The Ivy Nash Thrillers: Books 4-6: Redemption Thriller Series 10-12 (Redemption Thriller Series Box Set)

by John W. Mefford

  “What about their foster parents?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Both sets were busy, and they were okay with me bringing them. It’s one of the best nights I’ve had in two years.” His eyes became glassy. “The only thing that would make it better would be to have Ricky and Claude here too. But I guess I shouldn’t let it get to me. Be thankful for how you’re blessed. That’s what my momma always said.”

  “Absolutely,” I said with a thumbs-up. My mind strayed for a moment, wondering if Stan or Brook had picked up any information on the hunt for the kidnapper, or the team of kidnappers, as it were.

  “So Ricky and Claude are good?”

  He kept his gaze on the boys as they walked up to a magician who was performing in front of a bunch of other kids. “Ricky’s actually on vacation with his foster family. They went to some dude ranch up in Colorado to get out of this heat. But I did get a chance to speak to him a couple of minutes today. He had a lot of questions about what happened to Billy and Drew. He seemed more at ease when we said goodbye.”

  “That’s cool.”

  “And Claude? Well, that boy’s always getting in trouble. He’s a wild horse, doesn’t show respect to anyone.” He sighed. “Claude needs some stability in his life. I wish like hell the state would let me take care of him. Maybe here in a few months, once I show I’m a lot more responsible now, they’ll consider it. I just have to find a decent job.”

  “I’m pulling for you, William. Once you get your job and stay sober for a couple of months, if you need me to speak on your behalf at a court proceeding, just let me know.”

  “Thank you, Ivy. That means a lot.” He surveyed the facility.

  “Looking for anyone?”

  “Well, I was just thinking on my way over here how great it would be to interact with kids every day. Maybe Timothy needs someone a little older to run this place.”

  “Not a bad idea. We just saw him. He’s the star attraction tonight. Well, behind the mimes.”

  Just then, the front door opened, and along with a hoard of more kids and parents, I saw the man with the cold stare from the Air Bar walk into the facility. Delmar Amaya. I had to blink twice to make sure I wasn’t imagining the man. I wasn’t, and I had to remember to breathe. A hand touched my shoulder. I nearly bit it off.

  “Ivy’s on the warpath,” Zahera said, trying to lighten the mood. Then she must have seen what had drawn my sneer.

  “What the hell is he doing here?” she asked.

  William quickly lost interest in our conversation and moved on to be with his grandsons.

  “That was my question. Does he have kids, or is he just a pedophile?”

  Zahera gave me the look. “I wouldn’t go that far. He is friends with Timothy, so how bad can he be?”

  I shrugged my shoulders, then angled my torso so I wouldn’t have to look at him. “You’re now saying I should give him the benefit of the doubt?”

  “I don’t know. He’s alone once again. I’ve never seen that guy with a plus one,” Zahera said.

  A kid with a buzz cut bumped into my elbow, sloshing my drink over the edge of the glass.

  “Whoa, look out,” I said before seeing it was Billy. “Hey, what’s going on? Did you get lost from your brother and grandfather?”

  Wearing a nervous smile, he used his forefinger to signal me to lean down.

  “What’s going on?” I asked with a hand on my knee.

  “I, uh...” His gaze shifted to the magician and his adoring fans.

  “Is there a trick you want me to see?”

  “Not really. I kind of… I don’t know.”

  I traded a glance with Zahera who seemed as baffled as me.

  “How about you give me a clue, okay?”

  A single nod, as his hazel eyes shifted to the high ceiling for a second. “There’s this girl in my class at school.” He bit into his lip.

  Zahera snickered while nudging my arm. Billy was experiencing his first crush. I tried not to smile. “And you think she’s pretty cool?”

  “Yeah, how did you know?”

  “Eh, it’s just a girl thing. Which one is she?”

  He started to point, then quickly brought his hand to his side. “She’s the one in the blue shirt. The same color as her eyes.”

  I nodded, forcing myself not to smile. I searched the group. “I’m not seeing her.”

  “Oh, she just moved behind my brother. See?”

