t tell me otherwise. Any chance you’ll take the first watch so I can update my files?”
“Sure.”
I noted the details on locating Michael Carson in the car and following them to the suite at the casino hotel with Wally. Then I moved on to the text message case and my meeting with Clay Newman, and that Heather’s car was being driven by an unidentified male. With that done, I relieved Alana.
I heard some noise in the hallway and cracked the door open to see what was going on. The cleaning crew was out in full force and I wondered if these suites, which must cost a small fortune, got first priority. As a guest, I certainly wouldn’t want to have to listen to all the racket this early. Then, I had a thought; most of the guests were likely still in the casino, drinking and gambling. I closed the door and looked at Alana. “I need some more coffee. Do you mind if I run down?”
“Not at all. I could use a cup, too.”
I carefully exited the room, walking quickly to the elevator. The hotel had a small dining area where they had fresh coffee and a variety of breakfast food, so I grabbed a few muffins, a banana and coffee, and headed back up. Moving toward the suite, I heard the other elevator ding and I glanced behind me.
On my heels was a twenty-something red-headed woman wearing glittering silver high heels and a short black leather skirt with a top that matched the shoes. Inside the suite, I handed Alana the coffee and peeked back out.
She was standing in front of Wally and Michael’s door. She checked herself before knocking and Wally greeted her. Within minutes, he opened the door again and moved down the hall, disappearing into the elevator.
“Alana, we have something going on here.”
I sent a text to Frank and when I didn’t get a response, I knew he must be asleep. I wasn’t sure what to make of the situation, but in my gut, I knew something was up. Whatever it was, it probably wasn’t good.
Chapter 24
“Stay here and keep watch,” I said, grabbing the small recorder from my bag and slipping out the door.
“What are you doing?”
“Wally just left. I’m going to talk to Michael. Keep watch.” I hit the record button and dropped it in my pocket.
“Okay.”
She gently closed the door and I turned, looking
at the suite across the hall. I took in a deep breath, moved to the door and knocked. No one answered, so I knocked again. When I heard the bell on the elevator, my heart stopped.
A young couple just about fell out of the elevator. The woman wore a long wedding dress and carried her high heels. They kissed and groped each other, disappearing into a suite at the opposite end of the hall.
I was still focused on the couple when the door opened. Michael stood in front of me in jeans and a light blue button-down shirt, halfway unbuttoned. At first glance, I didn’t recognize him. He looked different somehow… so confident. Definitely not the same kid in those photos his mom had given us. “Michael?”
He hesitated. “Yeah. Who are you?” he asked, glancing nervously over his shoulder.
“I’m a friend of your mom’s. She’d like you to come home.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Why not?”
“I have a life here. I have friends and a job.”
“Michael, you’re sixteen years old. You need to go home.”
“Look, lady. I’ll call the cops if you don’t leave me alone.”
“You do that because they’re looking for you. You’re a missing person.”
“Leave me alone. I can take care of myself.” He slammed the door.
I tried to put my foot in the door jam so it wouldn’t close, but I wasn’t fast enough. I knocked again then tried the doorknob, but it was locked. I knocked again but heard the bell on the elevator. I moved back against our suite door and Alana opened it just as Wally came into view.
“Holy crap! What happened?”
I hit stop on the recorder and looked through the peephole as Wally went inside. I anxiously waited for him to come back out and check for my whereabouts. I suspected Michael would tell him about me, but after five minutes, he still hadn’t emerged.
“Sam, what did he say?”
“He said he’s not going home. Keep watch, I need to call Frank.”
I dialed Frank’s cell and he picked up, sounding groggy. I explained what had happened.
“I’m heading over,” he said.
While we waited, I played the recording again and again, listening for some weakness or self-doubt in his voice. There was none. I couldn’t help but wonder if we had the right kid. After everything I’d read about him, he should be scared and unsure, but he wasn’t.
When Frank arrived, I played the recording for him. “I hate to say it, Sam, but are you sure this is the right kid?”
I handed the file to Frank. “I should have asked his last name.”
We looked at the photos of Michael and agreed that if it wasn’t him, there was an amazing resemblance.
“Is Wally in there now?” he asked.
Alana turned toward us. “Yeah. He’s still inside.”
“Okay. We just need to be patient. He can’t stay in there forever.” He rubbed his forehead. What about the girl?”
“She’s in there, too.”
“All right. I’m not sure what this is all about, but our main concern is Michael Carson. We need to find out if that kid is him and we’ll go from there,” he said, moving to the door to take over surveillance.
I hoped we’d have another opportunity to speak with Michael. After all, Eva was dead, and Melody had been taken from the hospital by someone posing as her parents. Knowing Wally was part of it made it unsettling, to say the least.
While Frank kept watch, Alana checked Facebook, and I read through Michael’s file again, looking for any personal information that could help me to determine if I had the right kid. Although there was plenty of information about his mental condition, I didn’t think he’d admit to anything. It was time to play the emotional card if I had the chance.
“Sam.” Alana turned to me. “He’s on now.”
“What?”
“He just sent a message to Katy.”
I read the message. It seemed Wally had had a change of heart. He’d written a long and seemingly heartfelt apology to Katy, asking her to forgive him and requesting they start over. He said he was ashamed that he’d felt so jealous without really knowing her, and he hoped she could understand and forgive him.
