“Hey, Mac. I’m here.”
She sighed when silence greeted her. What was up with this guy? A look to her watch told her that it was five minutes to the time they’d agreed on. If he didn’t show up, then maybe Derek would have to reconsider the merits of working with him.
A quick check of her surroundings turned up nothing particularly alarming—lots of dust and spiderwebs. There was a door leading out to a patio. She opened it, wincing at the sound cutting through the silence of the night.
This didn’t feel right. No matter how much Derek trusted this guy, he had obviously acted strangely this past few days, more skittish than usual. She had a random memory of negotiating with Darla who had a keen sense for danger. Whenever she suggested it was better to back away, she was usually right.
Derek hadn’t even told her what was so important that this meeting absolutely had to take place—chances were, he didn’t know details either.
Jordan turned to the living area again. The blow came out of nowhere, making her stumble. Fortunately enough, it caught her in the shoulder, and she got to her feet quickly enough to catch a good glimpse at her opponent. Not Mac, she assumed, before he lunged again, but this time, she was better prepared. When he was down, she had a moment to reach for the cuffs, but he kicked her hard, jumped up and ran. Seconds later, she heard the engine of a car from the back of the house and let out a curse. Somebody must have been waiting for him.
It looked like whatever important information Mac had to deliver, he’d been made first. She reached up to touch the side of her head, wincing. This was a warning more than anything else, but she could have done without it. There was nothing much she could do tonight, but she sent a text to Derek, informing him that he’d better check in with his CI, as he wasn’t the one who had shown up.
Jordan drove home, for the first time annoyed with having to drive to the other side of the city. It was too late to call Ellie, wake and probably scare her, so she just went to the bathroom, stripped and threw the clothes in the hamper. The small cut on her temple had stopped bleeding. The bruise on her shoulder would be quite colorful, but she could cover it up and prepare Ellie gently.
After a quick shower and changing into PJs, Jordan decided she was entitled and made herself a Gin Tonic she drank on the couch. She had meant to go to bed, but at some point, she fell asleep, her dreams a weird carousel of people, familiar and unknown.
“I need you to listen to me,” Kathryn said. She had a gun in her hand.
At 3:47 a.m., Jordan was jolted out of her sleep, realizing she was still on the couch, the empty glass sitting on the coffee table. She went to brush her teeth, trying to shake the vivid image of a desperate Kathryn. If she was lucky, she’d get a few more hours of quality sleep.
The images kept haunting her. Unnerved, she gave up around five, willing to start the day in the hope that the afternoon would come soon.
* * * *
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, sounds like this was a waste of—what happened to you?”
“Didn’t you get my text? I told you, someone else showed up,” Jordan said. “The good news is, I don’t think they meant to kill me, or you, for that matter.”
“You left out a few details. That bastard!” Derek who had been sitting behind his computer with a coffee, jumped to his feet.
“It might not be Mac’s fault. Whatever he meant to tell you, someone didn’t want him to.”
“Yeah, well, that comes with the territory. I’m going to find out what’s up with him. I’m really sorry.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be off for the weekend in a few hours, so that’s my incentive.”
Going about her work, Jordan had almost forgotten that she had another appointment before she could get Ellie and drive out of town.
Kathryn was already there when she made it to the bistro, seven minutes late.
“I’m sorry,” she said, then almost regretted it. With Kathryn’s history of showing up late—or not at all—when Jordan needed her most, there wasn’t much she had to apologize for. Certainly not for seven minutes.
Jordan had been under the impression that this was what Kathryn wanted, seeing her on a more regular basis—and Jordan might have hoped that if she saw her again, her long-held anger would change to something else, less heavy to carry.
Nevertheless, their encounter started off with awkward silence.
“You got hurt,” Kathryn finally said, sounding fairly concerned.
“It’s nothing.” Her tone was final, clearly communicating that she didn’t want to go into details, and fortunately, Kathryn took the hint. The waitress came to take their orders, giving them both another opportunity to stall. Jordan thought of when they’d last met, the intense and emotional conversation that had her call Ellie and ask her to come just so she could remind herself that her life was so much better now.
“So, how have you been?” she asked eventually.
“Okay.” Kathryn shrugged. “I’m happy that you wanted to see me again.”
“Shrink told me it’s good for me.” Jordan couldn’t help it. “You got all those test done? Got your meds?”
“Most of the time. I feel better now.”
“That’s good.”
Back to silence.
The salad she’d ordered wasn’t half bad, but Jordan’s appetite was fleeing. What had she imagined? She and Kathryn had their big conversation, meant for closure and moving on—maybe there was really nothing more to say.
“Things are good for you too? With your girlfriend?”
“Yes. In fact I’m off from work until Monday—we’re going on a little trip.”
“That is so nice. I’m glad you can have the life you chose. I really am.”
For the longest time, Jordan had thought she was the main reason Kathryn couldn’t have a life of her own choice, until she truly understood how irrational those thoughts were. Words like these brought them back easily.
