Peter hugged her again and she responded by hugging him tightly in return. “I missed you, Peter.”
“And I missed you, baby sister.” He stepped back and looked at her again. He gave his head a shake. “Damn, woman, I am definitely going to have to keep my eye on you.” He grabbed her suitcase and then took her free hand and led her out of the airport. She looked at him as if not understanding his comment. Could she be oblivious to her beauty? His baby sister was stunning.
They traveled to the hotel where Grace insisted she would stay for a while until other plans were made. He cringed when his sister said she wouldn’t be staying in the States too long.
Peter of course got her the master suite at the best four-star hotel in the area. He could afford it and he only wanted the best for his sister. He wanted to spoil her and to love her. After all they had some time to make up.
They talked in the hotel room for a while and Peter informed her that no one knew she was coming to the wedding. Not even his wife Lindsey.
“She’s going to kill me when she finds out I’ve been hiding this from her.” Peter laughed.
“Hopefully she’ll forgive you quickly. How’s Mom doing?”
“Mom’s been keeping busy with Eric’s social circle and feeling pretty good. That guy’s always trying to make friends. Life as a politician I guess,” Peter said with a smile and they laughed.
Eric was a nice, quiet man who owned a local hardware store in the area. He was just beginning to get his feet wet in the local political ring when Grace left for Europe.
Everyone knew of the family’s tragedy and Eric was a big supporter of the local law enforcement and their need for programs to better train them in homicide investigation. They lived in a small town and things were handled differently.
“Everyone is going to be so happy to see you tonight. Jamie’s going to go crazy, Mom’s going to be shocked, never mind John and Frank. I’m going to have a lot of people angry at me.”
“I hope they really are happy to see me. I know I’ve missed everyone so much. So how is her fiancé, Tod? Is he still a really nice guy? “
“He’s a great guy and a great detective. He has an awesome reputation. He’s a lot like dad, Donald.”
Peter proceeded to tell Grace a little bit about Tod. He was enjoying how easy it was to speak with her. It was as if she’d never left and he loved every second they shared one another’s company.
“Donald is going to be so thrilled to see you there tonight as well. You know every time I’ve seen him at the office or courthouse he asks about you. This is going to be great. Now let’s go over the plan. “
* * * *
They sat down to prepare their surprise, and with each detail Grace couldn’t help the nervous feeling she had.
Her brother had every detail covered thoroughly, and she watched him closely, admiring his strong features and uncanny resemblance to their father.
There was no doubt in Grace’s mind that her brother Peter was amazing at his job as a prosecuting attorney who worked in the district attorney’s office. He was very smart and very well known in the area.
Grace’s whole family was involved in some public service job or another.
Her oldest brother Frank had been promoted to detective last year. Her brother John became a SWAT team member a year before Clara was killed. Now he was a SWAT team trainer of some kind.
Her mother’s husband Eric was a local business owner and politician, and Sarah fell right into the position of politician’s wife. She was a charity worker and the main reason why Eric was so successful.
Grace, however, chose a different path. She had enough of police officers, detectives, politics, the media, and everyone knowing her business. She didn’t want to walk down the street and be known as the girl who found her sister’s body.
She left the state and the country to be alone and unique. She was her own person and it was her own motivation, determination, and hard work that got her to where she was today.
As a professional and established photographer, people waited and held off major photo shoots until she was available.
It was all positive attention. Being in the spotlight with such a strong, immediate reputation for being one of the best was what kept her away from home and away from the negative spotlight that surrounded her. Always being known as the sister who was alive, the one who found the body, the sister of the victim of a serial killer. God, she hated that one, she hated all the quirky little headlines that ran every day for a year, and each one more shocking and emotionally heart wrenching than the next.
Grace knew she had to leave. Everywhere she went reminded her of Clara. She missed her sister so much. She just couldn’t bear to remain in the town where they grew up together and enjoyed life. It was too sad.
She had no choice or she, too, would die.
That was the way she felt then and she knew she had made the right decision in leaving.
Her soul, her spirit was evaporating. She was depressed, weak, and losing confidence in herself daily.
If she was to survive, be her own person, and succeed in life, she had no other choice but to leave her family and friends before it was too late.
Peter left the hotel room an hour later and Grace decided to indulge in a long, hot Jacuzzi bath. The hotel provided a wide range of bath oils and after-bath fragrances to enhance the experience.
Grace noticed the large ivory pillar candles scattered about the room. They were those cool battery-operated ones, so she turned the switches on each one.
Once the room was glowing with soft candlelight, the aroma of jasmine filled the air, and the last bit of hot water rose to the precise level in the tub, Grace turned off the faucets.
She finished putting the last couple of bobby pins in her hair to help keep it above her head then removed the thick, warm, complimentary hotel robe.
As she entered the water, she could feel her muscles relaxing then her eyes close as she leaned back, lost in the solitude of pleasure. But in the back of her mind, that uneasy, worrisome feeling ate at her gut.
