Initiations (Carpenter/Harding Book 5)

by Barbara Winkes

  The director had set up a room where Jordan and Derek could talk to Raphael Deane’s cell mate. Eddie Peck was serving a sentence for manslaughter.

  “I can’t tell you much about Deane,” he said, “but I can tell you I’m seriously freaked out that someone came into the cell with a knife. You hear about this stuff, but you hope it never happens to you. If you keep your head down, you just might be fine. Man, that’s bad.”

  “You’re right,” Jordan said. “That’s why we want to clear this up as soon as possible. Did Raphael ever talk to you about his family, or why he was in prison?”

  Eddie Peck shook his head. “Barely. He did pray a lot, and I know he was mad because the family didn’t send their attorneys. He wasn’t much of a talker.”

  Raphael Deane had found many words when it came to telling women how to dress, Jordan thought. But that wasn’t a reason to kill anybody. Did he know more than he had told them? It was likely.

  “Let’s talk about today. Did you notice anything? Did he act differently?”

  He gave her a shrug in answer. “Not that I know of. I saw him come out to the yard with the rest of us, and not much later, they called the lockdown. I didn’t see anything.”

  There was a knock on the door, and the guard they had talked to earlier, Biggs, walked inside. “Detective? There’s something you should see.”

  “Thank you. We’re done here. Mr. Peck, if you remember anything else…”

  “Yeah, I know. I’ll tell them to call you, but don’t hold your breath. There was nothing much to remember about him.”

  “All right. Thanks.” Outside the door, Biggs told her, “We found the knife hidden in one of the bathrooms. Someone rinsed it before they hid it in the toilet tank, but there were still some bloodstains in the sink.

  “I need to take a look.”

  “Of course.”

  A moment later she stepped into the restroom, thinking they should be so lucky to find prints on the knife, because trying to come up with any conclusive prints from the area around the toilet in question and the sink would be impossible. She’d have the crew go over it anyway, but she didn’t have much hope.

  “You’ll want this too.”

  Biggs held up the knife in a plastic bag, making her wonder if he’d carried it with him the whole time.

  Someone had washed off the blood, but the size of the blade definitely fit.

  “It’s a shame,” the guard said. “We work around the clock so this doesn’t happen, but it still does. I don’t know how it got in. Someone’s been biding their time…I can vouch for all of my colleagues.”

  “I’m sure they appreciate it. We still have to talk to them.”

  “I understand. I’ll let everyone know.”

  In the meantime she called Maria Doss, and learned that Daniel Deane hadn’t been much saddened by his son’s death.

  “He said, and I quote, ‘he could never follow the rules, so that doesn’t surprise me.’ That’s kind of cold—and what’s more, I think they must have orchestrated this somehow.”

  “How, when they’re on the run? I’m not sure about this,” Jordan admitted. “There is almost no way for an inmate to get this kind of knife on the inside. I mean…it’s not something you can get through the scanner, or smuggle in inside your body.”

  “Ugh.”

  “Yeah, my thoughts exactly.”

  “You think one of the guards helped the killer?”

  “We have no proof of that whatsoever, but we’re going to talk to them, see if there could be any loophole in the security process.”

  No matter how Raphael Deane’s killer had gotten their hands on the weapon, it was a scary thought that they had managed in the first place. If they did, someone else might too.

  * * * *

  Ellie was aware of the occasional sideways glances Joseph threw her, and she was unnerved by them.

  He looked ahead with a mild smile on his face.

  “I assumed you’d have many questions for me. Law enforcement has tried to get an opening for a long time.”

  “Many of our questions have already been answered. This is why two of the brothers have been arrested along with many more followers.”

  “True…but I don’t think you really understand how deep those ideas run, and what they are willing to do for them.”

  What did he want, praise for his actions? Ellie just wanted to get through the day, without getting shot at again, without anyone getting hurt.

  “I’m sure Dr. Roberts told you she’s very grateful you’re working with us, saving the lives of women and children.”

