In the Heart's Shadow

by T. L. Haddix

  “Where would you have put your dirty clothes from yesterday?” Jason asked, bringing the conversation back to the walk through.

  “In the hamper in the bathroom. Did you look there?”

  “Nope. I’ll do that, though.”

  “Let’s check out the backyard first,” Ethan suggested.

  They made their way to the back of the garage and carefully looked for any evidence of human presence that shouldn’t be there. Stacy didn’t see anything out of place, but Jason, who’d gone past the garage to the copse of trees just beyond, whistled.

  “I’ve got some boot prints here.”

  Sure enough, the distinct outline of boots with a heavy tread tracked the soft ground around one large tree in particular with a perfect line of sight to the back porch. She felt sick, knowing that someone had been watching her.

  “Damn it. These prints look like patrol-issue boots,” Ethan said.

  “That just confirms what we’d thought. I’m sorry, folks.” Gordon edged up to the prints, and bracing against a tree for balance, he stretched out a leg. The size difference was obvious. “What size do you guys wear? I’m a fourteen.”

  “Twelve here,” Ethan said.

  “I’m an eleven.” Jason took Gordon’s place and did the comparison. The print was smaller, still. “So that’s probably what, an eight or nine? Maybe a ten?”

  Stacy nodded, holding out her own leg. The move earned her a snort and a smile from Jason.

  “What are you, a size two?”

  “Six and a half, thanks.” She scowled. “That rules out Robbie. We tease him about his feet all the time.”

  “It doesn’t completely remove him from my list of potentials, but it helps,” Ethan conceded, looking at Jason. “You have casting equipment in your car?”

  He glanced up from studying the ground around the tree. “Yeah. If I can grab some water, I’ll get that and the camera equipment, grab these prints. You know this is good, right? Whoever this is, I’m betting they didn’t expect you to catch on to them quite so quickly. They would have covered their tracks better, literally, if they had.”

  Stacy rubbed her neck. “I know. And if they’d planned just a little bit more, they probably would have gotten away with this. I really thought I was losing my mind there for a while.”

  “Where would they have parked, to come here and spy on you?” Gordon asked. “If we can figure that out, the site might yield some clues.”

  “I’m not sure.” Stacy looked around. The house, situated in the middle of wide-open fields, was the only structure visible for nearly a half-mile. Her nearest neighbor was across the road, and the house was almost a mile from the main road. In the bright noonday sun and surrounded by only partially budded trees, the house was barely visible. “They’d probably have to park up at the old gas station and walk down, but that’s over a mile.”

  Ethan looked in that direction, and he shook his head. “No. That doesn’t make sense. I think it would fit better if they have their partner drop them off, do whatever they’re doing, and then call for a pick-up. You should ask your neighbors. See if they’ve noticed anyone driving around regularly that shouldn’t be.”

  “I’ll do that. But for right now, I’ll get you the water and check on the clothes. Then, if you don’t need anything else, I’m going to get cleaned up. I don’t think I can stand having this paint on me much longer.”

  “That’s fine,” Jason assured her. “Did you bring your clothes back from the hospital?”

  “I have them in an evidence bag in my car,” Ethan answered. “Come on. I’ll help you get set up to get these prints.”

  They headed back to the house, and Stacy and Gordon went inside. “There’s a gallon of water in the pantry Jason can use. I’m going to check the hamper.” She hurried to the bathroom. Sure enough, she found her clothes from the night before. Figuring Jason might want to include them in his evidence package, she sat the hamper outside the bathroom as Gordon came down the hall.

  “Find them?”

  “Yes. They’re on top if Jason wants them. I’m going to go ahead and get cleaned up.”

  He sent her a searching look. “Okay. We should be fine. Just holler if you need anything. I’ll take this into the kitchen, give you some privacy.” He picked up the hamper.

  “Thanks.”

  Once she had fresh clothing in hand, Stacy locked herself in the bathroom and stripped. She looked down at her body. Red paint smeared her arms, legs, and even her stomach. She didn’t know whether the perpetrator had raised her sleep shirt to paint her belly or the paint had soaked through the fabric. “At this point, it isn’t like it matters one way or another,” she said in the silence of the room.