Chapter 1
Cheryl Perez couldn’t stand the pain any longer. She knew this was it and that she was going to die. She didn’t want to die but he continued to touch her, cut her with some kind of long, sharp object. She couldn’t see what it was or his next move, which was driving her crazy. Just kill me already. Just stop the pain. She was shaking profusely as he continued to talk to her, repeating himself, saying sick, mean things to her. She wanted him to stop. She prayed for him to stop.
“Stop talking to me! Stop talking to me!” she screamed as she shook her head.
The tape laid flat against her eyes and they stung with every move she made. The sick bastard did it on purpose, he knew the pain it would cause and it gave him such deep satisfaction to do it.
He laughed at her and continued to terrorize her with his slow, deep, chill-inflicting voice.
* * * *
“You’re not as lovely as you appear to be in your pictures. You don’t even come close to her, but you’ve been close to her, you know her. You’ve spoken to her and for this I needed you,” he told Cheryl as he grabbed hold of her throat, laughing as his latest victim gasped for air.
“One breath, two breaths, dead.” He released her then took the picture and laid it on top of the lifeless body.
* * * *
Detective Jim Warner stood in the main office with Detective Masterson and FBI Agent Sully “Sandman” Sandstone. He was a good friend of Jim’s and he was doing him a favor by looking over these files. They had worked on a few cases over the years, including his cousin Gia’s abduction two years ago. He was good at his job and now it seemed as if they were being hit with a doozy of a case. Jim figured that the situation was getting worse and perhaps they did need some assistance from the government agents. Sandman was the best at what he did. He worked a lot of special cases and he usually worked alone or with his two brothers, Duke and Big Jay. At six feet four, San
dman made his presence known the moment he stepped into a room. He had a fierce look about him and an intense personality. His time as a Marine taught him well.
Jim stared at the piece of paper, a sick poem left at the latest crime scene. His stomach churned.
Heaven is crying tonight,
Filled with sadness and fright.
She cries for help, she yells, she pleads,
She is punished for both our deeds.
I take her now, do what I will
To hell with her, my latest kill.
“This sick bastard had the nerve to leave this note for the detectives. They don’t have any idea who this guy could be or what his motivation is. All they know is that there have been five murders in the last three months and the press is all over them,” Detective Jim Warner stated.
“Well that’s just the beginning of their problems. Looks like these detectives, who really aren’t trained for this type of thing, were a little too quick to wrap up some of their earlier crime scenes. There’s a lot of mismatched information, lack of concrete evidence, things just don’t add up. But the evidence points to the same killer, the same MO,” Sandman told Jim and Detective Masterson.
“We’re making these connections. The media knows we’re involved. I think we should keep looking at the Thompson case. There’s something there. I just can’t put my finger on it. The evidence that was found in the perpetrator’s home was laid out in plain view. This is not the work of the same killer. I think the killer was feeling the pressure of possibly being caught and planted the evidence,” Sandman said.
“Until you have the test results from the lab as concrete evidence, it’s only your gut that you’re going on, Sandman. We need more than that even though your gut has never been wrong. Question those involved in the Thompson case then head to New York and talk to the detectives about their latest victim,” Detective Masterson said then left the room.
“Well get your suitcase ready, partner. It looks like we’re headed to New York and then back here to Houston,” Jim stated.
“Shit, Jim…I haven’t unpacked from the last trip.”
Jim shook his head. Sandman had just finished wrapping up a case in Pennsylvania two days ago.
“I need you on this one.”
“I wouldn’t let you down, Jim. I’ll meet you at the airport.”
* * * *
Grace looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She wore a stunning, long red Vera Wang dress. There was a high slit up one side, which revealed her long tan leg. The pedicure she’d received in the downstairs salon was showing through her high-heeled, strappy red sandals. The red fitted dress lay snugly against her perfect figure, causing just the slightest bit of cleavage. Her hair was all pulled up in a fancy style one of the models had shown her to create so simply. A few tiny curls scattered here and there along the bottom of her neck. She looked spectacular as she headed downstairs to the limo Peter had waiting for her.
She arrived at the wedding venue and was escorted by Peter to a side door. She wished she could have watched the wedding in the church, but she didn’t want to take the spotlight away from Jamie. As she walked down a side hallway, she saw through the widows on the terrace family members and friends arriving from the church. Everyone was laughing and enjoying the celebration. Grace told Peter that she would wait until after the couple arrived, so that she wouldn’t take away any special moments for them.
The bright golden sun shined down over the gazebo as a warm May breeze gently traveled through the crowd of wedding guests. Jamie and Tod stood kissing one another for the first time as husband and wife.
The large crowd of family and friends stood clapping and smiling with joy at the sight. It was a day of celebration, rejoicing, and it was so uplifting.
