Arouse Suspicion

by Maureen McKade

  Danni wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Neither one of us goes anywhere alone."

  Although Nick grumbled, he knew Danni had a point.

  "When's the best time to go to the center?" she asked.

  Nick glanced at his watch: 7:40. "The kids start to show up around eight, so we can leave as soon as we're ready."

  While Danni took care of the dirty dishes, Nick let Gus outside. Fifteen minutes later, Nick was driving to the center, having left Gus snoozing happily in the living room.

  "How do you want to do this?" Danni asked.

  "We find Gary. We ask him some questions. Take it from there."

  "What about Marsel?"

  Nick glanced at her, forcing himself to ignore the lingering trace of their lovemaking in her slightly swollen lips. "You really think he knows more than he told us?"

  "My gut says yes."

  He grinned. "Who am I to argue with your gut?"

  Her face relaxed into a quirked smile that faded as she darted glances in her side mirror. "Take a right here," she suddenly said.

  Forty-eight hours ago he would've not made the turn, just to piss her off. Now, however, he obeyed her command without question. As he jerked the steering wheel around, the centrifugal force pressed Danni toward him. She pulled herself back into place, and her gaze flew to the mirror.

  "Still there," she said tersely. "You know how to lose a tail?"

  Nick shot a sharp look at the rearview mirror. All he could see were headlights. "How can you tell it's a tail?"

  "It is."

  He sucked in a deep breath. "Hang on."

  Coming to another intersection, he yanked the wheel into a left turn and stepped on the gas. His Jeep shot forward. He touched his brakes and made a skidding right onto a more heavily trafficked street. Weaving in and out of the vehicles, he spared a glance at Danni, who had one hand locked around the door's handhold and her other braced on the dash. Her attention, however, was focused on the mirror. "Still there?"

  She nodded grimly. "Yes."

  "Can you see what kind of car it is?"

  "All I can make out is a light-colored sedan." Danni paused. "Mrs. Countryman said a gray or tan car was at Dad's the night he died."

  Nick swore under his breath and executed another left turn, then a quick right. He accelerated for three blocks, then turned left, with another fast right. "Did we lose them?"

  Danni peered in the mirror for a full minute before replying. "I think so."

  Nick wheeled his SUV into another right turn. "Just to be on the safe side."

  She leaned back in her seat. "Damn it. I wish we could've turned the tables. We might've been able to see who it was."

  Nick divided his attention between the street and Danni. "How many were in the car?"

  "Only the driver."

  Nick hated the helplessness that chewed at his insides. Why were they being targeted? What did they think he and Danni knew?

  "You know what this means?" Danni asked quietly.

  "What?"

  "I spotted the tail not long after we left Dad's house. Whoever it is, they know where we're staying."

  Chapter Fourteen

  Danni could count on one hand the people who knew she and Nick were staying at Dad's place: Sam Richmond, Beth Marshal, Cathy Miller, and Mrs. Countryman. Cathy might be flighty, but she was a loyal friend. Beth had been the one to ask Danni to look into Matt Arbor's death, so it was doubtful she was working against them. And Danni suspected that the retired schoolteacher had never so much as jaywalked in her life, much less attempted murder.

  What about Sam? No, he couldn't be involved. He and Dad had been friends for years, and he was like a second father to her. She recalled how rough this past year had been on Sam. Just after he retired from the force, his wife Nancy had been diagnosed with a debilitating disease that would eventually leave her bedridden for the rest of her life. Now, while Nancy was still able to get around, they were doing many of the things they'd put off: road trips with a new motor home and fishing with a fancy boat Sam had recently bought.

  All those things took money. A lot of money.

  "Danni?" Nick asked, obviously sensing her troubled thoughts.

  She took a shaky breath. "I was just thinking about the people who know we're staying at Dad's: Beth, Cathy, Sam Richmond, and Mrs. Countryman."

  Nick nodded somberly. "One of them might be involved."

  Danni cast a glance at the side mirror and was satisfied that their tail hadn't found them again. "But I can't imagine any of them murdering Dad."

