The Survivor

by DiAnn Mills

  Tigo had interviewed Jonathan’s executive assistant via the phone, but he wanted to talk to her face-to-face. See if she remembered anything. Vanessa Whitcom had worked at Yeat’s Commercial Construction for eight years, five of those as Jonathan’s executive assistant. According to him, she knew more about the business than he did. Swore she had a photographic memory. Tigo doubted the latter. The woman, divorced and an empty nester, probably just placed all her energies into job dedication. If anyone knew of shady activity at the business, though, Vanessa would be that person.

  Tigo entered Vanessa’s eclectic office with a large cranberry slush from Sonic. When he’d phoned Jonathan’s office about their arrival and spoken to the receptionist, he asked what he could bring Vanessa.

  “I heard cranberry is your poison.” Tigo poured charm into his words as he handed her the drink.

  “Thank you, Agent Harris,” the attractive woman said, reaching for the Sonic cup. “What a perfect icebreaker. Pardon the pun. Won’t you please sit down?”

  Tigo introduced Ryan and closed the door before they sat across from the woman.

  “How can I help with your investigation?” Vanessa took a sip of her drink and gave Tigo a thumbs-up.

  “The killer is still running loose,” Tigo said. “Thought you might be able to recall something we could use in our investigation.”

  She sobered. “I’ve been praying for the good Lord to show me something.” She pointed to Ryan. “Does Agent Steadman talk?”

  Ryan laughed. “When it’s necessary. In fact, I’ll ask the questions and let the agent with the charm record your answers.”

  Tigo eased back in the chair and let his partner take over. Ryan and Vanessa had the faith thing in common. Would he ever come to the same conclusion?

  Vanessa scooted aside a mound of papers and set the cup on her desk. A heart-shaped dish held red jelly beans, and a zebra clock with pink-and-orange streamers rested precariously on the edge of the desk. Women and their knickknacks.

  “Jonathan’s a dream boss. Always has been. He’s mannerly, gentle, and yet firm when the situation calls for it. I have no idea who would want him dead. Even now, when he’s not able to come into the office, his calls are attentive, with concern for all of us running the company.”

  “Did Joanna spend much time here?”

  “A little. She had her charities and her friends.”

  “We’ve been told she has sisters. I imagine they spent time together. My wife and her sister talk every day. Volunteer for the same projects at church.”

  Vanessa’s frown confirmed Curt’s earlier statement. “Your wife and sister are very lucky, Agent Steadman. But in answer to your question, Joanna and her sisters rarely spent time together. Not sure why.”

  “I think you are.” Ryan’s piercing gaze met hers. “I bet you know everything that goes on here and with the family. Jonathan spoke highly of his reliance on you.”

  She shrugged. “Her sisters didn’t care for Joanna, no matter how hard she tried.”

  “She told you this?”

  Vanessa studied Ryan. “Joanna and I were close. We met for lunch regularly. She wanted so much for her sisters to know the Lord so they could be a happy, loving family. But it never happened.” She blinked and shivered. “You two have to find her and Alexia’s killer.”

  Tigo had some questions of his own. “What about the divorce?”

  Vanessa paled. “That was one thing Joanna hadn’t shared with me, and we talked about everything.”

  “She didn’t mention any problems?”

  “Spits and spats from time to time. But she loved Jonathan. No, she was in love with him. All you had to do was look at them together, and you knew they were committed to each other.”

  Tigo nodded at Ryan for him to continue. Vanessa seemed more comfortable with him, and they needed any information she could offer.

  Between questions, Vanessa and Ryan talked about other topics that would build trust—a photograph of her children, the weather, a book about prayer on her desk. She confided that Pastor Taylor Yeat was her pastor too.

  “Are you sure there isn’t anything else you can tell us?” Ryan said.

  “Nothing out of the ordinary. Whoever said she’d filed for divorce lied.”

  “Her attorney has a signed document.” Ryan’s voice softened.

  “Then something other than her relationship with Jonathan drove her to the attorney’s office. Because their marriage was rock solid.” She wrapped her fingers around the Sonic cup. “I would have known.”

