by Piper Stone
“Have you seen Bryce today?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation casual. I swirled the glass, not interested in the least in consuming any alcohol.
Not until Bryce was found.
“No. Why?”
“But she did come to see you before.”
Becca gave me one of the very glares I remembered her for. At least her saucy personality hadn’t changed. “Yes, she came to see me. We’re friends. Why?”
“Let’s not do the usual dance, Becca. Bryce is in trouble, but I think you already knew that.”
“Bryce can take care of herself. Don’t you dare think otherwise. She’s a good girl, so why don’t you leave her alone?”
Her caustic words were just what I would have expected. “Look. I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“You never promised me white picket fences and puppy dogs, Jake. I moved on and so did you.”
I shook my head, frustrated the conversation was so damn adversarial. “Fine. You’re right. We both moved on. We were both too young and I certainly wasn’t the kind of guy you needed or deserved. As far as Bryce, you need to tell me not only what you told her, but what you didn’t tell her. I’m not leaving here until you do.”
Becca crossed her arms. “And just why should I do that?”
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes. “Because Bryce is missing.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“She left my house early this morning. When she did, she left the kind of note that just didn’t sit well with me.”
“You mean you pissed her off,” she retorted. “I wouldn’t worry about her. She seems to be able to take care of herself.”
I cocked my head, trying to control my breathing. “You might not be taking this seriously, Becca, but I am. Bryce is in danger and if I have to turn this entire goddamn town upside down, I’m going to do it. Now, I am very well aware that you told her just enough, including about my sister-in-law’s death to put a fuse up her ass. As you might have figured out, she’s tenacious as hell. While she didn’t write that damn article, her name is splashed all over it. That means that if there is some group of individuals behind not only the recent fires but ones that occurred in the past, then you are going to tell me every detail of what you know.”
I allowed the words to settle in as her mouth twisted both out of frustration as well as fear. “She didn’t write the article?”
“No. Her boss put her notes into some kind of report and sent it out without her permission. What was mentioned on the news broadcast was supposed to be expanded on. Bryce refused since she didn’t have anything concrete to report. Now, are you going to help me?”
“I don’t know if I can do that, Jake.”
“You mean you won’t.”
She rolled her eyes. “You just don’t understand.”
“I think I do. You and whatever team you have working with you are investigating the people behind the fires. Maybe the sheriff. Maybe the fire chief of one of the firehouses. Hell, my guess would be this bullshit goes all the way to the city government.”
“You can’t go spouting off shit like that, Jake,” she hissed under her breath, but I knew her tone well enough to enough the DA was looking closely at all the parties I’d mentioned.
I lifted an eyebrow. “You’re afraid.”
“Of course I am. This has been ongoing for a long time.”
“Yeah, I guess so. Jaime was murdered for what she’d learned two years ago. Wasn’t she?” When she didn’t answer right away, I yanked the glass of wine out of her hand. “My brother lost his life trying to put the pieces together. Nothing is going to happen to Bryce. Do you hear me? Tell. Me.” The volume of my voice had increased enough that several of the customers glanced in our direction. I shrank back, still giving her a harsh glare.
She smoothed down her blouse, looking in every direction but at me. “I care about Bryce. She’s a good friend.”
“Then fuckin’ talk to me.”
“Just hold on. You have no idea what kind of a position you put me in.”
“Damn it, Becca. You know as well as I do that the kind of people who wouldn’t give a damn about killing firefighters and risking an investigation by an independent source would have no issue eliminating loose ends.”
Another ten seconds passed.
“Yeah, you’re right. I tried to warn her to stay away but she doesn’t have any regard to rules or even danger. The people involved with this are dangerous with a capital D,” Becca whispered.
“They killed Jaime?”
Exhaling, the sound scattered, she bit her lower lip. “I don’t think she was supposed to be inside the building. It was late. Jaime was doing a favor for her boss because they had a court date the next day, at least from what I was told. As you might imagine, the case had to be dropped. Then things went very quiet.”
“Interesting.” And exactly what Calen had told me. “Why did your office start the investigation two years later?”
“An anonymous tip. Names spouted off. My boss wanted nothing to do with it until the first fire occurred four months ago, but no connection was found. With the recent fires, the investigation became full blown, but we have to be very meticulous about collecting evidence.”
“Because many of the players involved are part of the rich and famous in Missoula?”
Nodding, she placed her hands on the table, fidgeting. “Very much so. Their power and influence stretches far and wide.”
I could only imagine the kind of people she was talking about. “Including the owners of the buildings?”
She shook her head. “No. It’s our belief they are actually pawns, paid to have their names placed on forged deeds.”
“What it is about these buildings, the land? Why not just tear them down?”
“It’s not that simple either. Yes, the land is far more valuable than the buildings, but if an owner tore the building town, they’d have to replace it with something approved by the historical society. There’s an updated clause in the city’s building codes that states if a building burns, the owner can start from scratch.”
