Behind Her Eyes (A Riley Thompson Thriller Book 1)

by Robin Mahle

  “Just his cousin who he’d been staying with. Maybe Blake Rhodes.”

  “He could be our weak link. Look, I still don’t know how all this ties to Chloe Dawson, but I’m pretty damn sure it does,” Ward replied.

  “What are we going to do?”

  “Try to reach Jacob. I know it’s risky, but if he has any chance of making it through this, he’s going to need us. And we’re going to need him.”

  “What if I call and they’ve got him?” Riley asked.

  “It’s a risk, like I said. And we have no idea who made it out of there. Or who was there in the first place. But, Riley, we have to track him down. And who knows, he might still call you.”

  “If he’s able to. We know Virgil Howard was with him, which means he’s tied up somehow with Chloe. He might be the killer. It’s possible Rachel has some idea who the men were as well, besides Virgil Howard.”

  Ward nodded. “Possibly. I’ll make sure Pryce keeps me informed on that end. But why kill some twenty-year-old-girl?”

  “Maybe Rhodes crossed the wrong guys and killing her was the payback. It’s just…”

  “What?” Ward asked.

  “I didn’t get the impression that she died at the hands of those people. I don’t know. I felt something when I got into her laptop and when I collapsed.”

  “If not them, then who?”

  “That’s something I’ll have to find out.” Riley pushed up from the chair. “I’ll figure out a way to get hold of Jacob and get him down here. Even if I have to go and get him myself.”

  “Riley, be careful.”

  “I will.” Riley returned to the bullpen and headed straight for her desk. She shut down her computer and gathered her things.

  “You’re leaving? What’s going on?” Ethan asked.

  Riley turned to Abrams and Decker, who sat at their desks. “Hey, guys, if I give you a picture of a car, you think you can run down the plates for me? It’s important.”

  “But you don’t have plates?” Decker asked.

  “No. A make and model with Indiana plates, number’s illegible. You think you can pull BMV records on who owns that type of car here in Owensville?”

  “What do you need it for?” Abrams asked.

  “Can you do it or not?”

  “We’ll give it a shot, Thompson,” Decker replied. “I’ll touch base if we find anything.”

  “Thanks. Goodnight.” She turned to Ethan. “Follow me out?”

  Ethan jumped from his desk and reached her as she waited outside. “What’s up?”

  “Jacob’s in trouble. Ward said the IMPD got there too late. We don’t know Jacob’s whereabouts. Luckily, his ex-girlfriend is safe.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Can you run by his cousin’s house? Ask if he’s heard from him?”

  “And if not?” Ethan asked.

  “I’ll call his parents. Right now, I don’t want to freak them out, so I’ll have to come up with some excuse.”

  “Got it. What are you going to do right now?”

  “I need to see Carl. I have to talk to him about something. I’ll be home later. Call me when you’re done.”

  14

  When Riley knocked on Carl’s door at nearly 8pm on a Wednesday night, she wondered if he might already be asleep in his chair. So when he opened the door and peered at her with expectancy, she was taken aback.

  “Figured you’d show up, so I stayed awake.” He stepped aside. “Come in.”

  “I didn’t mean to keep you up. I just needed to see you.” She followed him inside.

  “I know you did.” He groaned as he sat down in his chair. “Tell me what’s happened.”

  The bond they shared was still strong and, in fact, never really wavered. Riley hadn’t needed him this much in a long time and he’d sensed it.

  “I need to find him—Jacob. He’s in danger and I’m afraid if I make contact, it might jeopardize his safety.”

  “Have you foreseen anything that might point you in the right direction?” Carl asked.

  “No. I’m completely blank and that’s what scares me.”

  “He’s been away too long,” Carl added. “You don’t feel the same about him as you used to. The connection you shared is damaged.”

  “Maybe, but that doesn’t change the fact that I have to help him. I asked Ethan to talk to his cousin. If that turns up nothing, then I’ll reach out to his parents.”