  CHAPTER 14

  9:35 A.M. FRIDAY

  Vicki’s screams pierced Kariss’s ears. The car hit the ditch with a sharp jolt that deployed the air bags. The chemicals released stung Kariss’s eyes and nose.

  She blinked as the car ground to a stop. The windshield had cracked in a spiderweb pattern but hadn’t shattered. She whirled around to watch the truck, but it disappeared in a flurry of dirt and gravel. For a moment, she considered pulling out her 9mm and unloading it in the direction of his tires or gas tank.

  Not a godly thought, but still true.

  Rose.

  Vicki.

  Dear God, let them be all right.

  Grasping the steering wheel for support, she touched Vicki’s arm. “You okay?”

  Vicki slowly turned toward the backseat. Blood trickled down the right side of her face. “My baby. How’s Rose?” Her sister’s quiet sobs filled the car. Unfortunately, the car leaned against the ditch in such a way that it was impossible to open the passenger door, but Kariss could still get out her side. “Please, Kariss. Get her out of here.”

  Kariss pressed the Unlock button on the doors and lowered the windows before turning off the engine. She pushed aside her air bag and tried to release her seat belt. It was jammed.

  She reached over to Vicki’s side to search through the glove box for a pocketknife, an item their father had always insisted be in his girls’ cars. With it, she cut her seat belt and then pushed open the door. If only Rose would scream at the top of her lungs. But there was nothing.

  Kariss flung open the rear door, and a muffled cry met her ears. Not a pain-filled sound, but a whimper. Kariss studied the baby’s face while reaching for the car seat’s Release button, not an easy task with the car leaning on its right side. Kariss held her breath. No blood. No marks.

  The little face scrunched into a frown, then a cry. Kariss lifted Rose from the car seat, speaking words of comfort. Not a visible mark on her tiny body. The car seat had done its job. Praise God she’d been strapped in on the driver’s side so Kariss could reach her.

  “She’s fine, Vicki.” When her sister failed to respond, the possible extent of Vicki’s injuries slammed against Kariss’s heart.

  Glancing behind her, Kariss saw that an SUV had stopped, and a couple was emerging. But her concern was for her sister.

  “Help is on the way,” the woman called as she hurried toward Kariss.

  Kariss nodded. Vicki had phoned 911 before the pickup had run them off the road. Now the emergency hotline had two calls about them.

  Rose looked unharmed, but Kariss couldn’t lay her on the ground to check on Vicki. Kariss took a quick peek at her sister. Vicki’s eyes were closed, and blood flowed down her face and onto her neck. Had she blacked out?

  “How can I help?” the woman said.

  Kariss patted Rose’s back to calm her. “I’m concerned about my sister.”

  The man peered through the open driver’s door at Vicki. “Wait for an ambulance. She might be badly hurt.”

  Kariss had thought the same thing. “I wonder how long before help gets here? We called 911 when the pickup was riding our bumper.”

  “Just a few minutes. It’ll come from Tomball.” He shook his head. “Wish we’d seen what happened.”

  “I’m just glad you’re here now.”

  “Why don’t you let me take the baby?” the woman said. “I have four girls of my own.”

  Kariss looked
into the woman’s kind eyes and relinquished Rose, who was still crying. “Thanks. I’m shaking so much I’m afraid I’ll drop her. I think she’s fine.”

  The woman cradled Rose. “You get a hold of yourself, and I’ll keep little missy company. Do you have a bottle?”

  “My sister’s nursing her. But she ate just before we left. I’ll get her wah-wah from her diaper bag.” She gave the woman a smile. “That’s what our family calls a pacifier.” Kariss reached into the car, her attention flying to Vicki, who was still so quiet and stationary. While searching for the diaper bag, she heard a siren. What a blessed sound. “Help is here, sis. Hold on.”

  Vicki moaned. “Rose. Where is she?”

  Relief lifted a ton of weight from Kariss’s heart. “She’s just fine. Not a scratch. A nice lady is holding her.”

  “I hear her crying. Thank You, God.”

  “I wanted to get you out of there, but the man who stopped to help suggested we wait for the ambulance.”

  “Probably smart.” Vicki had yet to open her eyes. “My head—”

  “Hush. The paramedics will fix you up. Save your strength.”