“I worked hard for it,” she said. It was true, but the guilt lingered. Did you still have a responsibility to take care of your parents when they had never really done you that favor in the first place? She’d had a roof over her head, and food most of the time. Unless Kathryn or Jim forgot to buy some, because they were too high, or the money had run out. Closure wasn’t done easily or quickly.
“Do you need money?”
Kathryn’s face fell. “What do you want me to say? That wouldn’t be a good way to start over, would it?”
“No. I’m asking anyway.”
“I told you, I manage most of the time.”
Jordan opened her wallet and counted off six twenty dollar bills. “There’s something I need to take care of. Could you please pay for the salad? Thank you.”
“Jordan, please stay. I don’t want your money. All I wanted was…”
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now.”
She was handling the situation. Jordan thought ruefully it didn’t mean she was handling it well. Thank God for the long weekend. She had a headache. She’d let Ellie drive.
Chapter Eight
When she arrived at Kate and Ellie’s apartment, she found Ellie sitting at her laptop, the packed suitcase on a chair next to her.
They both did a double-take, Ellie, when she first saw Jordan, and Jordan when she caught a glimpse at the site open on the screen.
“You got special plans for the weekend?”
“No, you first,” Ellie said. She got up and walked over to Jordan, lifted her fingers to gently touch her temple. “I saw you yesterday afternoon. When did that happen?”
“Just something freaky. Next time I’ll think twice before I go see one of Derek’s CIs.”
“You did report it though.”
“Derek will take care of it. I’m more curious about your internet research.”
“Oh, that.” With a sigh, Ellie glanced over her shoulder at the laptop. “It’s about work. Someone robbed a store in town…No one was hurt, but the owner thinks they’re goin
g to sell stuff on the internet.”
“They stole a bunch of sex toys? I don’t think this week can get any more bizarre.”
“Tell me about it. So you’re ready? How did it go with Kathryn?”
Jordan shrugged. “Okay I guess. I believe I’ve done my part.”
Ellie put her hands on her arms, before she said, “You’ve done more than that. Let’s have our little time-out. We deserve it.”
All of a sudden, Jordan felt self-conscious about the way she’d ended the conversation with Kathryn. It could have been worse, right? If Ellie knew, she’d only be worried. There was no reason. This would be the last time she’d put money into the equation.
“We definitely do. Now tell me a little more about the research you did. You find anything interesting?”
She laughed at Ellie’s self-conscious expression. “Don’t worry. I’m kidding.”
* * * *
Lilly was a lost sheep desperate to be found. After less than a week, she already fit perfectly into her new community—so well that the woman sitting on a barstool, drinking her troubles away, almost didn’t exist anymore.
She always was one of the first at prayer, she always did her chores with a smile on her face, and she had accepted the clothing and hairstyle. Not that it changed much, in his opinion. He could easily see past the infantile dress and hairdo that all women were supposed to wear so they wouldn’t tempt the men or distract them from more important subjects.
Lilly, he thought, just couldn’t help herself. She was flaunting her perfect body and her easygoing personality, and no matter how hard she tried, she would always struggle to stay pure. Some women were like that, and they needed a strong hand to keep them on their path.
There would come a time when she would have to make a decision. Sadly, he wasn’t the one who could choose her. It made him angry. So much anger he always had to suppress, because it wasn’t his turn, because one of the brothers came before him.
He would end up with someone lesser, more flawed. If Lilly was that person, he wouldn’t mind, but for now, he kept watching her.
She was friendly, but he saw through her spiel.
Jennifer had been friendly too.
* * * *
The weekend was flying by much too fast. Since there was no saying when they could plan their next vacation together, they had decided to splurge on the hotel room by the lake, spa included. Jordan didn’t mind Ellie tending to her in various ways either—and she didn’t even have to play up the bruises to make it happen. Jordan liked the quiet of the woods around them—it reminded her of her home. No matter what sacrifices she made in terms of commute, they were worth it. They were sitting out on the deck with a cocktail, and even now Ellie was reading through some papers in a folder.
“Are you sure you will remember those?” Jordan asked skeptically. She vaguely remembered freaking out over test preparation.
“I know I will. I’ll do it more intensely once I get closer, but for now, I just want to imagine those scenarios in my mind.” She frowned. “Actually, most of those, I don’t want to imagine, but you know what I mean.”
“Yeah.” Jordan leaned back in her chair, happy to let go of all catastrophic scenarios, real and imagined.
The peaceful moment lasted about ten minutes, then her cell phone rang. Ellie looked up from her folder. “Don’t tell me you were going to bring it in the hot tub.”
“I kinda hoped if I brought it, it wouldn’t ring.”
Jordan picked up the phone and answered.
“Hey, what’s up? You have two minutes.”
“That’s enough,” Derek said on the other end of the line. “I talked to a few people, and I’ve arranged something with Mac for Monday afternoon. I thought you might want to know.”
“Sure, thanks. Did he have an explanation for bailing on me?”
“Not really, but he says he has something big. You know the kind of people he got us before. I’m thinking it might be related to Dr. Roberts’ case.”