  “If he had the ability to contact anyone, why don’t you think it would be you? You tried to help him today, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, but I failed spectacularly. I could’ve cost him his life and that of his girlfriend’s.”

  “Ex-girlfriend, as I understand it.”

  “Right,” Riley replied. “Last night, when I had the episode—that whole thing with Chloe Dawson, I knew those people were tied to it somehow, but there’s more. When I first sensed her, she told me to stop him. I didn’t know who ‘him’ was, let alone how to stop him. Still don’t.”

  “What are you not telling me, Riley? If you want my help, I have to know everything you’re feeling. And I can feel that you’re holding something back.”

  “A few days ago, maybe longer, I don’t really remember, but I kept seeing this car.”

  “The one you told me about. You got the cameras like I said, right?”

  “Yes, except it hasn’t been by the house since that night Jacob was there. He saw it passing by the next morning when he was having breakfast at the diner. Unfortunately, he didn’t capture the plates, so I asked the guys at the station to run BMV to see if anyone here owns the make and model.”

  “So you saw it alone one night. Then again when Jacob was there, but not since?”

  “That’s right.”

  “Sounds to me like this car wasn’t keeping tabs on you, but on Jacob. You ever think it could be the guys who are after him now?”

  “The thought had occurred to me, and the timing…”

  “Right. So Jacob brought them here.”

  “If he did, I truly don’t believe he had any idea, which is why I think he hasn’t made contact with me yet. He doesn’t want to bring trouble. He remembers the last time someone brought trouble to Owensville.”

  Carl looked away.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…Carl, you know how much I cared about CJ. He tried to save my life. None of what happened was his fault.”

  “It was, we both know that, but that was a long time ago. And I suspect you’re right in that Jacob doesn’t want anything to happen to you, so he’s trying to find a way out of this himself. I admire him for that.”

  “Admiration won’t keep him alive. I need a solution,” she said.

  “You already have a solution. You just want me to give it my blessing. Riley, you know I’ll help you in any way I can.”

  “I know.”

  “But now that I’m stuck here, an old useless man, I can’t help you and it kills me. Look, I can’t see what you see. I have a bad feeling about this, but it’s you who needs to see the endgame and work toward it. Do you see it, Riley?”

  “I think so.”

  “Then I will stand behind you one hundred percent. I just can’t help you.”

  “Thank you, Carl. I needed to hear you say the words.”

  “There will come a time when I’ll no longer be able to offer words of wisdom or offer my sardonic wit. And you need to prepare yourself for that time. You are stronger than you know. You always have been. ‘Bout time you realized it.”

  Riley killed the headlights as she pulled into her driveway. It was almost 9pm and still no word from Jacob. If he was safe, he would’ve called.

  Inside, she flipped the switch to find CJ on the couch. “Hey, what are you doing there? Get down, boy.”

  He jumped off and ran toward her, offering a warm greeting.

  “I know you’re hungry. I’ll get you some dinner.” She walked into the kitchen and dished his food into his bowl, like she had every night.
But tonight, Riley felt helpless. Who were these people and why had they killed Chloe Dawson? Now they were after Jacob. She just didn’t have any answers. And then a knock came upon her door.

  She swiftly approached and peered through the security lens. Her heart sank just a little. She opened the door. “Hey, you didn’t have to come by, you could’ve just called. Come on in.”

  “Thanks.” Ethan removed his coat and draped it over a chair in her living room. “How’s Carl?”

  “He’s fine.”

  “And was he able to help you?”

  “I think so. Can I get you a water or something?”

  “I could really use a beer, if you got one. I know you don’t really drink.”

  “I always keep some in the fridge for guests.” She made her way to the kitchen and opened a bottle of Heineken for him. “Will this do?”

  “You bet, thanks.” Ethan gulped down half of it. “The guys didn’t have any luck with the car.”

  “No? Well, I shouldn’t be too surprised. I have a feeling it was the same guys who are after Jacob, but it was worth a shot.”