  After a scratch at the door, Stacy stood behind the panel and opened it. Chloe slipped inside and jumped onto the toilet lid with a meow.

  “You’ve had a rough time, haven’t you, sweetheart? I’m sorry.”

  Chloe settled down on Stacy’s clean clothes the way she usually did. Her presence lent a semblance of normalcy to Stacy’s actions as she turned on the water in the shower. She’d thought Ethan and Beth were nuts when they’d given her the kitten, but now, she was so thankful. Chloe had really made a difference in her life by providing unconditional love.

  As soon as the water was hot, she stepped under the spray, letting the warmth soothe her. She grabbed a scrub brush and went to work on the paint. Soon, her skin was flushed and tingling, but the stains were gone. The last of the paint flakes swirled down the drain, followed by the suds from her body wash. She knew she was scrubbing too hard, and she made herself back off. Braced against the shower tile, she bowed her head and gave herself permission to cry. Her tears were mostly silent, but they were copious.

  “I shouldn’t have to go through this again, damn it,” she whispered. “And it could have been so much worse. So much worse. Thank you, God, that they didn’t rape me. I don’t think I could have borne that again.”

  She stayed in the shower until the water started to cool. Once it did, she soaped up and rinsed off one more time. Exhausted from the remembered emotions, she pulled back the shower curtain and reached for the towel with a shaky hand. She’d forgotten to turn on the exhaust fan, and the bathroom was so thick with steam that she could barely see.

  “Poor Chloe, you’re probably cooked by now. I’m sorry.” She flipped on the fan and turned to the cat, who stood and stretched. Chloe wasn’t cooked, but her fur was fluffy. She didn’t seem to mind, though, as she bounced off the toilet and onto the counter with a purr.

  By the time Stacy was dried off and dressed, she was ready to keel over. After the drugging, the stress, and the fact that she hadn’t had anything to eat yet, she felt like something dredged out of the litter box.

  When she opened the door, Gordon appeared at the end of the hall, anxiety on his face. “You okay? What happened to Chloe?” The cat’s appearance brought the first smile Stacy had seen all day to his face. He hunkered down, and Chloe trotted over to him for some love.

  “Steam. She does look a little ruffled, doesn’t she?”

  “She looks ten pounds heavier.” He laughed. “Jason and Ethan headed out. They both said to call them if you need to.”

  “They’re good guys.”

  He looked up at her. “They are. They think a lot of you, you know that?”

  The words brought tears to her eyes, and she cursed as she wiped them away. “I know. Geez, I need some calories. I’m going to be bawling here if I don’t get something to eat soon.”

  Gordon straightened. “Not to sound too paranoid, but I think I’d be leery of eating anything from the pantry that isn’t canned.”

  “That does sound paranoid… and wise. I’ll grab a Coke. Do you want one?”

  “No, I’m fine.” He stopped her when she reached the spot where he was standing. “You know you can’t stay here.”

  Stacy tightened her arms where they were crossed over her chest. “I know.”

  “Ethan re
iterated his offer. So did Wyatt, in case you don’t remember. You were pretty out of it still.” He moved and let her pass, then followed her into the dining room.

  The sight of the paint made her falter momentarily, but she bucked up and ignored it. She would have time later to worry about assessing the full extent of the damage.

  Gordon leaned up against the doorframe as she popped open the cola and downed half of it. “My offer still stands, too. Absolutely no pressure on you, wherever you choose to go. Like I said, Chase and Annie have more than one guest room.”

  Stacy hadn’t had much time to think about what she was going to do. Her mind racing, she watched him as she finished off the drink. “I don’t think staying with either expectant mother is a good idea. Wyatt isn’t going to let me get away with getting a hotel room. If I came to stay with you, you don’t think Chase and Annie would mind? I’d have to bring Chloe. We’re a package deal.”

  His dimples flashed in a quick, warm smile. “As long as you think she could handle Murphy, I don’t see them having a problem with it.”

  “Would you mind asking first?”

  In answer, he pulled his phone off his belt. “I’ll text Chase and find out.”