  “It’s not easy for the boys either. Everything and everyone on this inside is their property.”

  “Then you must be relieved all of this is coming to an end.”

  “Oh yes. You have no idea.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  “You’re still doubting me?”

  Ellie shook her head, and he smiled again.

  “I knew it.”

  “It doesn’t matter what I think. If we get out of there with Lilah, that’s what matters.”

  He was silent for a moment, before he spoke again. “She’s a remarkable young woman. She fooled all of us—well, I figured it out at some point, but the brothers are usually paranoid. She charmed them.”

  Ellie didn’t think she had to answer to that. Eyes on the prize.

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure you can too. I can see that potential in you.”

  “Thanks,” she muttered, gripping the steering wheel tighter as they left the street to change onto a dirt road.

  They weren’t far.

  * * * *

  Back at the precinct, Jordan refrained from sending a worried text message to Ellie, and an angry one to Bethany, just barely. She had organized her notes—nothing new from the guards, no one had any idea how Raphael had ended up dead in his cell. No prints on the knife. As she’d predicted, the area around the sink where it was found was too contaminated to give them any meaningful results.

  She remembered what Valerie had said about the mystery witness, wondering if there was a connection. Did they have something to offer to Raphael? Even if that were true, how would the family have found out—and the main question remained, how could they have pulled off the murder?

  Biggs had been as helpful as he possibly could, but they didn’t have much to go on.

  You’ll forgive me eventually? Promise?

  “Oh no,” she said out loud as Bethany’s words came back to her, earning a quizzical look from Derek who sat at his own desk. That’s what Bethany had meant, forgive her not for something in the past, but because she was going to involve Ellie in her strategy.

  She called Bethany’s cell phone, and to her surprise, Bethany picked up right away.

  “Jordan, I’m a little busy here. Not now.”

  “Raphael Deane was murdered a few hours ago in his cell. No witnesses, no suspects as for now.”

  “Well, you’ll figure it out. I need to go.”

  “Who is your mystery witness?” And where is Ellie?

  “One has nothing to do with the other. I know you’re pissed—”

  “Jesus, Bethany.”

  “I’ll have to let you go. I’ll talk to you when I can.”

  Jordan shook her head at the phone and tossed it back onto her desk.

  “I hate to say it, but I owe you a drink or two.”

  Derek chuckled. “I do like the sound of that.”

  If only Ellie returned from this assignment to tell her all her worries had been unfounded. Jordan struggled to focus her attention on Biggs’ statement—and then something jumped to mind.

  * * * *

  As they walked up to the log cabin-style house, Ellie had to resist the impulse to look behind her. She was certain someone was watching them, and not just the agents that had parked their vehicle in a safe distance.

  Joseph approached the house with a brisk step, and she had to hurry to keep up. The cordial smile was
replaced by an unreadable expression. The remaining members of the Prophets of Better Days cult had to be absolutely certain of his loyalty—otherwise, they would be in trouble.

  A woman opened the door to them. She looked familiar. Ellie realized she hadn’t seen her before, but she wore the same traditional dress, her shoulders slumped and her gaze nearly empty.

  “Joseph,” she said. “Are you sure no one followed you?”

  “Why would they? I have been questioned, and they let me go. They will let most of the others go soon.”

  “But not all of them. I knew Daniel was a fool getting involved with thugs.”

  Ellie cast a glance at the man who had appeared from the side—he had to be in his seventies. His white hair and beard gave him the impression of a gentle Santa Claus. She wasn’t fooled. Jeremiah Deane was the man who had started the Prophets of Better Days, mapped out the idea in the first place.

  Marrying young teens.

  “I’m Ellie, Lilly’s sister,” she said, extending her hand. “You must be Jeremiah.”

  He frowned at the way she addressed him like she’d known he would. Take that, I’m not waiting for your permission. “You said I could see Lilly?”

