Witness

by Beverly Barton

  She wouldn’t argue with Sam now, Jeannie decided. She’d bide her time and figure out some way of getting closer to Maynard Reeves.

  “Let’s join Julian and Marta at the craps table.” Jeannie waved at her foster father, who smiled and returned her wave.

  Sam watched while Jeannie won a thousand dollars at craps, then methodically lost two thousand. While he kept a close eye on her, he occasionally sought out Hawk, knowing Reeves would be within spitting distance. The good reverend and his date circled the gaming room slowly, Reeves smiling and laughing and flirting with the widow.

  “I think we’ll call it a night,” Julian said, bending to kiss Jeannie on the cheek. “It’s nearly eleven. Time for a man my age to be going to bed.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Jeannie waved goodbye as the older couple left.

  Ten minutes later, Sam escorted Jeannie to the ladies’ room. Waiting outside impatiently, he noticed Hawk following Reeves and his date, who were coming in Sam’s direction. His muscles tightened. His nerves came to full alert. When Reeves was within three feet of him, Sam stepped forward, but the other man ignored him, turning in the opposite direction, heading toward the doors leading out on deck. At that precise moment, Jeannie ventured out of the rest room. Sam stepped in front of her.

  She walked around Sam and reached out, just grazing Reeve’s sleeve before Sam grabbed her hand. Reeves jerked around, his gaze focusing on Jeannie as a wide smile spread across his face.

  “Good evening, Jeannie,” Reeves said. “What more appropriate place to find Satan’s daughter than in one of his houses of sin?”

  “Reeves, I’m warning you…” Sam said.

  Reeves glanced behind him to where Hawk stood, then laughed aloud. “A host of fallen angels guarding the master’s offspring. How appropriate.”

  “Danette, what are you doing with Maynard Reeves?” Jeannie asked.

  Danette Suddath gasped, apparently startled by Jeannie’s question. “Don’t speak to me, you witch. Reverend Reeves has warned us all about your evil powers. If you ever return to the Howell School, I’ll withdraw Missy immediately.”

  “Danette, how can you believe—” Jeannie reached out her hand “—this man’s lies? You’ve known me for years.”

  Danette lifted her hand as if she intended to touch Jeannie, but Reeves slapped Danette’s hand away, and when he did, Jeannie grasped his hand, threading her fingers through his. For a split second, he froze, fear etched on his face.

  She sensed his anger and his hatred. Such cruel, ugly hatred. And a thirst for retribution.

  Tonight they will die. All of these sinners will reap what they’ve sown. And the witch will burn with them. The flames will wipe them from the face of the earth and cleanse us of their evil.

  Reeves jerked his hand away at the same moment Sam grabbed Jeannie. Hawk closed in, gripping the reverend by the shoulder. Reeves pulled out of Hawk’s grasp. He whispered something to Danette Suddath, and the two of them rushed out the door.

  “Let them go,” Sam said.

  “No!” Jeannie cried. “Stop Maynard Reeves!”

  Sensing her need for him, Sam turned just as she swayed toward him and dropped her cane to the floor. He caught her in his arms. “Jeannie?”

  Gripping the lapels of his tuxedo, she gazed up at Sam. He recognized the fear in her eyes. “What’s wrong? You picked up something from his emotions when you touched him, didn’t you?”

  Jeannie gasped for air, the hatred and anger she had tapped into when she connected with Maynard Reeves still swirling around inside her. “Get everyone out… Get them off…now… Something’s wrong. He—he’s going to destroy this riverboat, and everyone on board.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  SAM LIFTED JEANNIE into his arms, then turned to Hawk. “Contact Kane immediately. The two of you work with security to evacuate the casino.”

  “What the hell do I tell the security chief?” Hawk asked.

  “Tell him—” Sam said.

  “Fire. Flames. Destruction.” Jeannie spoke the words as if reciting a chant.

  “A bomb?” Hawk asked.

  “Yeah.” Sam nodded. “That would be my guess.”

  Hawk removed his small cellular phone from his jacket, speaking to Kane as he walked to the elevator with Sam and Jeannie. Redialing the phone, he spoke quickly, issuing orders. Returning the phone to his pocket, he held the elevator door.