  “Thank you.” She sighed. “I guess I’ll pack while we wait to see what he says.”

  “Do you need help?”

  “No. Well, yes. Do you mind getting my luggage down for me? It’s on the top shelf of the closet, and I’m too shaky to get on the stepladder right now.”

  She didn’t take long to get her things together. She was zipping her overnight bag when Gordon popped his head in the bedroom.

  “Chase wants to talk to you. And don’t forget to pack a couple nice outfits. We have a date to go on, remember. I’ll be damned if we let whoever’s doing this interfere now that I finally asked you out.” He handed her his phone, and Stacy felt her cheeks flush.

  With a wink, he turned and went back down the hall.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey. Gordon tells me you need a place to crash for a few days. Are you okay?”

  Stacy pushed back her hair and tucked the phone against her shoulder so she could unzip the bag. “I’m fine. Did he tell you what’s going on?”

  “He said you had a rodent problem, but I’m inferring that means something else, given how tense he sounded. Listen, you crash at our place as long as you need to. And anything else you need, just let us know, okay?”

  She sniffled as she pulled two fancy dresses from the closet and add them to her bag. “Damn, I need some food. I’m turning into a watering pot. Thank you, Chase. And please give Annie a big hug for me, and tell her thanks, too. I really appreciate this.”

  “Don’t mention it. Besides, I think Gordon needs help keeping Murphy in line. Did he tell you what the monster did last night?”

  “Yes, I was on the phone with him when he discovered it. You know Chloe’s going to be with me, right?”

  Chase laughed. “That’s what Gordon said. He also said she’s bigger than Murphy, so be sure to keep your phone ready to go at all times. You might catch something that will make you a viral video star. Hang on a sec’.” There was noise in the background, and Annie was on the phone.

  “Stacy? You’re going to come for a visit, I hear.”

  “Sort of. Thanks for letting me stay. I’ll pay you back.”

  “Hush that. You’re more than welcome. I just wanted to tell you to feel free to use the library while you’re there. I know you like to read, probably as much as I do. Gordon can show you where it is.”

  Stacy didn’t know what to say. Everyone’s kindness and generosity was overwhelming. She had to clear her throat before she could speak. “Thank you.”

  “Oh, I’m just looking forward to seeing what happens with you and Gordon living in the same house for a few days,” came the impish response. “You know the guest rooms share a bathroom, right?”

  Gordon chose that moment to come back in the room with Chloe in his arms.

  “Um, I’ll keep that in mind.”

  “You do that. I’ll hand you back over to Chase now. Have fun!”

  Her exuberance made Stacy laugh, and Chase groaned. “I’m glad you’re not offended. And I’ll just say that while I’m sorry whatever it is that’s driving you out of your house has happened, I’m thrilled you’ll be living with my best friend. He drools anytime someone mentions your name.”

  “He does not!”

  The laughing exclamation made Gordon look up from Chloe, a questioning look on his face. Stacy missed Chase’s response because the sight of Gordon with the cat took her breath.

  “Stacy? Stacy?” Chase’s voice called her back to the phone.

  “Sorry. What was that? I was distracted.”

  “Nothing that bears repeating. Is Gordon handy? I need to ask him something before we hang up.”

  “Sure. And, Chase, thanks again. I mean it.”

  Stacy handed the phone back to Gordon, who gently let Chloe down on the bed. Her own packing finished, Stacy grabbed the smallest suitcase and headed into the pantry to put together Chloe’s travel pack. She could hear Gordon talking, but she couldn’t make out his words. The sugar and caffeine from the soft drink were kicking in, and she was feeling a little more energized. She knew the rush wouldn’t last and that she’d need to get food before the crash hit her.

  Gordon’s footsteps came down the hall, and she finished pulling Chloe’s food together.

  “Hey. I went ahead and got a big garbage bag, put her litter box in that, and put it in my trunk. There was a spare pail of litter. I grabbed that, too. What else does she need?”

  “Just her carrier. It’s in the guest room. Are we going to take both cars?”

  “I’d say leave yours here. I don’t think you’re quite safe to drive yet.”