  “Yes, certainly. Come on in. I would like to sit down with you for a moment first.”

  “Why? Is she okay?”

  “Lilly is fine. I just want to make sure you understand.”

  “I understand fine,” Ellie said impatiently, keeping in character. “She went to join you, I only heard from her sporadically, and then nothing at all. Forgive me if that worries me.”

  “Like I said, you’ll be able to talk to her soon. Come with me. Joseph?”

  Joseph followed them wordlessly to a door at the end of a small hallway. Jeremiah unlocked it and gestured for Ellie to step inside the office space. She couldn’t help being impressed. Within a few hours, the Prophets of Better Days, or what was left of them, had set up here. A laptop sat on a wooden desk, a shelf holding mostly folders.

  “Son, you know what to do.”

  Ellie flinched as Joseph stepped behind her. “What does that mean?”

  “We’ve had a few unfortunatel incidents lately,” Jeremiah explained. “We believe in the best of people, but the favor isn’t always repayed, so we have to remain cautious. I have to make sure you’re not wearing a wire.”

  “A…what? I came here to see my sister!”

  “Then you won’t mind if we assure ourselves.”

  “I don’t need help,” she said, exasperated, and pulled her shirt over her head. The men waited in silence. She opened the zipper of her skirt next and let it fall to the floor. “Oh, for Pete’s sake.” When there was once again no reaction, she reached behind herself to open her bra.

  “That’s enough,” Jeremiah said, holding up a hand. “You may cover yourself.”

  “Thank you.” She made sure the sarcasm in her tone was unmistakable. Good job, Ellie, she told herself. She wasn’t shaking on the outside. Inside was another story. This encounter was every bit as unsettling as she’d imagined. Unreal.

  “You are very welcome. How old are you, Ellie?”

  For a moment she thought she had to be mistaken. Then again, this wasn’t even surprising from someone who saw themselves above every criticism.

  “I don’t think that’s any of your business. About Lilly?”

  “Oh, sure. You may have dinner with us, and you can talk to Lilly after. Let’s go.”

  They left through another door, and it wasn’t until then that Ellie realized how big the building actually was. This wasn’t some quickly put together operation. It was the Prophets’ plan B.

  There were about two dozen people sitting around a gigantic dining table, men, women and children. The younger women were serving them.

  Among the women sitting at the table was Lilah Strickland. Her eyes widened. Before she could react further, Ellie hurried to her side, pulling her up in a hug.

  “Hey, sis, I’m so glad you’re okay.” She embraced her tightly, whispering, “Do they know?”

  Lilah answered with a slight shake of her head.

  “Good. We’re going to get you out.”

  “How did you get here?” Lilah asked out loud.

  “Please, everyone sit down.” Jeremiah raised his voice. “Let’s welcome in our midst, Ellie, Lilly’s sister.”

  “Welcome, Ellie,” the family said in unison. Ellie could have sworn Lilah had to resist rolling her eyes. She knew she had. She sat on the empty chair next to Lilah and gave her what she hoped was an encouraging smile. The young agent smiled back at her tiredly.

  “I’m grateful the family let me see you. When you didn’t answer my texts, I became worried, especially with everything that’s in the news right now…”

  “And there’ll be time for that later,” Jeremiah decided. “Let’s pray.”

  Ellie was struck at how everyone fell in line immediately, many of the women and children with anxious looks on their faces. She felt anxious too—she had to try and get Lilah in a room alone. As it turned out, she would have to have dinner first.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Apparently, Ellie’s assignment with Bethany would exceed a normal workday. Jordan couldn’t fight the growing worry that something might not be going as planned. No one had heard from Bethany, and she wasn’t calling back.

  Still, Derek had found her theory sound after she’d shown him her findings: One of the women they’d interviewed immediately after the raid, eighteen-year-old Cathy Deane, had been married to a cousin of Daniel Deane. Her maiden name was Biggs.