  "Can't or won't?"

  Part of her hated that he made her doubt her judgment, while her pragmatic side knew those would be the same questions she'd be asking if their positions were reversed. "I've known Cathy for two years, ever since she started working for Beth and me. She had excellent references, and I've never had any reason to mistrust her."

  Nick digested her words. "And Sam?"

  She gnawed at her thumbnail, wondering if she should confide her suspicions. In a way, it felt like a betrayal, yet she couldn't shake her misgivings surrounding his recent purchases. "I've known him since I was a kid. He was always there for me."

  Unlike Dad, who was always there for you.

  She tried to stem the rising resentment the thought evoked, but the feeling was so ingrained it was hard to ignore.

  Nick swung into the youth center's lot and parked. He turned off the vehicle and shifted in his seat to face Danni. "You're not telling me everything."

  She didn't want to confess her worry that Sam wasn't as perfect as she'd always believed. However, she knew he wouldn't let this go, so reluctantly she told him. "You know Sam retired last year?"

  Nick nodded. "That's when Karen Crandle was assigned as Paddy's partner."

  "That's right. Did you know mat Sam's wife has a degenerative disease that will eventually make her an invalid?"

  Nick's face softened with sympathy. "No."

  "They have maybe a year, eighteen months at the most before that happens." Danni paused and tried to convince herself she wasn't betraying her old friend. "Over the past year, he's bought a new motor home and a fishing boat, plus they've taken quite a few trips."

  Danni could tell by Nick's expression that it took only a second or two for the implications to sink in.

  "Where did he get the money?" he asked in a tone that didn't expect a reply.

  Danni felt compelled to defend her surrogate father. "He was a good cop, Nick. He put in thirty-five years, and there was never a black mark against him."

  "Nobody's saying he wasn't a good cop. But maybe circumstances forced him to do something he never would've done otherwise."

  Miserable and sick that she was even considering Sam a suspect, Danni tipped her head back and scrubbed her face. "Damn it. He wasn't involved in Dad's death. They were best friends."

  Nick rubbed her upper arm soothingly. "There's another possible explanation. Maybe somebody followed us from the center or your office."

  Danni blinked and wondered why she hadn't thought of that. "That seems more likely."

  "It doesn't rule Sam out."

  As much as Danni wanted to disagree, she knew he was right. "No, but it does open more options." She took a deep, shuddering breath. "We should go in."

  Nick studied her, his concerned gaze feeling like a warm caress. "Are you all right?"

  She managed a crooked smile. "I will be."

  He brushed her cheek with his fingertips. "You aren't alone, Danni."

  Her throat tightened, and tears burned her eyes. All she could do was nod her gratitude, but it was enough. Nick smiled gently, then moved away and slipped out of the SUV.

  Danni opened the passenger door and was flustered when Nick was there to take her hand and help her out. He locked the doors with the press of a button on his key ring.

  They entered the center and heard the murmur of voices in the computer lab, as well as muted shouts and sneaker squeaks coming from the basketball court
. Alex Levin came out of the administrative office.

  "Alex," she called.

  The cop turned and smiled. "Hey, Danni. What're you doing here?" Then he glanced at Nick. "You have a run-in with a cat, Sirocco?"

  Danni had forgotten about the angry red scratches on Nick's face.

  "A bush," Nick replied blandly.

  Before Alex could question him further, Danni said, "Nick and I are looking for a couple of kids."

  The policeman narrowed his eyes. "This have anything to do with Matt Arbor's death?"

  Danni glanced at Nick, who shrugged. She turned back to her former Academy classmate. "As a matter of fact, it does."

  Alex darted a look up and down the hallway, his expression wary. "The autopsy came back on Arbor today," he said in a low voice. "They found a tranquilizer in his blood."

  Danni's mind raced. "Forced?"

  "It's possible, or he took it to help him carry out his own suicide." Alex shrugged. "We've seen it before."

  "What was it?"

  "A barbiturate. Just enough to make him sleepy."