I laughed. “Let me guess, this new clause was pushed into law by a politician who might or might not have something to do with this.”
“It’s not funny. It’s terrifying the way a group of individuals have been able to manipulate various departments over several years in order to push forth a monstrous agenda. The buildings are just the tip of the iceberg, at least that’s our belief.” Her hand was shaking.
“I’ll well aware of just how dangerous this situation is, Becca. My niece lost both her parents to this asshole. What I want from you is a list of who is involved.”
“You know I can’t do that.” Her upper lip twitched just like it had when she wasn’t telling the truth.
“My God. You don’t know everyone, you only suspect.”
“I told you we had to be meticulous but no, we aren’t certain.”
I pushed away the glass, more frustrated than before. “You must have some inclination. Even if all the evidence was lost two years ago, what about the other people involved in working on the case?”
“We have suspicions, Jake, but if we don’t have evidence to convict everyone involved, they’ll shut down their operation. With the fake owners in place, they’ll be able to get away with it. No judge in the world will allow us access to bank accounts or other financial records on suspicions.” Even in the dim lighting of the bar, I could see her face paling.
“And the attorneys involved before?” I whispered in a hoarse tone.
Becca closed her eyes before answering. “Jaime’s boss was killed less than two weeks later, hit and run. The legal assistant quit her job and moved out of town shortly thereafter. They were the only three with knowledge regarding what was in the files.”
“That’s why the case was dropped.” Jesus Christ. These assholes were prepared to kill anyone who got in their way.
“Absolutely. So you see, our office has to be certai
n before we act and we’re not ready to do that. We just don’t have enough evidence.”
“There was a witness at the last fire.”
Becca laughed. “You’ve been busy, Jake. Yes, there was a witness and I assure you that she’s been questioned. Oddly enough, she changed her story when the detectives went to see her.”
“The bastards got to her. Cleaning up loose ends.”
She nodded, her jaw clenching.
“Fuck.” I thought about what Calen had told me. “That’s why they’re after Bryce. They think she found something.”
“And my guess is that they’ll come after you too. Your brother wasn’t tight-lipped about the fact he was gunning for whoever was responsible for burning down the building where Jaime died. He certainly didn’t make any friends by tossing around accusations. The people responsible might think Drake left you with whatever he claimed he was working on. I’d watch your back.”
Exhaling, I had to face the realization that without any scrap of evidence, the group could continue working in secrecy. “I’ll see what I can do to get you that evidence.”
Reaching over, she grasped my hand. “Jake. You can’t do anything stupid. You have Ashley to think about.”
I gazed down at her hold then pulled my hand away. “That’s exactly why I’m doing this. We need to locate Bryce. Her truck isn’t anywhere to be found.”
“I’ll ask around, see if anyone has talked with her, but even the sheriff’s office won’t take it seriously until it’s been at least twenty-four hours. I can also have a few of the buddies on the force I know keep a watchful eye for her truck. That’s all I can do at this point.”
Not that I wanted to talk to them at this point, but I would if I needed to.
After pushing the towel in her direction, I lowered my voice. “I found this in her house. There’s blood on the glass. You need to have this analyzed to see who it belongs to.”
Gasping, her eyes opened wide. “Oh, my God. You really think she was taken?”
“Yeah, I do.” I eased to my feet. “And that pipsqueak of a producer is to blame for it.”
“Why don’t you let me talk to him?” she asked, a look of defiance shifting into her eyes.
“Fine with me. I’m done talking with him. Name’s Jason Keller.”
“Keller,” she mused. “I wonder if he’s any relation to Nathanial Keller.”
“Which is?”
“Jaime’s boss.”
I’d always known there were secrets within every family and organization, ugly things that if they got out into the public, could ruin people. Reputations shot. My stomach turned at the thought of just how many existed in Missoula. The pieces were starting to fall together.
After rustling in her purse, she looked up at me before sliding two business cards and a pen in my direction. I could tell her eyes fell to the weapon I was wearing. “I know you have my work number, but this is my cell. Why don’t you write down your number so I can let you know about the DNA? I’m worried about both you and Bryce. Don’t do anything stupid.”
I glanced at the card before pulling the one into my fingers and tucking it into my back pocket. Leaning over, I scribbled my number. “I have no intention of it.”
Unless protecting the woman I loved by any means was stupid.
* * *
Everything.
I thought back to what Mr. Weatherby had said about how close Jaime and Drake were. If I had to make an assumption, I’d say he’d provided a hint. Drake wouldn’t have started anything with the fire department unless he had a damn good reason, not just because of despair.
Evidence. What if Jaime had brought her work home, sharing what she’d found with her husband? And what if Drake had insisted that certain copies be made? I wouldn’t put it past my brother to wipe his own computer in case something happened, but he wouldn’t destroy the information either.
There was no other choice but Ashley’s room. As I walked up the stairs, I felt the same pang as I had before, although this time I had no difficulty walking inside. I couldn’t wait to have her here. In her own space. In the little room her parents had created. While a part of me was still uncomfortable searching through her things, doing so was something I had to do. Every instinct told me that Bryce’s life depended on it.
