Captain's Mission

by Debby Giusti

  They ate on paper plates and drank another pot of coffee until her phone rang. She dropped the notes they had been reviewing and pulled her cell to her ear.

  “Officer Simpson, thanks for calling me back.” She listened for a moment and then nodded. “That sounds good, but let me check with Captain Thibodeaux.”

  Covering the phone with her hand, she glanced at Phil. “Simpson’s heading out to the trailer site. He said he’d meet us there.”

  Phil nodded. “Let’s do it.”

  “We’ll be there shortly,” she told Simpson.

  A squad car sat parked beside the trailer as Phil pulled his pickup into the clearing. Simpson and a second police officer, in his mid-twenties with blond hair and a slender build, stepped out of the trailer as Phil and Kelly pulled to a stop.

  “I got a court order to search the premises.” Simpson held up a plastic evidence bag containing the bloodstained shirt. “We’ll test the stains and see what we come up with.”

  After placing the evidence in his car, he motioned them toward the woods. “Let’s take a look at those traps.”

  They fanned out, covered a large area in a short period of time and found three traps rigged exactly like the one that had caught Kelly.

  “They remind me of what we did in Ranger School,” Phil said after examining the last of the snares. “Of course, we were hoping to catch rabbit to eat and not anything larger.”

  Simpson nodded. “I noticed the Ranger tab on your shoulder, Captain. Have to admire anyone who goes through that grueling ordeal. Pure misery, the way I hear tell.”

  Kelly’s lips twitched. She evidently enjoyed seeing him squirm under Officer Simpson’s praise. Surely she realized Phil hadn’t mentioned Ranger School to spotlight his own accomplishments.

  Hoping to deflect attention off himself, Phil said, “The traps were set in a line between the road and the makeshift campsite.”

  Simpson rubbed his jaw. “Probably to deter folks from making it to the clearing. The rope looks weatherworn. My guess, the traps were set a few years back.”

  The younger officer’s brow wrinkled. “But why would anyone go to all that trouble, when there’s a back road that runs the length of the property on the far side of the clearing?”

  Simpson nodded. “Good point, but how many folks know about that old path?”

  The younger officer smiled. “Only the high school kids who park out there, and the cops who patrol the area.”

  Kelly put her hands on her hips. “So Kyle Foglio could have known about another road?”

  “Could be.” Simpson checked his watch. “Hate to cut this short, but it looks like we’ve found what we came out here for and I need to be at police headquarters.”

  He led the way back to the squad car and pointed to a thick wooded area on the far side of the cleaning. “That path runs north and south over in that area. You can pick it up just beyond the intersection of Hastings Road and State Road 15.”

  “By the small Stop and Shop?” Phil asked.

  “About two hundred yards west of there. Probably hard to find at night. I’d scout it out in daylight, if I were you.”

  Kelly glanced at Phil. “We could drive by the turnoff on our way back to post.”

  Phil nodded as he opened the passenger door for her. “I’ve got time, if you do.” She thanked Simpson and the other officer before she climbed into the pickup.

  Stepping away from his truck, Phil lowered his voice so only Simpson would hear. “I’d appreciate it if you could keep an eye out for that Foglio kid. Agent McQueen underplays the significance of the garage breakins, but they have me worried.”

  “You and I are thinking alike, Captain.”

  Phil handed him his business card. “Let me know if you find the kid.”

  “Will do.”

  “What was that about?” Kelly asked when he climbed behind the wheel. “Nothing important.”

  She raised her brow and eyed him with suspicion, but he refused to divulge anything more.

  Kelly watched the two police officers head back to town as Phil turned onto State Road 15 and searched for the turnoff into the woods. The entrance was overgrown, and if Simpson hadn’t told them, they never would have realized the dirt road existed.

  “Let’s see how far north it runs,” Kelly suggested.

  “Looks like someone’s been this way recently,” Phil said, pointing to tire tracks.