  They caught the guard at the end of his shift.

  “That was quick,” he said. “You already found the murderer? I wasn’t aware how fast those lab techs worked these days.”

  “Mr. Biggs, we have a few more questions. About your sister, Cathy.”

  Jordan could tell from his expression that he had made the connection. “Do you know where she is?” she asked.

  Even though Cathy could technically decide on her own where to live, her parents had come to collect her. On the compound, social workers had assisted the women who were forced to depend on their husbands for every decision—now that those men weren’t there anymore, some of them were hopelessly overwhelmed. Not all of them had a family to go back to.

  “Yes. She’s at our parents’. I went to visit her, but…She’s like an empty shell. That’s what they do to them.”

  “People react differently to trauma.”

  “They turn them into robots. Every resistance, every bit of personality, they beat it out of them, and they ‘marry’ teenage girls to those old farts. I read quite a bit about groups like them. It’s all about the power trip.”

  “I’m really sorry. Raphael Deane couldn’t hurt anyone though.”

  “Not anymore, after he killed the woman who wrote the book.”

  “I understand you were angry.”

  “Yes. I was. Are you going to arrest me, or read me my rights?”

  “Like my colleague said, we want to talk,” Derek clarified. “If you work with us, there are options.”

  “Options, huh?” Biggs laughed bitterly. “I’ll make it easy on you. Yes, I killed that son of a bitch. He deserved it. They all deserve it. You think time in prison will change them? They just believe harder that they are above everyone else.”

  “That’s not the solution,” Jordan told him as she put the cuffs on him.

  “Really? Then what is?”

  Some days, she didn’t have all the answers.

  * * * *

  Ellie was well aware of Jeremiah watching her unabashedly.

  “I missed you,” she said to Lilah, earning a scolding look from the man who sat across from her. Apparently, they didn’t like dinner talk, especially from women. “They said I could talk to you alone later. I’d really like to know how you’ve been, and how you got here. Is this where you’ve been living all along?”

  “There was a misunderstanding, and we had t
o leave the main house for a while,” Lilah said cautiously. “It will all be okay. You told Mom where you were going? You should leave soon, so she doesn’t worry.”

  Even in the tense situation, Ellie couldn’t suppress the smile as she assumed mom was code for Bethany.

  “But I just got here! I’d like to talk to you for a bit. Maybe you can show me around after dinner? This seems like a cool place.”

  “Later, okay?”

  Lilah cast a soft smile in Jeremiah’s direction.

  “I apologize, I haven’t even thanked you yet. It means a lot to me to see Ellie. Would you mind if I show her the house? I don’t think she can stay long.”

  “Oh, but Joseph will be here for while. She’s welcome to stay for as long as he’s here. Maybe you want to go to her room for a bit? You may do your chores after.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  The way he spoke to her, like to a child, made her stomach churn, but she forced a smile as well. “I’d love to see your room.”

  Ellie noticed that when they got up, the man from across got up as well and followed them.

  “Just checking if we’re going where we said we were?” Ellie whispered to Lilah who shrugged.

  “Come. It’s right here.”

  She closed the door behind them. The man remained standing outside. Ellie took a deep breath. At least they had made the right choice to wire Joseph instead of her.

  She was going to say something, then thought twice about it and leaned close instead. “Bugged?”

  “No,” Lilah said, almost amused. “They couldn’t have set it up that quickly. We just have to be quiet, because that guy outside the door is not moving.”

  “This is bigger than I expected,” Ellie commented.

  “Yeah. This place is huge. There are only a few of the Prophets left now, so I guess they didn’t bother cramming the women into the tiny rooms like the did at the compound.” Lilah laughed self-consciously. “I hope I’m not jinxing anything by talking about this like it’s in the past.”

  “It will be soon. I know things haven’t gone quite as planned, but this is almost over. They’re waiting for the sign, and now that we’re in here, Joseph will give it. Can you lock the door?”

  “Joseph?”