by C. M. Sutter
The man in the mask smiled. “Feeling that buzz, aren’t ya? Enjoy it while you can. It won’t last long, but you’ll get more in a half hour. I promise, you’ll be addicted in no time.”
“What was that? What did you inject me with?”
“You used to work in the narcotics unit. Figure it out yourself.”
Jesse gritted his teeth as he felt his body heat rise. Perspiration rolled off his forehead and settled in his ears. “How do you know me?”
“Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy the ride.” The man turned his back on Jesse and pulled off his mask as he left the room.
Chapter 7
Jack turned in to the train station and killed the ignition. He looked at me and gave me his best “You’re doing the right thing” nod.
“You promise you won’t give my position to Mary?” I stared at the entrance and tried to sound as if I were joking, but I knew Mary was well-liked by the entire team.
“Of course I promise, but you need to focus on the task at hand and find Jesse. Anyway, you’re too valuable of a detective to me. I’d only let you go if that was something you chose to do.”
“Thanks, Boss, that means a lot to me.”
“Good.” Jack checked the time. “You better get in there before you miss your train. Lutz has you booked at the Welcome Home Inn and Bed and Breakfast. I hear it’s a beautiful place and only five minutes from the police station.”
“It sounds nice, and I’m sure it’ll be fine. Did you and Lutz discuss how long he can have me?”
Jack gave me a thoughtful smile. “It’s your decision. I’m thinking you’ll solve the murders and have Jesse out of harm’s way by the weekend.”
I laughed. “You have far too much confidence in my psychic abilities.” I climbed out of the car and grabbed my suitcase from the backseat. I poked my head back in before closing the passenger side door. “I’ll call you later.”
“Do that and stay safe. We need you back in Washburn County in one piece.”
I nodded to Jack and crossed the parking lot to the building’s front door. I checked the departures screen and saw that my train was scheduled to leave in fifteen minutes. With my ticket in hand, I walked to the platform and climbed aboard. I’d be in Chicago in ninety minutes.
I felt a slight jar as the train began its route to the Windy City. The rocking motion felt soothing as it picked up speed. I closed my eyes and relaxed, then woke with a start to the sound of the canned announcement that said we’d be arriving at Union Station in five minutes. I yawned as I rose from my seat. I needed a minute in the ladies’ room to freshen up before meeting the officer who would take me to the police station on Wentworth Avenue.
I followed the group of commuters to the building where a uniformed officer stood at the doorway, holding a placard with my first name and last initial written on it. I nodded to get his attention and showed my ID and badge.
“Right this way, Detective Pierce. The Welcome Home Inn is on the way to the police department and Sergeant Lutz said I should give you a few minutes to check in and drop off your luggage.”
I climbed into the passenger seat of the squad car after placing my bag on the backseat. “That sounds great. Thank you, Officer Foxworthy.”
“Not a problem, ma’am. So are you here to help find Detective McCord or to work on the murder investigation?”
I raised my brows. “Well, I know Detective McCord worked at the homicide unit, and there’s no evidence that he’s been murdered, correct?”
“That’s correct. Detective McCord is missing, and the missing persons unit has spoken to at least fifty people already. Nobody knows where he’s at.”
“Do you work at the same precinct as Jesse?”
“Yes, ma’am, but not in the homicide unit. I work Patrol.”
“Got it.” I stared out the window at the traffic as Officer Foxworthy drove south on the Dan Ryan Expressway and exited on West Forty-Third Street. After a few turns on surface streets, he pulled up to the curb alongside the Welcome Home Inn on Michigan Avenue at East Forty-Fifth Street.
“This is it?” I stared out the window at the beautiful three-story redbrick mansion surrounded by black wrought iron fencing. “It’s beautiful.”
“Yes, she is. The mansion was built in 1893, and it’s considered Queen Anne architecture.” Officer Foxworthy’s face flushed when I seemed surprised by his knowledge. “My wife and I stayed there for our tenth wedding anniversary, otherwise I wouldn’t know those facts.”