“Should we reply?” Alana asked.
“No. I’m meeting with a specialist from the FBI this afternoon. He’ll let me know how to handle this,” I said.
“Jake set that up?” Frank asked.
“Yeah. He’ll be in town this afternoon.”
“I sure hope he can give us some insight on this guy. He’s pissing me off,” Frank said.
“Can I come with you to the meeting?” Alana asked.
“I thought you had an exam today.”
“I do, but maybe I could ask to take it later.”
Frank shook his head. “Oh, no. I’m sorry, Alana. Part of the agreement is that classes come first. School is your priority. Otherwise, this is all a waste of your time.”
I glanced at Alana and hoped she wouldn’t cry. I knew she was feeling left out, but Frank was right. If she didn’t keep her grades up, there was no point. “Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in on all the details.”
“Okay,” she said, trying to muster a smile.
Frank continued surveillance and Alana packed up to go take her exam, while I prepared for my afternoon meeting with FBI Special Agent Cookie Martinez.
Arriving home, I organized my files and evidence. I took screenshots of Wally’s activity on Facebook, including the messages to Katy, and printed everything out, including Wally’s file. It was basically his rap sheet. I made multiple copies and organized them in separate files.
By noon, I still hadn’t heard anything from Jake, so I had a tuna sandwich on rye toast and freshened up. It was cold out and it seemed that Johnny Mountain’s promise of dropping temperatures as the day progressed was coming true. I retrieved my heavy coat from the closet and sat it on my couch next to my files.
I was checking my messages when Jake called, requesting I meet them at the Justice Center in thirty minutes. I threw on my coat, grabbed my files, and headed out to the Jeep, catching a glimpse of Mrs. Bennett heading in my direction. I didn’t have the time, so I whizzed by and made a clean getaway.
To say I was feeling intimidated would be an understatement. After all, I was meeting an FBI heavy hitter. Who has a more important job than a behavior specialist? Holy crap! I hope I don’t pass out. Most people freak out around celebrities and musicians, but not me. I have a thing for guys who love the law and are willing to do what needs to be done to protect her. They were my rock stars. Some might think it’s pathetic, but I marched to the beat of a different drum and was proud of it.
My hands visibly shook, and my stomach did flip-flops as I exited the Jeep. I paused and took a few deep breaths before making my way to the entrance. I signed in and headed back to Jake’s office, taking one more deep breath before I opened the door. It was empty. I stuck my head out and looked down the hall.
As I waited, I couldn’t help noticing a stack of files sitting on Jake’s desk. I was curious. I moved closer and saw the tab had a last name and a file number on it. I had no idea what the number meant, so I opened it and read the cover page, which told me it was a burglary case. I moved to the next file and continued to peek at each one. It was the fifth file that got my attention. The scenario was all too familiar. A missing teenage girl who’d never made it to middle school.
Voices echoed in the hallway and I rushed to put the files back in order, inadvertently knocking one off the desk. Papers flew about as I desperately scooped them up, putting the files back where I found them as Jake came into view.
“Sorry, we’re late. Sam, this is special investigator Cookie Martinez.”
“Hi. I’m Sam Parker. It’s nice to meet you.” I held out my hand.
Cookie looked at me and moved in to give me a big hug. I don’t know what I was expecting, but Cookie wasn’t it. He was in his mid-fifties with olive skin, a stocky build, deep-set eyes and pronounced features. H
e wore a grey suit with his tie loose and shiny black dress shoes. “Jake tells me you’re a PI and could use some help evaluating a suspect.”
“A possible suspect,” I corrected. “We have a missing teenage boy. We’ve spotted him with a guy named Wally Mason. We’re not sure what’s going on, but something isn’t right.”
“Let’s see what you’ve got.”
I took out my laptop and searched for a place to put it; Jake’s desk was overflowing with case files and documents. I looked at him and sighed.
“I’ll go see if the conference room is open.”
Once Jake had disappeared, Cookie put his attention on me. “What do you think is going on with this Wally guy?”
“I’m not completely sure. I have my suspicions, but I try not to get ahead of myself. I don’t want to get caught up in a scenario that isn’t aligned with the evidence.”
“Jake told me you were methodical in your work.” He smiled. “I think we’ll get along very well, Sam.”
As we made our way down the hall, Cookie’s cell rang. “Meet us in the conference room.”
I took out my files and set them on the table as Jake and Cookie caught up. We were about to get started when a tall, slim man in dark-rimmed glasses walked in.
Cookie stood and greeted him. “Hector, this is Jake Riley and Sam Parker. This is my partner, Hector. He’s younger, better looking, and smart as a whip.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said, as Jake reached over to shake his hand.
I filled them in on the case and brought up the Facebook page.
Cookie and Hector looked through the case file and read through the Facebook posts while feverishly taking notes. When they looked up, a chill ran through me.
Chapter 25
“So, what do you think?” I asked.
Cookie and Hector agreed that with the limited information I had, it was too soon to make any concrete determinations. They did, however, acknowledge his behavior was something to keep an eye on. The fact that Wally’s posts to Katy started out as friendly and escalated to extreme anger after she’d rejected him, only to later have him asking for forgiveness, was a red flag.