  “Thanks, sis. You’re the best.”

  Kariss forced a laugh. “Remember how you protested when I spent three hundred dollars on Rose’s car seat?”

  Vicki smiled through closed eyes. “Yeah.”

  “You can now write an endorsement for the brand. Probably get lots of good free stuff.”

  Vicki didn’t appear to hear this last comment.

  Kariss would find out who had done this. A chill raced up her arms. She didn’t care about possible danger to herself, but the driver had stepped over the line when he threatened Vicki’s and Rose’s lives.

  CHAPTER 15

  10:00 A.M. FRIDAY

  Tigo’s personal cell phone, the iPhone, rang. Seeing the caller was Kariss’s father, he explained to Ryan the need to take the call and left Vanessa’s office to answer it. Odd for Mr. Walker to call during working hours.

  “Tigo, Fred Walker here. Wanted to let you know that Kariss, Vicki, and the baby were in an accident this morning.” Tigo’s pulse raced into overdrive. “How bad?”

  “The baby and Kariss are fine. Vicki’s awaiting treatment for a head wound. She has a nasty bump on her head. We’re on our way to the hospital now.”

  Tigo blew out a breath. “What happened?”

  “Some redneck ran them off the road and into a ditch and didn’t bother to stick around. Kariss says she’s okay, but I have my doubts. Vicki and Rose would come first for her.”

  Tigo pushed aside his rising apprehension to focus on the situation. “What hospital?”

  “Tomball. We’ve been on the road a little while, but it’ll still be over twenty minutes before we get there.”

  “I’m on my way. Coming from the southwest side of town.” Tigo stepped back into the office and motioned for Ryan to join him in the hallway.

  “What’s going on?” Ryan said.

  Tigo told him all he knew. “Vicki’s hurt, but Kariss and the baby are supposedly okay. I’ve got to make sure.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll take care of things here. They were lucky.”

  “I have to see for myself. Probably wouldn’t hurt if you’d pray.”

  Ryan chuckled. “I’m on it. The skeptic asks for prayer?”

  “I’m listening on Sundays. Got to admit, though, just when it all makes sense, I’m confused again. That whole surrender thing goes against the grain of my independent nature.”

  “Keep at it.”

  Tigo wasn’t sure faith answered the plaguing questions in his life. But Ryan and Linc held stock in prayer, and for them, it worked.

  Twenty minutes later, at the hospital ER, Tigo flashed his ID and followed a nurse through double doors into the treatment area. She no doubt thought the accident was an FBI matter. Behind a curtain, Vicki lay on a treatment table with her eyes closed.

  A nasty gash near her right temple needed stitches. Why hadn’t they taken care of her yet? Kariss sat in a chair holding a baby decked out in pink and lace and some sort of frilly headband. Kariss and Vicki’s parents stood by Vicki’s bed. Fred held his injured daughter’s hand while Ella gently stroked her hair. Tigo planted a kiss on Ella’s cheek and patted Fred’s back.

  “We’ve been here about five minutes. Did you fly?” Fred said.

  “I have my moments on the road.” Tigo caught Kariss’s gaze. The first time they’d met, he’d been driving faster than Buzz Lightyear on steroids and had cut her off on the highway. A mile later, an officer had ticketed him.

  “I remember.” Although her hair was tousled, she looked in control and beautiful … as always.

  “How’s the patient?”

  “Doing okay. I think she’s in more pain than she’ll admit,” Kariss said. “We’re waiting to get her stitched up. They had another emergency just before she was brought in.”

  Tigo studied Vicki’s pale face. “Is she sleeping, or did the doctor give her something?”

  “Resting,” Kariss said. A hint of pink tinged her cheeks. “I think she used up her energy making sure Rose was okay. I told Dad not to bother you.”

  “Friends look out for friends.”

  “Most of the time.”

  He understood exactly what she meant and focused his attention back on Fred and Ella. “Thanks for the call.”

  “We knew you’d want to know about the accident, despite our youngest daughter’s protests.”

  Tigo chose not to toss out a sarcastic remark and turned to Kariss instead. “Rose is growing. She’s a beautiful baby.”