The band began to play the couple’s wedding song as Tod led his lovely bride to the dance floor. They danced with one another as if they were in another place, lost in each other’s eyes, caught up in the moment. Tod kissed Jamie again and the guys in the crowd hooted and hollered and the women smiled in envy.
Grace peeked through the door with tears in her eyes as she saw the happiness on Jamie’s face and the glow that surrounded her.
* * * *
“The ceremony was beautiful, Jamie. You look gorgeous today,” Sarah stated then kissed Jamie softly on the cheek.
Sarah couldn’t help but wonder if her daughter Grace would ever come home or get married some day. She wondered if they would all be a family once again. It saddened her still, to not have Grace here, being part of this celebration. As she looked around at the family and friends, she spotted Donald. She felt that little flutter of excitement she always got whenever she saw him. He looked especially handsome today. He was a good man, a great friend. At the thought, her heart sank and her belly quivered with regret.
Looking up, she caught Donald watching her. He winked and she smiled. If only her own marriage to Eric was better. Instead, he focused on his political ties, his investment deals and the value of the land around their community, instead of on her.
Sighing, she tried to push those thoughts from her mind as well as her feelings toward Donald. Nothing could ever come of that.
There were nearly three hundred people attending the wedding. All family and friends who had not seen one another for such a happy occasion in years. It was a magnificent day outside, perfect for an outdoor wedding. Everyone was enjoying the party, dancing and talking. The band was playing wonderful music—country, classic, and old rock and roll—and the best man finished giving his toast.
Sarah sighed. Oh how I wish you were here, Grace. I miss you so much.
* * * *
Grace was inside waiting for Peter to come get her. He had told the band announcer to introduce a special guest and the time was coming for her to appear. It was well past the couple’s first dance together as husband and wife and Grace knew that her surprise appearance wouldn’t take away any spotlight on the bride. Perhaps most people wouldn’t be so happy to see her, because she may remind them of a time of sadness and loss.
The band stopped playing and the crowd became silent as the announcer began to speak.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Tod and Jamie, can you please come up here by the stage. Your cousin Peter has a very special surprise for you.”
The announcer had everyone’s attention and they all watched Jamie and Tod walk toward the front of the dance floor. The crowd gathered around waiting for the surprise.
“I’d like to draw everyone’s attention toward the main patio entrance as your surprise emerges.” The announcer directed his hand toward the curtain.
As the doors opened, Peter and Grace stood arm in arm and Jamie began to cry. The crowd roared in excitement, some gasping with joy as Peter and Grace walked toward everyone.
Instantly Jamie was in Grace’s arms, hugging her and crying hysterically.
“You made it. I can’t believe you’re here. Oh God, Grace, I’ve missed you so much. “
Grace’s brothers, John and Frank, made their way through the crowd escorting their mother Sarah.
“Grace, it’s really you, baby?”
Grace turned to see her mother, tears in her eyes, and her arms opened wide.
Grace thought her mom was the most amazing sight. She was five foot four, with light-auburn-colored hair. She was striking, and instantly Grace hugged her, overwhelmed with emotion.
“I’m home, Mama. I’m home.”
Grace’s brothers joined in the hugging and celebrating.
* * * *
Grace made her way toward the table where her mom and brothers were seated.
Donald Friedman came over to Grace next.
“You look wonderful, Grace. You’ve grown into a stunning woman. I’m so glad you decided to come back home. We’ve missed you.”
Grace smiled.
Donald looked at John who was pulling his sister toward him to hug her again. Grace squeezed her brother back. It w
as such a beautiful sight to witness.
Donald knew Grace’s family so well now. They had missed her something terrible and wanted her to be home with them.
Donald had become part of the family while investigating Clara’s death. The family welcomed him and continued to keep him part of their lives. He grew to love each of them like family as well.
He looked toward Sarah and the huge smile on her face as well as the tears of joy in her eyes. It made his heart soar. She was a beautiful woman, but had been so sad over the years since Clara’s death and Grace’s move to Europe. He wished he could do more for Sarah, but that was Eric’s job. As Donald looked toward Eric, to see why he wasn’t here with Sarah, he saw the man talking to one of the real estate agents that was a friend of the family. Donald couldn’t help the angry feeling that consumed him.
Eric should be beside his wife and welcoming his stepdaughter back home.
“Back home where you belong. Safe and with your family,” John added, hugging his sister again and bringing Donald’s thoughts back to Grace. She sure did look gorgeous and he couldn’t wait to get to know her again.
* * * *
“Grace, you’ll be here when I return from my honeymoon, right?”
Jamie asked, her arm wrapped around her cousin’s.
“You bet I’ll be here. Don’t worry, I know we have a lot of catching up to do. Plus I want to get to know your husband Tod better.”
They walked together along the beautifully landscaped gardens outside the reception area.
“This is a perfect day for a wedding, Jamie. I’m so glad I didn’t miss it.”
The American Soldier Collection 3: Amazing Grace (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 2