“I see. Okay, I’ll only be a minute, I promise.”
“No problem, ma’am. Take your time.”
I didn’t want to keep the officer waiting but I hoped to find a few minutes that night to admire the antiques and décor in the mansion. At that moment, I just needed to check in, drop off my luggage, and get to the station. Ten minutes later, I was back in the car with Officer Foxworthy.
“The precinct is a mile and a half from here. Somebody can escort you back to the inn later.”
“The L is nearby, isn’t it?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s only a block from the station, but late night isn’t the best time for a woman to walk the streets alone.”
“I am a cop, you know.”
“Understood, but let’s see what Sergeant Lutz suggests.”
We were at the Chicago Homicide Division Precinct within minutes of leaving the inn. I didn’t see anybody or anything that looked sketchy during our short drive.
“This is it. Follow me, and I’ll introduce you to Sergeant Lutz.”
“Sure thing.” I kept pace with Foxworthy, who was a fast walker. Inside the building, a constant buzz of uniformed officers and plainclothes detectives hustled here and there.
Foxworthy pointed down a right hallway after I checked in at the reception counter and showed my credentials to the desk sergeant. “Lutz’s office is right this way. It’s the third door on the left.”
I nodded and followed on his heels. We were welcomed in after Foxworthy gave the door a few short raps.
“Sir, Detective Pierce has arrived.”
“Thanks, Foxworthy. I appreciate you picking her up.”
“My pleasure, sir.” Foxworthy closed the door behind him as he walked out.
A balding, middle-aged man with frustrated blue eyes stood and shook my hand across the desk. “Please, Detective Pierce, have a seat. Let’s get better acquainted before we dive in.”
Chapter 8
“Jesse transferred to my precinct just over a year ago and was already second in command. He was one of the lead detectives in the narcotics division of the organized crime unit before he switched gears and came here. Not only was he good at getting major drug cartels off the street, but he was also a damn good detective in Homicide as well.”
“Has something new come to light? You’re speaking of him in the past tense.”
Lutz shook his head and let out a long breath. “Sorry, I can’t help thinking the worst. Jesse had a large part in putting away some of the worst criminals in our city. He moved to Homicide for Jenna’s sake. Funny how life changes things.”
“Meaning?”
Lutz turned in his chair and opened the small refrigerator at his back. “Care for a soda?”
“Sure, thanks.”
Lutz continued. “Jesse thought working Narcotics was too risky considering he was Jenna’s only sibling. He rooted out money-hungry drug cartels that would stop at nothing to keep their business going, and tweakers who always carried a gun. Money and drugs are a dangerous mix when trying to take down the bad guys. Criminals who were high and armed didn’t make his job easy, that’s for sure. He moved to Homicide because he thought it was less of a threat. In our division, the victim is already dead and the murderer is likely hiding out.”
I shook my head. “Unfortunately, that makes sense. What does your gut say, sir? What do you think happened to Jesse?” I opened my folder, took out a new legal pad, then popped the tab on the soda can and took a sip.
; “I don’t know because we aren’t sure where Jesse was when he was abducted, if that’s what actually happened.”
“Do you have reason to believe something else is going on?”
Lutz swiped the air. “Nah, I’m just thinking out loud. We had units check Promontory Point to make sure he didn’t slip on the rocks out there and injure himself. He wasn’t around, and his vehicle was nowhere in that area. Bandit’s food bowl was empty, but there was still water in his dish, which leads me to believe it was possibly Sunday when Jesse went missing.”
“And nobody at the precinct knew what his Sunday plans were?”
“I’m afraid not. We spoke with everyone he knows. All of his colleagues here at the station and his neighbors were interviewed. His parents are—”
“Deceased? Yes, I know. Jesse told us a bit of his history when Jenna went missing.”