  “Kane’s on his way to look for Reeves, and I’ve alerted the casino’s security chief to the situation. I’ll start evacuating this level as soon as I have a couple of men up here to help me keep everyone in line. Once this thing gets under way, more than one person is bound to panic.”

  “Sam?” Jeannie’s voice was a little stronger, but she could barely open her eyes.

  “I’m getting you out of here now,” he said.

  “Tell them… Hurry. Soon, I think. Soon.”

  Hawk looked at Sam, who nodded. Hawk stepped back, the elevator door closed, and Sam drew Jeannie closer to his body as she cuddled against him. When they reached the bottom level of the Royal Belle, Sam noticed the security guards in a huddle. Hawk and Kane weren’t wasting any time. Good. If Jeannie’s instincts were correct, and he had no doubt they were, disaster could strike at any moment. If Reeves intended destroying the gambling casino’s patrons en masse, Jeannie included, the most likely means would be a bomb, or several bombs, strategically placed.

  Sam carried Jeannie out on deck, down the wide gangplank that connected the Royal Belle to the dock, and onto shore.

  “There’s Marta and Julian,” Sam said. “They’re in the parking lot. Julian sees us.”

  “Take me to him, please. I’ll—I’ll have to explain what’s happening.”

  Before they reached Marta’s Mercedes, Julian was hurrying toward them, his eyes wide and questioning. “What’s wrong?”

  “Reeves…” Jeannie said. “I think he placed bombs on the riverboat.”

  “My God!” Julian touched Jeannie’s cheek, his hand trembling, then looked at Sam. “You must get her away from here. And the casino must be evacuated.”

  “An evacuation is in the works as we speak.” Sam lowered Jeannie to her feet, holding her close, bracing her against his body. “As soon as Kane apprehends Maynard Reeves, I’ll send him with you and Marta to take Jeannie home.”

  “Sam?” Jeannie covered his hand with hers. He glanced at her and understood, without words, what she was asking.

  “It could be dangerous if you stay here,” he said.

  “I can’t leave. Not until everyone is safely onshore.”

  “If there is a bomb…” God, he hated the very thought of it. “Even if everyone gets out safely, once the bomb explodes, there’s going to be a mad rush. You have no idea what the scene of a bombing looks like. And if people are hurt, you’re going to want to help them. I can’t let you do that. Can you understand? I won’t let you suffer anyone else’s pain.”

  “I have to wait. I can’t leave.” Not when you’re staying, she wanted to say, but didn’t.

  Tilting his head back, Sam stared up at the starry night sky. Closing his eyes, he took several deep breaths. He couldn’t allow her to stay and wait for the worst to happen. Enduring pain of that magnitude could kill her. Even if she was willing to take the chance, he wasn’t.

  Sam saw Morgan Kane searching the parking lot for him. Lifting his hand, Sam motioned to his agent. He didn’t have Reeves with him. What had he done with the man?

  Kane rushed over to Sam. “Reeves got away. He and his date were getting into her BMW by the time I found them. I tried to stop them, but the woman nearly ran me down. By the time I got to my car, they were lost in traffic on the boulevard.”

  “Damn! The police can’t touch him without some evidence.” Sam balled his right hand into a fist, wishing he could smash Reeves’s pretty face. If he could have gotten hold of Reeves and questioned him before the police arrived, he might have been able to get the truth out of the bastard. “
Look, Kane, make sure Jeannie gets home safe and sound. I’m going back in to help with the evacuation.”

  Jeannie lifted Sam’s tight fist into her hand. “I’m not leaving. Not until everyone on board is safe and you can take me home yourself.”

  “Now is not the time to argue with me.”

  “Go do what you have to do, and take Mr. Kane with you. I’ll be safe here with Julian and Marta.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Give Julian your gun.” Jeannie squeezed Sam’s hand. “He knows how to use it. Don’t you, Julian?”

  “Give me the gun, and you two men go get those people off the riverboat,” Julian said. “Maynard Reeves is nowhere around. I think I can protect Jeannie for the time being.”

  Music from the Royal Belle drifted in the air. The Gulf waters lapped at the sides of the big riverboat.

  “Look!” Marta said. “People are crossing the gangplank by the dozens. The decks are filled with people.”