  “Yeah, I did make it out to see Jacob’s cousin. He’s going to call his aunt and uncle and leave a message to have Jacob call you.”

  “You told him not to make them worry, right? That cousin of his isn’t the most tactful man I’ve ever met.”

  “I told him it was personal, a message from you. So I think he’s cool.”

  “Good. Sit down, please.” She made her way to the sofa and got comfortable. “I’m sure he’s safe.”

  “I wish I had your confidence. I might not be keen on the guy, but I don’t want any harm to come to him,” Ethan said.

  “I’m starting to think it’s more about not wanting to bring trouble here, and that’s why he’s not reaching out.”

  “Is that what Carl said?” Ethan downed another swig.

  “He said if it’s how I felt, then it was probably the case. You know what he’s like. He’s always making me figure things out myself.”

  Ethan smiled. “Yeah. What a jerk.” He tossed back another drink before locking eyes with Riley again. “How do you want to handle this? Ward won’t get involved unless it comes here. You know what a stickler he is for jurisdictional lines.”

  “I know. But I also think he realizes there’s danger coming and he doesn’t want to make matters worse,” she replied.

  “Geez, how much worse can it get?”

  Jacob opened the door to Blake’s apartment. There wasn’t a chance in hell the guy would come back here tonight. In fact, he was pretty sure he’d never see Blake again. And Jacob had been smart enough to take Blake’s keys from his coat pocket when he was looking the other way inside George’s office. Jacob had seen betrayal written on his colleague’s face and precautions had to be taken.

  Jacob sat back on the sofa where he’d slept the night before and held his phone in his hand. They hadn’t called him yet, but they would. So he needed to let Riley know he was safe—for now. He could almost hear her words in his head now. She would insist he come to Owensville. Maybe that had to happen. Maybe that was the point of all of this.

  He pressed her number and waited for the line to answer. “It’s me.”

  “Jacob. Where are you? Are you safe? What happened today?”

  “One question at a time, Riley, please. I’m completely fried right now.”

  “Right. No. I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been waiting to hear from you. I was so afraid something had happened.”

  “That’s why I’m calling. I wasn’t going to, but Riley, I think maybe what I had hoped wasn’t going to happen, just might.”

  “They’re coming here, aren’t they?” she said.

  “I think so. I think Blake probably told them about you.”

  “Did Virgil Howard kill Chloe Dawson?” Riley pressed on.

  “I don’t know. Maybe. Blake didn’t. He was shocked when he heard the news.”

  “Where is that piece of garbage anyway?”

  “I have no idea. Rachel is safe. I did what I set out to do. But after you called about Virgil Howard and how he authorized the concrete delivery, I just know that’s where they’ll go.”

  “Considering the manager, Roy Bayliss, made contact with Howard, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Riley began. “They’re going to know we’re building a case against them. And you believe these men are mafia. That pretty much confirms they’ll do what they have to do to protect themselves and their investment.”

  Jacob sighed before continuing, “Two days ago, I didn’t even know the plans had been approved to refurbish the plant. Let alone the fact that they had already started work on it. I should’ve told you that I’d been working on it way back when, but I guess I didn’t see the relevance at the time. I do now. These men want money from me, Riley. I don’t have it and I don’t know how to get it either.”

  “Then come home. Come home so we can work through this together. Ethan’s here with me. The guys at the station were trying to ID that car. You remember? The one that showed up driving by my house the other night?”

  “The same one I saw at the diner,” Jacob replied.

  “Yeah. Only the search didn’t turn up anything. But at least we know who we’re looking for. We have names. We can get everyone in on this, Jacob. We don’t have to do this alone.”

  “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, Riley. The last thing I wanted was for you to get involved. But here we are.”

  “It’s okay. You can’t stop them. This was started by someone else. It was started by whoever killed Chloe Dawson. I don’t know why they’re coming after you for money. Going through this much trouble for sixty grand just doesn’t sit right. There’s something else at play and I need you to come home, Jacob. How soon can you be here?”