“That was a sad situation for sure, and I don’t know how he got through it. He’s a strong man, Detective Pierce.”
I smiled. “Kate will do.”
“Our team started digging into his whereabouts yesterday morning when he didn’t show up for work.”
I wrote down everything Lutz had said and tapped my pen against the pad as I thought.
The sergeant rubbed his brow. “Weekends are the worst time to go missing. People make last-minute plans that aren’t necessarily discussed on the job. Jesse could have gone somewhere alone or met up with somebody that he knows outside of work.”
“His neighbors didn’t speak with him over the weekend?” I glanced up from the notepad.
“Nobody that knew his plans. I guess people are busy with their own lives and families during their off days. Like I said, we checked Promontory Point and the nearby running trails. Since Bandit was at home, we kind of moved away from the injuring-himself-while-running theory.”
“Speaking of Bandit, who’s taking care of him?”
“Tony Adams, another detective here. He has kids and a big house and yard. He and Jesse are close.”
I smiled with relief. “That’s good to know. I’ve seen Bandit at his worst, and I’m sure he’s missing Jesse right now.”
“Yep, I’m a dog lover too and have one of my own.”
“So, the house was thoroughly searched?”
“Yes. Searched and printed but nothing seemed out of place. There weren’t any signs of forced entry, and Bandit wasn’t barricaded behind a door like most intruders would think to do.”
“I’d like to go through the house myself to get a better sense of Jesse.”
“I’ll arrange that right now. Our original plan was to have you pitch in on the murder cases, but under the circumstances, I think your help would be better used in finding Jesse.”
“How does that work? Do I report to the missing persons unit?”
“Nah, you’ll stick with us. I was Jesse’s direct supervisor, and I want to know everything you’re doing firsthand, not through the grapevine. I’ll give that division your information and let them know you’ll be reporting to me.”
“That sounds good. Thank you, sir.”
“I’d like you to get started right away if you don’t mind. We have a cruiser at your disposal if you’re okay with driving around the city.”
“I’m okay with it as long as I’m not stuck in rush hour traffic. My GPS will be my guide.” I stood and gathered my notes then slid my folder across the desk. “I’d like you to read about the cases I’ve helped with in the past.”
Lutz nodded. “I will for sure. You have my permission to come and go as you see fit, Kate. Let your skills and expertise lead you. We need Jesse back. All I ask is to be updated every few hours and that you don’t go into dangerous areas alone. There will always be backup available for anything you need. I’d appreciate it if you’d report in at least three times a day.”
“You have my word, sir.”
Sergeant Lutz rose from his desk and tossed our empty soda cans in the trash. “I’ll walk you to the cruiser. There’s a unit patrolling Jesse’s neighborhood so I’ll give him a heads-up that you’re on your way, and he’ll let you into the house.”
Chapter 9
With Jesse’s home address programmed into the GPS, I headed out. According to the quickest route, I had an eighteen-minute drive or just over five miles to go. I pulled into the lower-level driveway of the mid-century modern ranch and parked. I already felt the love Jesse had for the home by how well-kept it was. The neighborhood looked safe, welcoming, and homey. The tree-lined streets consisted mostly of redbrick bungalows, mid-century moderns, apartment buildings here and there, and turn-of-the-century two-story Victorians. It was a mixed bag of beautiful homes in a relatively quiet area of Jackson Park Highlands. A squad car pulled to the curb and parked, and an officer climbed out.
“Detective Kate Pierce?”
I stopped on the sidewalk and waited. “Yes, that’s me.” I pulled out my badge and ID. I knew he’d want to take a look, and it was protocol, anyway.
I heard the officer, who identified himself as Jeff Lennard, call the station and tell Lutz that I had arrived. After he crossed the patch of grass that separated the sidewalk from the street, I introduced myself with a handshake and showed him my credentials.