  Stacy grimaced. “No, probably not. I didn’t even think about that. I’ll need to stop by a drugstore or grocery store on the way. I’m not taking a chance on anything out of the medicine cabinet, and there are some things I need. Is that okay?”

  “Sure. We can stop at that one plaza there in town and grab some Chinese takeout, if that sounds good to you.”

  “It does.” After a brief struggle, they got Chloe in her carrier. Stacy grabbed her briefcase, which held her laptop, gun, badge, and some paperwork, then made one last circuit of the house, making sure everything was locked up tight. She didn’t know when she’d be back, but she was happy to be leaving. Her sanctuary had been invaded, and it was going to take some mental work for her to feel safe there again.

  CHAPTER 14

  THAT EVENING, WHEN WYATT AND Maria showed up at Chase’s with a pizza from the Take-N-Bake, Stacy was asleep on the couch. Gordon let the sheriff and his wife in, pressing a finger to his lips to indicate the need for quiet as they walked past the couch. Murphy and Chloe were both curled up with Stacy. Murphy looked up, but didn’t move as they went past.

  “She’s been out for about three hours now,” Gordon said once they reached the kitchen, where he had the oven preheated and ready for the pizza. “Have a seat. Can I get you anything?”

  “Water would be good,” Maria answered. “Do you want some help?”

  “Nope, I have it.” He got their drinks and unwrapped the pizzas. “Did word get out at the department yet?”

  “No. I think we managed to quash what little gossip there was by telling folks she re-injured her wrist,” Wyatt said. “How is she?”

  “I don’t know. We got here around one, and once we ate and made sure the cats weren’t going to kill each other, she was out.”

  “Given what happened to her when she was a teenager, she’s liable to have nightmares, at the very least.” Maria grimaced at the shocked look Gordon sent her. “You haven’t talked about that yet?”

  “No. We haven’t. I don’t suppose you’d care to elaborate?”

  “Not really. It’s something Stacy needs to be able to tell you, not have someone tell for her.” She met his gaze steadily with
worried eyes. The implications were obvious, and Gordon had to hold on to the counter for several moments, his knees going weak as he absorbed the blow. Bracing himself physically wasn’t enough to stave off the emotional pain. He needed air.

  He went out the back door, quietly closing it behind him. With long, ground-eating strides, he headed for the back of Chase’s property. The house was situated on several acres, so he had plenty room to walk before he had to stop.

  The last time he’d been this upset had been when Mallory’s oncologist had told them the chemotherapy and radiation weren’t working. He’d been filled with a black, seething rage. He’d been completely impotent, unable to protect the woman he loved. In that moment, he’d known he was going to lose Mallory, no matter what he did. He was feeling that helplessness again, and it damned near tore him apart.

  Gripping the fence that marked the property line, he bent his head and forced himself to breathe. Focusing on each breath, he let the rage carry his emotions. The wooden fence rail dug into his skin, but he barely felt it. He’d learned the method as a young child, and he’d used it many times throughout the years. Once the worst of the rage had passed, he fixed a peaceful image in his mind and let go of the black anger.

  Footsteps sounded in the grass behind him, and he turned to see Wyatt coming across the yard. He straightened and dusted off his hands.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “I’ve been in your shoes, son. Don’t apologize.”

  Gordon scratched his jaw. “I’m trying to focus on the fact that she’s okay, for all intents and purposes. But it’s hard. Who knows what all they had planned for her last night, Wyatt.”

  “I know. But she is okay, and she’s safe now. She’s also awake, and I wanted to let you know that before you came back in.”

  They started toward the house. Gordon shoved his hands in his pockets. “This secret? You know what it is?”

  “I do. She told me about it when she came to work for the sheriff’s department.”

  “Am I going to be able to handle it?”

  Wyatt stopped, and Gordon did, as well. “I think so. I hope so. Thing is, if you’re going to help with this investigation, she’s going to have to tell you. And I don’t like that she might not have a choice in the matter. As far as that goes, Ethan and Jason are going to have to know. I think it’s relevant to what’s going on. She’s going to be upset about that.”