  “I have to sleep. I just need a few hours. So I’ll try to hit the road by dawn or shortly after.”

  “Then you call me as soon as you leave, you understand?”

  “I understand. Geez, you’re starting to sound like my girlfriend again.” Jacob attempted to lighten the conversation, but it only created silence. “I’m kidding, Riley. I’ll call you when I’m heading out of town.”

  “And you’re sure you’re safe where you are now?”

  “I am.”

  “Okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Bye.” Riley ended the call and looked to Ethan. “He’ll be here in the morning. He’s safe. He bought himself some time.”

  “He’s always been a lucky bastard. You want me to stay here tonight?”

  “No, that’s fine. I’ll be okay here.”

  “You don’t know that, Riley. You don’t know what Bayliss might’ve said to Virgil Howard.”

  “What do you want me to do, Ethan? Tell Ward we need Abrams and Decker to patrol the neighborhood?”

  “Maybe. Why not? I mean, these men had a car scoping out your house. That scares the crap out of me.”

  “You’re being paranoid,” Riley said.

  “Okay. So, when we went to the plant, unannounced, met with Bayliss, asked about their concrete contractor, you don’t think any of that information could’ve been relayed to Howard or his bosses? They know who and where you are.”

  Riley was quiet because Ethan was right.

  “So, for that reason alone, I’m staying here whether you want me to or not. I’m perfectly happy on the sofa.”

  “I can see nothing I say will change your mind.”

  “You’re darn right it won’t.”

  “I’ll get you a pillow.” Riley walked to the linen closet and grabbed a blanket and pillow. She was reluctant to accept Ethan’s offer but knew it was probably the right thing to do. And it would give her a chance to keep him safe too. One of the benefits of her so-called gift was that she could often sense when a close friend or loved one was in trouble—or about to be. Right now, she didn’t feel like Ward was in any danger. He was the captain, after all. He lived alone, no kids, and he had an arsenal in his basement
. In fact, the more she thought about it, maybe they should both stay with him.

  “Here you go.” Riley dropped the linens on the sofa. “I can take first shift.”

  “I’ll do it. I’m not tired. You go and get some sleep.”

  “Thank you, Ethan.”

  “You don’t need to thank me. I know you’re more than capable of handling yourself. So this is really more for me than you.”

  “Sure it is. You want CJ out here with you?” She eyed the dog, who appeared content to stay where he was, which was at her feet. “He’s a good watch dog. He’ll bark before he runs away.”

  “I’ll take all the help I can get.”

  “Good. I’ll come out in say, four hours, to relieve you.”

  “Yep.”

  She walked to her bedroom and closed the door. It was unlikely she’d actually sleep, but maybe if she could just close her eyes for a few minutes. Maybe it would help her to see things more clearly. Like how she was going to keep Jacob safe when he returned home. How she was going to keep Ward and Ethan from getting hurt.

  Riley had always worried about protecting others, whether it was her mom, her dad, or even Carl. She’d tried to protect him too. It had been a heavy burden for a ten-year-old girl. Now she was an adult. A cop. Now protecting people was her job.

  Riley stood alone inside the partially reconstructed plant. Darkness surrounded her. She wore only a t-shirt and underwear, the very same thing she’d worn just before crawling into bed only minutes ago; at least, it felt like it had been only minutes.

  In her bare feet, she traversed the plant. Its concrete floor felt newly poured, her toes leaving slight indentations. Riley knew this was a dream, but whose dream was it?

  She continued toward the rear of the vast manufacturing facility, right back to the place where they found Chloe. Only she wasn’t there this time. There was no washout pool. There was no body. “Hello?” her voice echoed. “Anyone here?” Riley waited for a reply, but none came. “Someone has to be here.” She knew this because it didn’t feel like her own dream. She could usually tell the difference. This felt like another world, even though the place was the same. She continued in search of the person to whom this dream belonged. “Jacob?”