David Samms gave me an incredulous look, my connection to his wife dawning on him. “You’re the P.I.? Seriously?”
I did my best to ignore him as Libby Samms eyes began to moisten. Her hands were shaking.
“Would you like to come in?”
“No, thank you. I just need a minute of your time.”
She stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
“Of course.”
“I told you there was no other woman in your husband’s life, and that was the truth, but what I didn’t tell you is what your husband was doing at that bar. He was working.”
“Working? I don’t understand.”
“David was moonlighting as a bartender to earn extra money.”
“I don’t understand. He knew we didn’t need extra money.”
“The money was to buy your anniversary gift. He was going to take you to Hawaii.” I paused, letting her catch up. “I didn’t tell you in my final report because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise.”
Tears were streaming down her cheeks, but a smile was there to catch them.
“Thank you, Mr. Carter. I’m very grateful to know the whole story.”
Not knowing her husband stood directly in front of her, she looked toward the sky.
“I love you David Samms, wherever you are, and I know you loved me,” she looked back down at me. “Goodbye, Mr. Carter.”
She closed the door and I turned to say something to David when I realized he was gone.
Crap! Crap! Crap!
“Over here!”
I looked over to see David Samms sitting on the bus bench, eyes red from crying. I went over and sat with him, the breeze taking the edge off the warm afternoon. “You heard?”
“Yes,” he wiped at his eyes. “What do you need me to do?”
I pulled the cross over my head and showed it to him.
“Just reach out and take hold of the cross.”
He looked at the cross, then at his house, and finally at me.
“Thank you.”
“It was my honor.”
He reached out and touched the cross, a light flashed, and he was gone.
I put the cross back over my neck and sat back against the bench. The conflicting emotions of joy, sadness, and pride for my service came together to overwhelm me. I found myself crying and laughing at the same time.
I sat there and let it all flow until the afternoon turned into evening. Finally, I looked up at the sky myself.
How was that, Lord? Did I do good?
A peace passing all understanding settled over me unlike anything I’d ever known. I could feel His presence. He was pleased.
CHAPTER 14
The next day, I arrived at Buddy’s house full of excitement. It was just after ten in the morning, and I figured not only would he be awake, but finished training.
Sarah’s car was still in the drive, but Buddy’s Impala was gone. I knocked anyway.
Sarah came to the door.
“He’s not here, Jack. You want to come in and wait?”
“You expect him any time now?”
“No. He went on a chase last night, and I never know when he’ll get back.”“Okay, I’ll call later. I’ve got work to do at the office, anyway.”
I turned to leave, but she lingered at the door.
“I’m worried.”
I stopped. I’d never heard a hint of doubt or fear in any conversation I’d had with Sarah.
“About Buddy? Why?”
“I don’t know. Something in my spirit doesn’t feel right. I’ve been praying all night.”
It was too soon to panic, and I’d seen Buddy take care of himself, he was probably just finishing a tough chase.
“I’m sure he’s fine. I’ll check with you in a few hours, but if he comes in, have him call me.”
“Okay.”
She closed the door and I went to the Ranchero. Sarah being worried meant I was worried. The only person I know who was more spiritually in tune with God’s work than Buddy was Sarah.
I put it to the back of my mind and headed for the office.
*******
After several hours taking care of business and doing research for ICM on their latest case, I still hadn’t heard from Buddy. I dialed his number and it went straight to voicemail. I dialed his home line.
“Hello.”
“Sarah, have you heard from Buddy?”
“No, and I gather by your call, you haven’t either.”
“No. I’ve one idea where he could possibly b., I’ll run by there, and then come see you. If I find anything, I’ll call you immediately.”
I hung up without waiting for an answer and flew down the stairs to the Ranchero. The St. Louis Pizza Palace Buddy showed me was only ten minutes from my office, and was the only place I could think of to look for my mentor.
Gone was the excitement of the day before and my first crossover, replaced by a fear for Buddy. I was also beginning to understand how the senses of a Chaser are triggered. My heart was pounding, and as my pulse increased, so did my vision, thought process, and reaction time.
The usually ten-minute drive took less than seven, but no laws were broken. Pulling up in front of the restaurant, my heart dropped when I couldn’t find Buddy’s Impala.
I circled the parking lot and drove the alley behind the building. No sign. Just one thing left to do. I headed for Sarah and Buddy’s home.
When I got there, the result was the same, still no Impala. Sarah opened the door as I came up the walk. She’d been crying, and it only heightened my awareness of how serious she felt the situation was. She had her hair pulled up in a hurried bun, and the dark circles under eyes had deepened since this morning. “Did you find him?”
I shook my head and followed her into the kitchen.
“Do you have the plate number for Buddy’s Impala?”
“I think so, why?”
“I have a friend at St. Louis PD, and I’m going to ask her for help. Can you get me the plate number?”
“Sure.”
While she left the room, I called Mandy.