  Sam removed his Ruger from his holster and handed it to Julian. “If we’re lucky, this will be a false alarm.” He lifted Jeannie up onto the hood of Marta’s Mercedes. “I wish to hell you’d go home, where I know you’d be safe.”

  She tugged on his sleeve, drawing him down toward her, then kissed his cheek. “Be careful.”

  Jeannie sat there watching Sam and Kane go back aboard the Royal Belle. Dear God, what if the bombs exploded while Sam was aboard? What if he died? No, no, no. She couldn’t allow herself to think that way. She had to stay calm and prepare herself to help the injured.

  “Julian, do you have your medical bag with you?” Jeannie asked.

  “No,” he said. “I was thinking the same thing. If there is an explosion, I’ll be needed, won’t I?”

  As streams of people exited the casino, some running, some walking slowly, with dazed looks on their faces, a few women in tears, the loud wail of sirens could be heard in the distance. Within minutes, three police cars pulled up, each one blocking a gangplank entrance to the riverboat. Sam recognized Lieutenant Painter’s bulky form and shock of silver hair.

  The policemen, aided by the Royal Belle’s security force, kept order as best they could. Only a few people panicked, creating a disruptive scene that slowed the mass exodus from the riverboat.

  “There’s so much fear in the atmosphere,” Jeannie said. “All those people are afraid they’re going to die before they reach safety.” She sensed impending doom. Closing her eyes, she said a silent prayer, asking for the strength to do all she could to help those who needed her. And she asked for Sam’s safety.

  People rushed into the parking area. Cars roared to life. Within minutes, a huge traffic jam existed, and a sleek black Jaguar collided with a Ford pickup truck.

  Boom! Boom! The thundering roar of an explosion rent the night air. Jeannie screamed. Marta grabbed her hand as the three of them gazed at the Royal Belle. Fire shot straight up, lighting the darkness, streaking the sky with flames. The force of the explosion tossed the people on the gangplank forward. Most of them landed flat on their faces on the ground. A few were flung into the water. Terrified screams mingled with the sizzle of the fires and the echo of the bomb blasts.

  Boom! Boom! Another explosion? Two bombs? Maybe more. This shouldn’t be happening; it wouldn’t be, if Maynard Reeves was not so determined to kill her.

  Where was Sam? Please, dear God, let him be all right.

  “Do you see Sam anywhere?” Jeannie asked.

  “No,” Julian said. “But you mustn’t worry, my dear. Mr. Dundee can take care of himself.”

  Two ambulances arrived in quick succession. Lieutenant Painter issued orders in his gruff, commanding voice. Medics quickly attended to the injured, while two policemen tried to control the traffic.

  Jeannie saw Morgan Kane in the middle of the panicked crowd, an unconscious woman in his arms. He handed her to a medic and returned to the forefront, immersing himself in the madness. Then she noticed a soaking-wet Hawk dragging himself out of the Gulf waters and onto shore.

  “He’s hurt,” Jeannie said, straining forward, but unable to walk. “Please. I must do something. I can’t just stand here and watch. Maynard Reeves did this because of me.”

  “This isn’t your fault,” Julian said. “You musn’t feel guilty.”

  “Please, Julian, I have to find Sam. I have to know he’s all right. And I can help Mr. Hawk, and all these other people.”

  “You aren’t going anywhere. Do you hear me? You aren’t to try to search for Mr. Dundee. He’ll make his way to you. And don’t go trying to help these people. There will be too many injuries. You’ll endanger your own life if you try to save them.” Julian handed Marta Sam’s Ruger. “I want you and Marta to wait inside the car. I’ll go see what I can do to help.”

  “I should be helping, too.” Jeannie looked at Julian with the wide-eyed innocence of a child, her voice pleading, her expression beseeching. “I will feel guilty if I don’t try to help these people. Please, Julian. I’ll only help those who are seriously injured, those in the most pain.”

  “Think what it would do to you,” he said. “There are too many injured people for you to help them all.”

  “But if I don’t try to help them, my mental torment will hurt me far worse.”

  “It would be too dangerous. You will stay in the car until Mr. Dundee comes for you.”

  Julian and Marta assisted Jeannie into the Mercedes, and then Julian rushed off, speaking to the ambulance attendants and medics.