  “We’re all prejudiced, but you’re right.” She smiled.

  Thoughts about the past slammed against his brain. Why had he been so stupid?

  Vicki half opened her eyes. “I thought I heard a familiar voice. Are we having a party?”

  “Only when the jerk who did this is arrested,” Kariss said.

  “I pity him if my sister gets to him first,” Vicki said. “Thanks for coming, Tigo. I’m fine, really. Just waiting”—pain creased her face—“for the doctor to stitch my head.”

  “And a room.” Fred patted her hand. “Got to run a few tests on little mama. Make sure nothing’s knocked loose up there.”

  A doctor stepped inside the curtained area, a nurse trailing behind, pushing a cart loaded with paraphernalia to stitch up Vicki’s head. Tigo seized the opportunity and turned to Kariss. Odd how he needed courage to talk to the woman who occupied his thoughts. “Would you and Miss Rose join me for a walk? Blood makes me squeamish.”

  Kariss laughed. “Right.”

  He reached for the baby so Kariss could stand.

  “You handle Rose very nicely,” she said.

  “I handle little girls better than big ones.”

  Ella and Fred laughed, but Kariss didn’t. Once outside the ER, they strolled down the hospital hallway. Tigo continued holding Rose. She felt right snuggled in his arms. To think Kariss had once been this helpless. She could still be helpless, but Tigo wouldn’t bring it up.

  “Are you in trouble, Ms. Indiana Jones?” he said. “Or should I ask if you’re working on a story that’s put you in danger?”

  “No, I don’t think so.” Her voice trembled.

  Was it fear he detected, or did she feel uncomfortable with him? “I hear the reservation. Want to tell me about it?”

  “I’m tired and angry at the truck-daddy who did this. He was probably strung out. Got scared and took off when we headed for the ditch.”

  “Your Jag tends to attract attention.”

  “I should have stuck with my Prius. Vanity took over once the arrests were made last summer.”

  He remembered the day she’d sold the Prius. They’d celebrated with dinner at Ruth’s Chris. “Did you get his license plate number?”

  “Only V8. I gave it to the officer who arrived on the scene. Vicki thought she took a pic of the truck with her cell phone. But it’s not there. I guess she was too nerv
ous.”

  He brushed a kiss across the tip of Rose’s nose, and the baby smiled. Melted him like butter. “Did you get a look at the driver?”

  “Nope. Tinted glass. I thought about trying to stop him before he got away, but I had Rose and Vicki to worry about.”

  “What would you have done? Chased after the guy with your handgun?”

  Kariss rolled her eyes. “Very funny. I was actually planning to shoot out a tire or aim for his gas tank.”

  “Don’t worry, they’ll find him. Although I’d like the chance.” He forced himself to look into Kariss’s brown eyes and realized he couldn’t breathe. Facing bad guys was so much easier. “I’d appreciate a call in a few days on how your sister’s doing.”

  “Sure.” She winced. “I smell awful from the deployed air bag.”

  “I thought it was the ER.”

  “I’d take you out if you weren’t holding my niece.”

  “Then I’m safe.”

  “Sorry Dad called you.”

  “No problem.” He was glad Fred did. Tigo wanted to be there.

  A nurse met them in the hall. “Your baby’s beautiful,” she said. “She has her mama’s hair and eyes.” She smiled at Tigo. “I bet you’re one proud daddy.”

  “We’re not her parents.” Kariss brushed her finger across Rose’s cheek. “She’s my sister’s baby. Thanks anyway. We think she’s beautiful too.”

  Tigo wanted to think they had a future if they could just work through the damage. That they could someday earn that compliment. But he’d have to take the first step.

  CHAPTER 16

  5:00 P.M. FRIDAY

  So now your wife claims you were at home the morning of the car bombing?” Tigo watched Roger Collins, who had three eyebrow piercings, two piercings on his upper lip, and a safety pin through his ear. Very easy to stereotype him. “New information. Had she forgotten you were there?”

  Roger Collins had been brought in before Tigo and Ryan returned from Curt and Ian’s high school. Tigo was in a sour mood, regretting the waste of time talking to the basketball team, and Collins wasn’t helping his attitude.