After a few minutes of searching, I came to the conclusion that there was nothing in the room itself, which left the closet. After removing the various boxes on the top shelf, I was able to see a small access panel in the ceiling. I was just able to reach the outside edge and by using the knife on my switchblade, I managed to pry it open. Nothing fell out. Damn it.
Turning toward the room, I grabbed Ashley’s vanity chair, hoping it would hold my weight. While barely managing to get it just inside the doorway, the lift was just enough to allow me to place my hand several inches into the darkened space. When my fingers hit some kind of a small box, I took a deep breath.
I wasn’t a praying man, had never been, but on this afternoon, I did just that.
The box was metal, the clasp unlocked. I eased it onto her vanity, opening it slowly. I issued a husky growl seeing two jump drives, a key to something as well as several folded pieces of paper. Stapled to the front was a note from Drake.
Jake,
I have no doubt you’re the one who found this. You know me too well and I know you will search until you find answers. If you are reading this, it means that I was right in my assumptions and I’m gone. I’ve provided evidence that I trust you will know what to do with. You were always an honorable man, someone I looked up to. I know you’ll take good care of my little girl and I hope in time, you’ll tell her about me. I placed Jaime’s things in a storage unit. The key is inside the box. You’ll find the unit number and address in my corporate papers in the office. You’ll know the right time when to show Ashley her mother’s things.
I hope you’ll find your way, Jake, and I am so sorry about the last time we talked. I hope you’ll forgive me.
Your brother always, Drake
There was no way to hold back the tears or the flood of memories as they crushed in on me. I held the paper to my chest, longing for just a few minutes to spend with him. The emotions were too raw, my heart aching for time lost and guilt that had kept me from reaching out. As another round of anger took over, I shoved the key and the drives into my pocket then yanked the papers into my hand.
As I walked down the stairs, I shifted from one document to the other, scanning the contents. When I got to the last page, I froze, my heart racing.
“No.” Jesus fucking Christ. No fucking way.
I ran outside, jumping into the truck, starting the engine as I struggled to yank Becca’s card into my hand. Another goddamn voicemail. “Becca, I have all the evidence you need. I know exactly who has Bryce.”
After rattling off the information, I dialed another number, slamming my foot on the accelerator. I would find the asshole’s address, no matter what I had to do.
I only prayed to God it wasn’t too late.
One way or the other, the motherfucker was going down.
Chapter Fifteen
Bryce
Help me.
I mentally called out to Hawk, the only thing that I could do. I only hoped his instinct was as good as I knew it to be. He had to find me. Please, God. Please. I shifted in the chair, the simple twist managing to tighten the ropes surrounding my wrists. A cold chill shifted down my spine, my entire body aching, my legs beginning to cramp from being tied to the legs for several hours.
All I could think about was Hawk.
I should have listened to him.
There was no way of knowing when the asshole would return. He’d grilled me before leaving, insistent that I had information that would expose him. I’d been so stupid going back to my house. I’d fallen into a trap after receiving the last text. The jerk had known I’d be incensed, furious enough that I would continue trying to find out who the hell he was. That he hadn’t killed me meant one th
ing.
He wanted to find out what I knew before doing so.
Then he’d left in a hurry.
I tried once again to maneuver the rope, but the pain shooting up my arms was biting. There would be no one to come to my rescue. No one would hear me if I screamed. I’d been able to see out the front window before he’d yanked the blinds closed. The house was surrounded by woods. I also couldn’t be certain Hawk wouldn’t be angry with me, shutting everything off, including his sixth sense.
But God, I hoped not.
I closed my eyes, thinking about the night we’d shared, the glorious feeling of being in his arms. If only I’d stayed with him. If only I’d trusted what we’d already shared together.
If only.
I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit here and wait to die. Scanning the room, I tried to figure out if there was anything that I could use to get myself free. The edge of the bricks on the fireplace. It was worth a try. I had eight feet or so to scoot. After taking a deep breath, I planted my feet against the floor, hoping I could get enough leverage. Then I willed myself to move.
Four inches later and my legs stiffened. Hell, no, I wasn’t stopping. I shifted again, making it another four or five inches. Fuck. At this rate the asshole would be back.
No doubt to kill me.
I sucked in air then attempted to lift my hips, this time able to scoot almost an entire foot. Yes. Yes!
“Come on,” I whispered, my throat parched, shocked at the amount of exertion I’d already expended. I repeated the move, making it well over a foot before being forced to take a break. A laugh bubbled to the surface as I thought about Hawk being tied to the chair. Hell, no. He’d free himself in thirty seconds, likely managing to dig out a pocketknife or some kind of dangerous weapon. Then again, he wouldn’t have been so stupid as to tussle with a bad guy.
At least I’d cut the fucker with the glass. That had been the last thing I’d remembered until I’d awakened tied to the damn chair.