  "Or pliable enough to kill without a struggle." Danni glanced at Nick, seeing a reflection of her own grim thoughts.

  Alex shrugged. "Maybe. Which kids are you looking for?"

  "Marsel and Gary," she replied.

  "Friends of Arbor's?"

  "That's right. We want to ask them some questions."

  Alex stabbed a thumb over his shoulder toward the gym. "I saw Marsel come in about half an hour ago. Gary hasn't been in for a few days."

  "You know an awful lot about what goes on around here," Nick said.

  "Nick," Danni warned.

  Alex held up a hand. "No, it's okay, Danni." He faced Nick and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "I'm here a couple of nights a week. I used to see you hanging out here with Paddy quite a bit, too." There was thinly veiled accusation in his voice.

  "I was one of the kids he helped years ago," Nick admitted.

  "Paddy helped a lot of kids. Too bad he didn't give Danni half the time he gave them."

  Although Danni was grateful for Alex's support, she felt uncomfortable making Nick the bad guy. "It was a small price to pay for what good Dad accomplished."

  "That's not what you used to say."

  "Yeah, well, maybe I'm finally growing up."

  Alex looked from Danni to Nick and back, then nodded slowly. "As much as I disliked Paddy for the way he treated you, I admired him, too," he admitted. "He's practically a legend around here."

  Danni's gaze wandered around the center where her father had spent so much time. She could almost imagine his booming voice echoing through the hall and gym. He would've been furious about the shooting last night and taken it as a personal affront. He probably would've shaken down the neighborhood to uncover the shooters.

  Alex flicked a glance at his watch. "I've got to get going. Helen's expecting me at nine." Alex kissed Danni's cheek. "I'll let you know if I learn anything more."

  "Thanks."

  Alex lifted a hand in farewell, then jogged down the hall and out the door.

  "Do you trust him?" Nick asked, staring after Alex.

  "Yes. He didn't have to tell us Matt's tox results."

  After a few moments, Nick nodded. "How come you and he didn't... y'know, get together?"

  She wrinkled her nose. "It would've been like dating my brother."

  Nick laughed. "He does seem a little protective."

  "You don't know the half of it." She tipped her head toward the gym. "Shall we?"

  Danni pushed the metal door open and slipped into the gym with Nick's reassuring presence at her shoulder. Two groups were playing half-court basketball; on one side were girls, the other boys. Danni leaned against the wall and watched the girls, experiencing a sense of envy. When she was in high school, the center was more of a boys' hangout. It seemed the place had changed with the times.

  She spotted a familiar blond woman with the girls and pointed toward her. "Isn't that Karen?"

  "Yep. Paddy talked her into volunteering. It's good for the girls to see positive female role models."

  "Maybe I'll start coming down here and helping out." At Nick's startled look, Danni added defensively, "If Karen can do it, I can."

  "Paddy would like that."

  Nick's quiet words sent a shaft of pain and longing through her. If only she and her dad had had more time. Danni suspected old wounds could've been healed, and she might've had the father-daughter relationship she'd always longed for.

  "There's Marsel," Nick said.

  It wasn't difficult to spot the tall, gangly teenager with his baggy red shorts and overly large jersey among the half-dozen boys.

  "There seem to be fewer boys here tonight," Danni commented.

  Nick frowned. "Maybe the shooting scared some of them off."

  She scanned the gym, noting the boards that had been nailed over the windows broken by last night's shooters. "Maybe that was their intention."

  Nick leaned against the wall. "What if we're wrong about this, Danni? What if the drive-by had nothing to do with us?"

  "Don't you think the timing was a bit coincidental?"

  He raked a hand through his short brown hair. "Or maybe with your dad gone, the gangs don't think they have to toe the line anymore."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Your dad was one of the founders of the youth center. He was the one who got the gangs to sit down and hammer out a truce to make the center a safe zone." Nick took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "With Paddy gone, maybe they think they don't have to honor the agreement any longer."

  "What would they gain from shooting the place up?"

  "Reputation?"

  Before Danni could comment, the boys took a water break.