“Detective Myers.”
“Mandy, it’s me.”
“Hi, Jack. Are you okay? You sound upset.”
She knew me better than anyone, including my mother, and she didn’t miss a thing. It’s one of the traits of a good detective.
“I need your help, Mandy.”
“You know I will if I can. What’s up?”
“Do you remember me telling you about the man I’ve been training with at his home gym?”
“Yeah, sure. Buddy something.”
“Daniels, Buddy Daniels. He’s gone missing.”
I could hear her pulling out her report book.
“How long?”
“About 24 hours.”
“Jack, you know I can’t file a missing persons report on an adult until 48 hours has passed.”
“I know, I know. I thought that maybe you could put an all-points bulletin out on his car. I just need a direction to look for him, and his car could give me that.”
Sarah returned with a piece of paper while Mandy was mulling over the idea. I took the note, and waited for an answer.
“Okay, I can do that. Give me the info.”
“Thanks, Mandy. You’re the best.”
I gave her the vehicle description and plate number.
“You owe me dinner for this, Jack.”
I spoke the truth when I said, “My pleasure, anywhere you want.”
“Deal. I’ll let you know if anything turns up. Bye.”
“Bye and thanks.”
“Anytime.” And I knew she meant it.
Sarah’s smile had traces of new hope as I hung up.
“Thank you, Jack.”
“It’s no problem, Sarah. My friend is the best, and if his car is in this city, she’ll find it.”
“Would you like some coffee?”
“That sounds great.”
She busied herself with
the percolator while I went down to Buddy’s workout room. Everything was as I’d seen it the last time I was there. I looked for notes or photos, anything that might give me a lead on where he was, but found nothing.
I walked over to the speed bag, remembering the first time I watched him work it. I was amazed, but all he cared about was whether I could be as good at it as he was.
“Coffee’s ready, Jack.”
“Be right up.”
A final search convinced me I hadn’t missed anything. I joined Sarah upstairs.
In addition to the coffee, muffins with butter had made their way onto the table. We drank and ate in silence, both us in the same emotional place, worrying about Buddy.
After a while, I refilled my coffee cup and went out to the patio. Sarah came out with her cup, sitting in the chair across from me. We made small talk and let the afternoon pass. Right now Mandy, and the rest of the cops on the street, were our best hope for a lead.
Of course, every noise from the road in front of the house raised our hopes it was Buddy. It never was, and finally Sarah went in to fix something for dinner. The sun was starting to go down earlier now, and a chill came to the evening air as October approached. I was about to go to my car and get a jacket, when my phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Jack, it’s Mandy.”
“Any news?”
“Afraid not. It’s out with all the patrols and they’re to let me know if they find anything. I just wanted to check in.”
“Thanks, Mandy. I appreciate it.”
“Is there anything else I can do?”
“No, but thanks for asking. I’ll probably stay here at Buddy’s tonight. I want to be here if Sarah needs anything or if Buddy shows up.”
“Okay. Talk to you later.”
“Bye.”
I hung up as Sarah stuck her head out the back door.
“Was that your friend?”
“Yes. She didn’t have any news yet. I thought I might crash on the couch, if that’s all right with you?”
“I’d like that. Want some dinner?”
I got up and walked toward the back door, passing Buddy’s grill. I looked forward to the next time he fixed steaks on it.
*******
Dinner, like lunch, was quiet. After cleaning up, Sarah brought me a blanket and pillow to the couch. She retired to her room, and I watched a little TV before shutting it off, opting to pray instead. Eventually, sleep came.
CHAPTER 15
Wind rushed past my face as I soared over barbed wire. A huge concrete structure lay beneath me, divided into sections and overseen by a large tower. The tower was on my left as I soared by, and though it looked like an airport control tower, it clearly wasn’t. Everyone around and inside the tower was armed with a rifle.
I came to a soft landing beside an enclosed loading dock. A van, engine running, was parked there with its back doors open. Two guards brought an individual in chains to the van, put him inside, and locked the doors.
As the van drove out of the garage, the vision faded to a room with a bed in the middle. It looked like a hospital bed, but had two arm supports extending from the sides. Each support, as well as the bed, was lined with leather straps.
The concrete walls were a puke-green, and there was a large window on one wall. Behind the window sat three rows of people, all grim faced.
I heard a voice declare, ‘It’s time,’ and some of the people behind the window began to cry. Others turned away.
The scene faded. It was replaced with a brilliant light and a figure walking toward it. Instantly, he turned and ran from the light. As he darted past, I examined his face. It was pockmarked with scars, the eyes burning with anger.
The light vanished immediately after the figure passed me.
I sat upright, confused by my surroundings. It took several moments before I remembered where I was. Buddy’s couch.
Rubbing my face to force myself awake, I went over the details of the vision. After fumbling in the dark for my casebook on the side table, I wrote down what I could remember.