  “I see now. She’s really tall for a third-grader. That’s what grade you’re in, right?”

  He snickered. “I’m going in the third grade, but she’s going in the fifth. She’s actually in Drew’s class.”

  “I thought you said the opposite.”

  “Maybe I did. Gramps says I stretch the truth sometimes. I think that’s bullshit.”

  My eyes got wide.

  “Sorry. I know I’m not supposed to cuss.”

  “That’s okay.” I patted his head. “Are you looking for some advice on how to tell her you like her?”

  “I guess. I’m not sure she even knows who I am.”

  Zahera stuck her nose in. “Why don’t you have your brother introduce you?”

  “Hell no. I mean, heck no. He’ll give me shit and embarrass me. Damn, there I go cussing again. I meant to say darn. Sorry.”

  I looked at Zahera and then down to Billy. “Why don’t the two of us walk on over and watch the magician? And then I’ll figure out a way to introduce you.”

  He appeared to think that one over. “Actually, it might work better if you can talk about me being kidnapped and how you found me and how brave you thought I was. Remember, you said that about me, so it’s not a lie.”

  “That’s true.” Zahera snickered again behind me, but I refused to turn around, knowing I might just bust out laughing. “I’m game, Billy. Let’s go.” I downed the rest of my drink and handed the glass to Zahera.

  Billy and I took position near the magician, where I saw the girl giggling with a couple of friends, one of whom seemed to be quite interested in Drew. But my mission was to help Billy with the girl who had blue eyes. “What’s her name?” I whispered.

  “Summer.”

  The magician had just finished pulling a rabbit out of his hat—it was cliché but so very effective for the age group—then he said he needed to take a quick break. This was our chance, or so I hoped. The crowd dispersed, but in the process, I lost sight of Summer in the sea of kids and adults.

  “Do you see her, Billy?”

  “Hell no. I mean, heck no.”

  I took him by the hand and began to push our way through the masses, which actually appeared to be multiplying. I then saw balls flying up in the air.

  Jugglers. Was there anything Timothy hadn’t thought of? The more I considered his demeanor, acting somewhat aloof while still being present and engaged at the same time, I was struck once again by the similarities to the good-hearted scientist from Jurassic Park. Timothy only had a wisp of gray hair at the temples and was about six inches taller than the movie character, but he seemed enthralled by putting on a show, providing kids an outlet to simply have as much fun as possible. I knew I had to get past whatever weird vibe I was feeling about the guy. He wasn’t like me, or anyone else I knew. But actions said more about people than their words, right? He and I probably had more in common than most adults with whom I interacted on a daily basis, including those at CPS.

  “Ivy, she’s over here.” Billy tugged me forward.

  The yank on my arm almost made me lose my balance. I blinked, feeling a little off. Maybe it was the crowd. I put a hand on Billy’s shoulder to steady myself as he continued pulling me along.

  “She’s by the jugglers, talking to my brother and that man.”

  It took a couple of seconds, but enough people finally parted for me to spot Summer and her blue shirt. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and it seemed like I might float away. As we moved closer, I concentrated my sights on Billy and the floor. It seemed to work.

&nb
sp; Billy stopped in his tracks, but I didn’t notice until I plowed right into him.

  “Sorry,” I said, trying to regain my balance.

  “Can you start talking about me?” he said under his breath.

  “Sure, right.” I rubbed my face one more time, then focused straight ahead for a moment.

  Delmar.

  He stood with his arm around Drew while speaking with Summer. He glanced up, looking right at me. His eyes felt like they were pinning me against a wall. I felt an overwhelming need to get him away from the kids. And I sure as hell wasn’t going to let him intimidate me.

  I pulled Billy behind me while propelling myself forward. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

  The two kids didn’t move. I thought I heard Billy say my name, but it didn’t matter. Another wave of dizziness.

  “Ivy, Ivy, are you okay?” The question sounded like it had come from outer space. Was that Zahera? Had my second martini sent me into oblivion?

  I tried to focus on the man who was now backing up a few steps. “Where are you going? What were you about to do with Drew and Summer?”