Nothing about Jesse’s house called attention to itself as I followed Officer Lennard up the staggered steps to the front door. Since no crime that we knew of had taken place there, the property and door weren’t wrapped with crime scene tape. Officer Lennard reached under a shrub and pulled out a key box. He slid the cover forward and shook out the house key.
I raised my brows. “It’s that easy, huh?”
“We all have keys hidden somewhere outside our homes in case of an emergency. It’s noted in each of our files.” He looked at the solid wood door that appeared to be original and expensive. “I don’t think Detective McCord would appreciate anyone kicking in his front door.”
“Understood, and I agree. It’s far too nice to destroy.”
“I’ll make sure the house is clear, then I’ll leave you to it. Just lock up and put the key and key box back under the shrub when you leave.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Officer Lennard checked every room on the first floor then the basement and garage. He opened the slider, walked the fenced backyard, and returned to the house. “Everything looks to be in order, Detective Pierce. I’ll be patrolling the neighborhood if you need me.”
I thanked him and locked the front door when he left. Now alone, I walked from room to room and took in the beautiful transformation. From the looks of it, the interior had been remodeled from top to bottom. What was probably a dated 1960s home was now light, bright, and modern. The hardwood floors appeared to be original yet glistened like new.
Who would have thought you’d be the one to keep an immaculate house, Jesse McCord?
The home was stunning. I took in every vase and knickknack, assuming they had belonged to Jesse and Jenna’s mom. I admired the objects displayed prominently on the built-in bookcase, likely keepsakes that held sentimental value. I gently traced the faces of each person on the large family portrait that hung in the living room. Jenna appeared to be in her early teens and Jesse a few years older. The family looked happy, and life appeared normal, but that was before the tragic accident that had snatched away their parents’ lives.
I took a seat on the couch and closed my eyes. Jesse needed to occupy the space in my mind or I’d never find him. I needed to think the same thoughts he did and feel what he felt. I needed to dream about him. In the kitchen, I saw the mat where Bandit’s food dishes normally sat. A few dog toys lay scattered about. I went through the refrigerator and cupboards to see what Jesse ate and drank. In his bedroom, I opened the closet to see what he wore when he was on and off the job. In the bathroom, I sniffed his cologne and checked out the soap and toothpaste brands he used. His toothbrush, still in the holder, told me he hadn’t disappeared deliberately.
In the living room, I turned on the TV to see
what channel he’d last watched. I smiled. Investigation Discovery, one of my favorites. I pressed the off button, placed the remote on the coffee table, then returned to the kitchen and opened the cupboard beneath the sink, where most garbage cans were hidden. I slid out the half-full can and began rummaging through it. A balled-up brown paper bag caught my eye. I pulled it out, smoothed it, and looked inside. A wrinkled receipt was still in the bag. After flattening it out on the table, I checked the date, time, and store location. He’d purchased a greeting card, a pack of gum, and a bag of trail mix on Sunday afternoon at three o’clock at a drugstore nearby. I pulled out my phone and checked the distance from the house. It was only four blocks away.
I’ll be damned. Now I’m getting somewhere.
I grabbed my coat, purse, and Jesse’s house key. I’d make that four-block walk to the drugstore, where I’d try to get answers. There had to be a way to enter the card’s item number on the receipt to figure out the type of greeting card Jesse had purchased.
Fifteen minutes later, I stepped through the automated doors and took my place behind a woman who was checking out. I approached the clerk when it was my turn.
“I’m hoping you can help me.”
The woman, although tired looking, gave me a smile. “I’ll do my best.”
“Great.” I pulled out my badge to let the clerk know this was a serious situation and I wasn’t some kook who’d come in off the street to waste her time. I handed her the receipt. “I need to know what kind of greeting card this receipt was for. Can you pull something up by entering the item number in the computer?”
“Hmm, let’s see. We have a binder that contains the bar codes for each type of card. Birthday cards, anniversary cards, congratulation cards, and so on. I can scan the bar codes and then type the item number into my register, but it might take a while.”