I knew the concrete building with the tower because I’d been there before. Potosi Correction Center, a large prison in Potosi, Missouri. The room with the bed was obvious enough. I’d seen several death chambers, this one being for lethal injection.
I figured the van to be the transport from Potosi to Pomme Terre. In 2005, Missouri moved executions from the prison to a separate facility in Pomme Terre.
I tried to remember the faces behind the glass, but none were familiar or distinct. The face of the Runner was clear, however, and I made a rough sketch.
When I was done, I looked at the clock. It was three-thirty in the morning and the vision had left me exhausted. I lay back down and was out cold in minutes.
*******
It seemed like ten minutes later when I felt my shoulder being rocked back and forth.
“Jack…Jack.”
I opened my eyes to see Sarah standing over me.
“Yeah, Sarah…did you hear from Buddy?”
“No. Your phone is ringing.”
I forced myself up and answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Jack, it’s your mother. Where are you?”
I shook my head at Sara to let her know, the caller wasn’t who she hoped.
“Hi, Mom. I spent the night at a friend’s house…Wait, how did you know I wasn’t home?”
“I came to pick you up for church, remember?”
Obviously, I didn’t. Actually, I didn’t even realize it was Sunday.
“Sorry Mom, things have been crazy and I’ve lost track of what day it is. Go on without me this time.”
“All right, Jack. You still coming for dinner?”
“That’s the plan. I’ll let you know if something comes up.”
“Okay. I gotta go or I’ll be late. See you later.”
The phone clicked and I looked up to see Sarah holding a cup of coffee out to me.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Do you want some breakfast?”
“No, thank you, Sarah. I need to go to the office.”
“On a Sunday?”
“I’m afraid so. I had a vision last night, so I’ve got to do some research.”
She gave me a knowing smile, tinged with sadness, and nodded. “I understand. There’s more coffee on the stove.”
She left, and was in her room when I headed to the office. I struggled with the conflicting desires of searching for Buddy or going after the Runner in my vision, but I knew what Buddy would tell me to do. I resigned myself to doing the research.
*******
The streets of downtown St. Louis are never truly quiet, but Sunday mornings were as close as they got. Most deliveries were done during the week and commuters took to the suburbs to enjoy the day off. The only bustle came from tourists going to Arch Park.
The main advantage for me was the lack of traffic, and I made good time driving to the office. Going up the steps, the building was quieter than usual, making for good working conditions. I hadn’t seen Harbinger since the night he appeared at my house, and I hoped today would be no different.
I quickly sorted the mail from Saturday, most of it ending up in the trash can, and turned my attention to the computer on my desk.
A few minutes of searching and I had the names of the last three men executed in Missouri’s death chamber. Clicking on each name gave me a photo—the third photo was my Runner.
The name under the picture was Robert Samuel Gast. A convicted serial killer who had been put to death last week. I vaguely remembered the news stories about his trial. Hate was probably the emotion driving him so I’d have to be careful.
I made a list of the people someone like Gast might want to come back for.
Prosecutors
Judges
Witnesses
Surviving victims
Any death penalty case would have extensive reporting and several appeals. A searc
h produced enough information for me to formulate a plan.
I listed the names of two different prosecutors, three judges, and two witnesses. I found one of the witnesses was a victim who survived, and that made her especially vulnerable. My best guess was that this woman would be his first mission. Revenge for her testimony would create powerful emotions.
Her name was Giselle Franklin from Troy, Missouri. I searched her name, and only came up with news reports from the murder trial. Next, I looked at a map and found Troy, a small town about an hour north on Highway 61. That’s where I needed to be.
*******
Normally a drive like the one to Troy this time of year could be enjoyed for the colors. From late September and early October was one of the nicest times of the year in the Midwest, but not today.
My mind kept bouncing back and forth between where Buddy was and where Robert Gast would strike first. My mom always told me, ‘If you try to do two things at once, you’ll do neither of them well,’ and I’d found it to be sound advice.
I did my best to focus on the task I was charged with right now. Besides, my head tended to pound less if I wasn’t attempting mental gymnastics.
Troy was a small city of about ten thousand souls, and I’d printed a map off at my office before heading out. The drive up took less than an hour, and I got off Highway 61 stopping at a Fastrip convenience store.
The clerk behind the counter couldn’t have been more than a few months over the legal age to work in one of these places. A blonde ponytail and acne covering his face, he was a younger clerk than I’d hoped to find working. I was looking for a local historian type, and this kid was too young.
I used the bathroom before getting a large coffee. I brought it to the counter and made small talk.
“Beautiful time of year.”
“Sure is mister. That all for ya?”
“Yeah, thanks. Say, I’m looking for someone. Her name’s Giselle Franklin. Any chance you know her?”
He scrunched his forehead so tight I was afraid he might hurt himself. Thought process done, he shook his head.
CROSSOVER (THE CHASER CHRONICLES Book 1) Page 9