  "Marsel," Nick called.

  Although Marsel looked like he wanted to ignore them, he shuffled over. "Hey, man, I told the cops all I know 'bout the shooting."

  "What makes you think we're here to talk about that?" Nick asked.

  Marsel shrugged. "Why else?"

  Danni stifled the urge to jump in and ask questions. Nick believed Marsel would be more inclined to open up to him, and she was willing to let him try.

  "Matt Arbor," Nick said. "What was he into?"

  "Don't know—"

  "Cut the crap. You were his friend. Where'd he lift the computer?"

  Marsel fiddled with the hem of his jersey. "He never said."

  "Bullshit. You two were tight."

  Marsel shifted his red-sneakered feet. "So I hung out with him. That don't mean I was his mother."

  Nick leaned close, his face a scant inch or two from the boy's. "You were his friend. Why won't you help us find his killer?"

  Danni fisted her hands in her jacket pockets as Nick and Marsel engaged in a staring contest. Beads of sweat rolled down the teen's face, and Danni was certain little of it was from his physical exertions on the court.

  Finally, the boy glanced away. "Look, man, if I knew anything, I'd tell you."

  "Would you?" Nick asked, his voice low.

  Marsel lifted his chin, defiance in his eyes. "When I know somethin' for sure, I'll tell you."

  Danni read between the lines; Marsel had his suspicions, but he didn't have any proof. She pulled out her card and handed it to him. "You can get hold of us any time at this number."

  Marsel stared at the card for a long moment before he tucked it into his sock.

  Nick latched onto his arm, drawing his attention. "If you think something's going down, use that number. We'll come right away. No questions asked. Got it?"

  Marsel blinked in surprise and nodded. "Yeah, man, I got it."

  "One other thing. Have you seen Gary tonight?"

  "About half an hour ago. Geek room." He tipped his head toward the main hallway. "Computers."

  "Thanks." Nick released the teenager.

  Marsel retrieved his jacket and left amid grumbles from the five remaining basketball players.

  Danni w
atched him go, her muscles tense. "Didn't Gilsen say he didn't know Gary?"

  "Maybe it's Gary's first time in there."

  "Let's go find out."

  Danni and Nick exited the gym and walked down the hallway to the computer room. Was Paul Gilsen involved in this mess somehow? Or was her judgment tainted by something that had happened fifteen years ago?

  The door to the lab was open, and she and Nick entered. Only three of the twelve computers were in use. It was obvious something was keeping the kids away from the center tonight.

  At a station close to the door, Gilsen was helping a pink-haired girl with a gold stud in the side of her nose. He looked up when Danni and Nick approached him and smiled, but the expression quickly disappeared. "What happened to you?" he asked Nick, motioning to his face.

  "You oughta see the other bush," Nick answered with a chuckle.

  Gilsen frowned, then turned back to the teen. He gave her a few more instructions before motioning for Nick and Danni to join him in a corner of the room.

  "We heard Gary was in here earlier," Danni said without preamble.

  Gilsen crossed his arms over a pale blue dress shirt. It looked like he'd come straight from work and just removed his jacket and tie before coming into the center. "Is that the boy you were asking about earlier today?"

  Danni nodded.

  "I just got here about half an hour ago. If he was using a computer, he left before I came in."

  Danni wanted to accuse him of lying but had no reason except for her own prejudice.

  "Who was watching the room before you came in?" Nick asked.

  "Alex Levin." Gilsen smiled. "He's not a computer geek, but he knows enough about them to help out."

  Danni felt like she'd been kicked in the gut. They'd told Alex they were looking for Gary. Why hadn't he mentioned that the kid had been in the computer room?

  "Marge told us that anyone who uses a computer has to have their name and address on file. If Gary was in here earlier, Levin should've gotten that information, right?" Nick asked.

  Gilsen snapped his fingers. "That's right. Let me check the cards. I'll be right back."

  Danni watched him wend his way to a desk at the front of the room. He was stopped by one of the teenagers to answer a question, which he seemed to handle with patience and friendliness.