“Why do you say that?” Jordan sat up straighter in her chair.
“Someone in the area is stockpiling weapons, as it seems. I’m not sure if he has anything more, or if it’s related at all, but it would be a big coincidence. They’re not sure what is coming, but they want to make sure they’re prepared.”
“That’s a really optimistic outlook. Sure, yes, I do have some questions for him. This is where you’re going to say I shouldn’t tell Bethany?”
He made a dismissive sound. “That’s up to you, but if this leads to something, and you want it on your résumé rather than hers, you should consider not telling her.”
“All right. I’ll think about it. Your two minutes are up.”
“How’s the air up there?”
Jordan looked over at Ellie who was immersed in her study material once more.
“Perfect,” she said. “Come on,” she added after ending the call. “The hot tub is waiting.”
Ellie didn’t hesitate.
* * * *
By Monday afternoon, Ellie was successful in her quest for the stolen sex toys. She found every item Sherry Irwin had reported to her on one particular site, all on sale from the same vendor. A couple of calls with customer service and then, a manager, confirmed that they would need a warrant to release the details of HotStud69’s account.
She looked around, wondering if she could convince anyone else to knock on A.D.A Esposito’s door, then decided to be brave.
Esposito called her in right away.
“Officer Harding, hi. How can I help you?”
Ellie had a moment of irrational sentiments before she cleared her throat and laid out the situation to the A.D.A. who, much to her credit, listened to her all the way.
“There’s nothing on the security footage to tie the ex-husband to the robbery, and the prints weren’t his, so this would really help.”
“Sure, I can see where you’re going with this. Let me make a call, and I’ll let you know when it’s all ready.”
“Thank you.”
Was it just her imagination, or was the woman’s gaze lingering just a bit too long?
“You’re welcome. Is there anything else?”
“Um…no. Thanks.”
Ellie left the office, willing herself to forget about Jordan’s past sins.
Even Bethany had admitted it—she had won.
* * * *
By the time the warrant came through, Ellie couldn’t reach anyone at the Secret Pleasures site—she still considered the day to be a successful one. First thing in the morning, she’d get the vendor’s name. She was looking forward to sharing her progress with Jordan, preferably over a beer at the D & T. However, her call went to voicemail, and when she ended it, another one came in.
At first, she didn’t recognize the voice and wondered if the caller was mistaken.
“Ellie, it’s Darla. Do you have any idea where Jordan is? I really need to reach her.”
“I don’t know, I was trying to reach her myself. Can I help you with anything?”
Darla hesitated.
“Please, tell me. I’m off from work now.”
“I really hate to ask, but I have a job interview this evening. They made time for me out of the regular office hours, but now my babysitter came down with something—I didn’t know who else to call.”
“Why don’t you come to my apartment? I’ll meet you there.”
“Really? I don’t want you to think I’m not handling this. I am. This is an exception.”
“No problem,” Ellie assured her. “I can take care of him for a couple of hours.”
“That’s amazing, thank you so much.”
“I’ll hang up now, but I’ll be there in ten minutes. See you then.”
She arrived only a few minutes before Darla pulled up in front of her apartment building, and headed downstairs quickly to help her with the bag she brought while Darla carried the baby, a boy named Jordan Avery.
“Let’s call him Avery ar
ound here,” Darla suggested, “to avoid any confusion.” They both laughed. “Seriously, that means a lot to me. If I can get this job, I’ll earn more, and it gives me so many other options. You’re the best.” She hugged Ellie quickly.
“I told you, it’s no problem. Good luck, and go get them!”
Then Darla was gone, and Ellie realized with a feeling between amazement and panic that she was alone with a baby. An hour, two max. They’d be fine, right? Avery was on the verge of falling asleep, yawning adorably.
“You are too cute,” Ellie told him. “I think I could get used to this.”
* * * *
Jordan had a hard time understanding what the trouble had been, as Mac met them in the park in plain daylight.
“Sorry that didn’t go so well,” he said with a quick look to her, prompting Derek who had been silent and brooding during the drive, to react.
“You son of a b—”
“Derek. Henderson, come on, stop it.”
“I swear, it’s not my fault,” Mac insisted. “I was going to call, tell you it was too dangerous.”
“You were being followed?” Derek asked, still not in a forgiving mood.
“I didn’t think I was, but man, this is all bad news on top of bad news. There’s been a lot of money exchanging hands lately for guns, from people who don’t want their names to pop up in a background check.”
“Is that so? What kind of people?”
Mac shrugged.
“Come on.”
“I can’t say it’s related to those nutcases that keep their girls on a short leash, but I’ve heard the name Beaumont dropped.”
“Anything to suggest that it might not be Raphael Deane who killed her? Or about a book?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know anything about a book, but one of the guys had a leather bag—I think they make them there.”
That, and jewelry boxes. “Thanks, Mac,” Jordan said. “That’s very helpful.”
Initiations (Carpenter/Harding Book 5) Page 8