  Once Julian was out of sight, Jeannie turned to Marta. “I have to find Sam. Please, Marta. See if you can find him. If you speak to Mr. Hawk or Mr. Kane, maybe they can help you find Sam.”

  “I can’t leave you here alone.” Marta shook her head. “Don’t ask me to go against Julian’s wishes.”

  “I’ll lock the door,” Jeannie said. “You can leave Sam’s gun with me. Please, Marta. I’m very worried about Sam. If something weren’t terribly wrong, he would have come back by now.”

  “I don’t know. Julian will be very upset with me.”

  SAM SWAM TO shore, dragging an elderly gentleman, one of over a dozen people he’d fished out of the water since the second explosion had hit. Hauling the unconscious man to shore, Sam called out for a passing medic, then saw Dr. Howell, down on one knee, giving a hysterical young woman an injection.

  If Howell was helping the victims, who was guarding Jeannie? Lifting the wounded man in his arms, Sam carried him to where Dr. Howell and the medics had set up a makeshift emergency room in the parking lot while they waited for more ambulances to make return trips from the local hospitals.

  Sam laid the man on the ground, then clasped Dr. Howell’s shoulder. “Where’s Jeannie?”

  Julian gasped, then smiled when he saw Sam. “Thank God you’re all right. Jeannie is beside herself with worry.”

  “Where is she?’

  “She and Marta are in the car. Locked in. And Marta has your Ruger.” Julian grabbed Sam’s wrist. “She’s bound and determined to help these people. I know Jeannie. If it’s possible, she’ll find a way.”

  “What would it do to her to try to help this many people?”

  “It could kill her,” Julian said.

  Sam’s chest tightened with fear. The sickening taste of panic rose in his throat. “I’ll make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.”

  A weak smile faded from Julian’s lips. He nodded. Sam made his way across the parking lot, stepping around people lying on the ground and speaking to the policemen he passed. He scanned the area, wondering where Kane and Hawk might be, hoping they were both all right.

  Lieutenant Painter stopped Sam, questioning him about Maynard Reeves and how Jeannie had known there were bombs set to explode aboard the Royal Belle. Sam gave the lieutenant all the information he had, knowing it wouldn’t be enough to arrest Reeves.

  “I’ll haul him in for questioning,” Painter said. “But unless we can find some solid evidence to link him to this bombing, th
en he’ll get off scot-free.”

  “Then you’d better find some sort of evidence, and soon,” Sam said. “Otherwise—”

  “Don’t step over the line, Dundee. You’re one of the good guys, remember?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Sam checked his watch. The damn thing was still running, even though the crystal was broken. Nearly two hours had passed since all hell had broken loose. Most of the parking lot had been cleared, and half a dozen ambulances had taken the injured to hospitals in Biloxi and surrounding towns. Several dozen people remained, waiting for returning ambulances.

  Sam spotted Morgan Kane standing near the one remaining ambulance. As he drew near Kane’s side, Sam looked inside the ambulance, and for one split second his heart stopped. Jeannie sat beside a badly burned dark-haired woman, holding her hand, absorbing her pain.

  “What the hell’s going on?” Sam gripped Kane’s shoulder. “How did she get here?”

  “Ms. Alverson sent Ms. McCorkle to look for you, and when she couldn’t find you, she told me Ms. Alverson wanted to see me.”

  “You took Jeannie out of the car? You brought her here?” Sam’s facial muscles tensed. He glared at Kane. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

  “She said she wanted to help these people, and she told me it would be all right with you as long as I was with her.” Kane reached inside his jacket, pulled out Sam’s Ruger and handed it to him. “She gave me this. It’s yours, isn’t it?’

  Sam stuck the gun in his holster. “How many people has she helped?”

  “How many?”

  “Yeah, how many?”

  “Ten, maybe twelve.”

  Sam cursed, the words strong and expressive.

  “Hey, I don’t know what the hell she’s been doing,” Kane said, “but every person she touched seemed to get better instantly.”

  “Didn’t you happen to notice that she’s been suffering more and more every time she helped another person?” Sam knew exactly what she’d been doing. She’d gone from person to person, alleviating their pain, absorbing enough of their suffering to reduce their chances of dying. Just thinking about what she’d put herself through tormented Sam.