  I could see my finger pointing right at him. His eyes began to dart around the room. Was he looking for a way out? “We need to call the police. You were about to harm those kids, weren’t you?”

  I felt hands on my shoulders. It might have been Zahera, but I wrenched my arm away, pushing through her grip. “Someone call the police,” I yelled out, trudging forward. My legs felt like they were attached to cinderblocks.

  Delmar backed into the purple wall, his eyes looking beyond me. But I wouldn’t take the bait. If I were to turn around, what would happen next? Would he punch me, or take off running? Everyone else had dispersed, or so it seemed.

  “Now who’s pinned against the wall?”

  Why did I say that? He had a confused look on his face. His lips began to move, but I couldn’t tell if he was talking. Other voices behind me were muffled. Was that a Justin Timberlake song playing in the background?

  My mind was all over the place. I pressed my fingers against the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes for a brief moment.

  Dammit, Ivy, get it together!

  Delmar took a couple of steps to his right, or maybe it was his left.

  “Where do you think you’re going?”

  He pointed and mumbled words came out. Why didn’t he speak up? Or was there a problem with my hearing? Dammit, what the hell is wrong with me?

  I swung around. “Is anyone calling the police, or what?” I completed my pirouette, shocking myself that I didn’t end up on my ass. Delmar continued to stare at me.

  “You kidnapped those Cooper boys, didn’t you? I saw you at El Mercado. You were behind it. Why?” I could feel my breathing cadence double in speed.

  His dark eyebrows turned inward, but the penetrating scowl had evaporated. His eyes seemed more shocked than anything else.

  “You see, he’s guilty. He’s worried that he’s going to get thrown in jail with the other perverts.”

  Seemingly out of nowhere, Zahera appeared in front of me. She grabbed me by the arms. I heard her speaking, but her voice sounded like it was coming from an underground tunnel.

  “What…what do you want?” I asked.

  She shook me. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t hear. My mind was swirling. And that fucker, Delmar, was walking away. “Stop him!” I tried reaching over Zahera, but she shook me, bringing my attention back to her.

  “Ivy, do you hear me?”

  Zahera’s voice had finally cut through my haze. I nodded. My mouth was suddenly parched, my heart beating out of control.

  “I think we need to call an ambulance,” she said, looking beyond me.

  “No, I’m fine.” I tried wiping my face, then looked for Delmar. “Where did he go?”

  “Don’t worry about it. Stan is here, Ivy.”

  “Good. Arrest that bastard. I think he’s the one behind the kidnappings.”

  “That’s lunacy.”

  “Why are you taking his side now? Are you part of the cover-up?”

  She took my face into her hands. “Stan showed up, and he’s got news to share. Are you going to get your shit together, or do we need to cart you off to the looney bin?

  I shut my trap and searched for the real Ivy.

  32

  Steam from my mug of hot coffee curled into the unfinished ceiling above the Funhouse’s makeshift office. I took a sip and instantly began to perspire. I’d gladly deal with the side effects, as long as the caffeine continued to clear my mind.

  Zahera looked into my eyes and said, “Drink up.”

  I gave her a mock smile and did as she said. Truth be told, the coffee wasn’t actually clearing my mind. If anything, I felt jittery, and not the kind from drinking too much caffeine. But thankfully I’d regained control of my mind and my mouth in the last few minutes. And not a moment too soon, from what Zahera had shared with me. I should have been lamenting my embarrassing actions, but I only recalled snippets of time from the moment I downed my last martini and walked off with Billy in search of his crush. What was her name? Summer, that was it. And who the hell had spiked my drink with something that sent me to an unknown planet? Or maybe I’d finally reached the stage of life when I’d become a major lightweight.

  I traded nervous glances with everyone huddled in the temporary space with me—William and his grandsons, Timothy, and Zahera. They would have probably shown their relief in seeing me chill out had they not been ushered into the office a moment ago by Stan and Brook. Apparently, some disturbing news was on the horizon.

  I peered through glass walls—they only went up about ten feet or so, and we could still hear the din of music and voices in the background—to see Brook and Stan stopping for a quick discussion with Delmar, the man I’d accused of…well, just about everything. While I knew my accusations sounded outrageous to those listening to my tirade, part of me was still glad that the detectives were finally putting some focus on this guy. He might prove to have a host of alibis lined up during the times of the kidnappings, but my sixth sense told me he’d done some awful things in his life.

  I looked over at William. He seemed a bit jittery himself. Drew and Billy leaned against their grandfather. Billy bit into his lip while glaring at the floor.

  Taking in a full breath—still waiting for my pulse to return to a normal pace—I saw Stan nod at Delmar, and the two detectives walked toward our space. Delmar stayed with a uniformed officer.

  “Thanks for giving me a few minutes,” Stan said as he shut the door behind him.

  I tried getting a read from him and Brook, but neither connected with my eyes. Something was up.

  “I’m sorry.” Timothy raised his cane, then walked a couple of steps.

  Stan looked in his direction.

  “Unless this has to do with me personally, I don’t feel like I should be in here. I feel like I’m intruding by just standing here.”

  “Actually, Mr.—”

  “I go by Timothy.”

  “Timothy,” Stan said, scratching his thick face shadow. “I didn’t mean for you to stay in here. Thank you for letting us use this office.”

  “It’s rather drab right now, but in due time, this office along with this entire facility will… well, obviously now’s not the time to be discussing such frivolous matters.” Timothy made his way out of the office. He appeared to be hobbling more than usual. Perhaps it was because he’d been on his feet most of the night.

  Brook stepped over to William. “If you’re okay with this, I was going to take the boys into the main room.”

  “Why on earth would you do that?” William had a puzzled look on his face and plenty of agitation in his voice. He had no love for Brook, it appeared, a leftover effect from the kidnapping ordeal.

  “Well…” She paused, glancing at Stan for guidance maybe, but none came. She continued, “The news we’re about to share is not something the kids should hear directly from a law enforcement offi
cial. In fact, I can take them back to their foster families, and you can visit with them tomorrow.”

  “You touch these boys, and I’ll…” The muscles in his jaw quivered as he pulled the boys closer to him. Drew mumbled something, but I couldn’t understand it. No one else seemed to notice.

  “William, she’s only looking out for your family, I can assure you.” Stan was trying to be diplomatic.

  Maintaining his gaze on Brook, William uttered a final edict. “You heard me. Let’s move on, please.”

  “Okay,” Stan said, blowing out a sigh as he looked in my direction. Zahera, ever my guardian angel, quickly put her arm over my shoulder. I walked out of her hold, moving toward Stan and Brook. My balance was surprisingly intact.

  Stan said, “There has been a tragic incident earlier this evening. And it—”

  “Where?” William fired back.

  “I was first going to tell you that—”

  “Who? What has happened?” William wasn’t listening; his emotions had seized control of his brain.

  Stan cinched up his trousers. “Up in the hills northeast of New Braunfels.” He paused, looking at the boys. I could tell by all this hesitation that the news wasn’t for the boys’ ears. But what else could he do to convince William to let the boys leave? William just wasn’t having it.

  “Spit it out, Detective. I’ve dealt with all sorts of crap in my life. This can’t be any worse. Just tell me like a man.”

  I had no idea what Stan was about to share, but I knew Drew and Billy shouldn’t be hearing this, not until William had a moment to process the information. I shoved my mug of coffee toward Zahera and took a step forward.

  With my mouth half open, I was stopped in my tracks by Stan holding up a hand. I didn’t push it. I wrapped my arms around my chest and braced myself for the impact of what felt like an oncoming demolition ball.

  “I’m sorry to say this.” Stan looked directly at the boys as if he were willing them not to be present. But he forged ahead with William. “Your grandson, Claude, was shot and subsequently ruled dead by the Medical Examiner’s Office.”

  Bursting sobs took over the room, both boys shaking as they hugged their grandfather. William clenched his teeth, but tears streamed down his leathery face, his gaze seemingly frozen in time. Air left my lungs, and I became lightheaded. My heart was broken for that family. How much more tragedy and trauma would be thrown at them?