  Kelly stared into the distance as they passed the trailer and continued north. Leaves had fallen from the trees, which improved visibility. She put her hand on Phil’s arm. “Pull up here.”

  He did as she asked and followed her gaze. “Well, how about that.”

  From where they parked, the outline of a farmhouse could be seen on the far side of the trees. “The Taylor farm,” Kelly said. “Interesting that the two properties are connected by the dirt road.”

  As they watched, Lola stepped outside and hastened to the cages by the woodpile in her backyard, not far from the old barn.

  “Can you make out what she’s doing?” Kelly asked.

  Phil opened his glove compartment. Pulling out a pair of binoculars, he handed them to her. “See if these help.”

  Kelly lifted the glasses to her eyes and adjusted the focus. “She’s feeding the roosters she said would be picked up last night. Although she’s glancing around as if she’s worried someone will see her.”

  Once Lola went back into the house, Phil turned the truck around. They passed the clearing where the trailer was parked, keeping their eyes peeled for any sign of a teenage boy.

  Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, Phil smiled at Kelly. He started to say something just as a gunshot rang out.

  She looked out the back window. “Did you hear that?”

  “Sounded like a rifle.”

  A second round exploded, shattering the truck’s rear taillight.

  Phil’s face tightened. He tramped down on the accelerator. “Get down, Kelly.”

  She placed her hand on the dash for support and ducked her head. The truck bounced over the rough terrain.

  Peering out the passenger window at the side mirror, Kelly scanned the forest and dense underbrush behind them for any sign of movement. “I don’t see anyone.”

  Phil flicked his gaze between the two side mirrors. “Neither do I, but someone’s out there.”

  A third shot.

  Kelly flinched. Her heartbeat accelerated.

  “Stay low.” Phil gripped the wheel and steered around the ruts in the narrow path.

  The main road was just ahead. Turning onto the hardtop, he gunned the engine, leaving a streak of black on the pavement.

  Rising in the seat, Kelly let out a deep breath. “Not my favorite way to spend the afternoon.”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Just concerned. That couldn’t have been a hunter.”

  “Not unless his aim was way off.”

  “I’ll call Simpson.” She reached for her cell, and once the police officer answered, Kelly quickly explained what happened.

  “He’s sending two squad cars to check out the area,” she told Phil after she disconnected. Seconds later, the sound of sirens filled the air.

  Although the danger had passed, the realization of what had happened settled over Kelly. Had the shots been a warning or a blatant attempt to do them harm?

  Phil eased up on the accelerator and pulled into a deserted gas station. Glancing over their shoulders, they watched the police cars approach from the opposite direction and turn onto the dirt path.

  Stepping to the pavement, Phil rounded his truck and examined the broken taillight. Kelly joined him there.

  “Sorry about the damage,” she said.

  “The light can be fixed.” Looking down at her, he felt a sense of relief. “At least neither of us was hurt.”

  “Do you think it was a warning not to snoop around the trailer?”

  Phil shrugged. “I’m not sure. But I’d like to head north on the Freemont R
oad and check out the Taylor place.”

  “In case Lola saw something?”

  “Or someone. Remember how she seemed on edge when she was feeding the roosters?”

  “But would she admit it, Phil, if she had seen something?”

  “Maybe not verbally, but her body language might be more revealing.”

  Kelly titled her head. “So we show up on her doorstep and ask if she heard gunfire?”

  Phil patted the pocket of his uniform and smiled. “The men took up a collection to help with the funeral expenses. I need to give her the money. We can start on that note and then mention the shots.”

  “I’ll follow your lead.” Once they climbed back into the truck, Kelly asked, “Has the survival assistance officer talked to her yet?”

  “He met with her this morning. The insurance forms have been submitted, but they’ll take time to process. If she’s like the majority of military families, she’ll have bills to pay before the check arrives.”

  Kelly buckled her seat belt. “It’s nice of the men to donate.”

  Phil nodded as he pulled back onto the road. “Chaplain Sanchez encouraged them to dig deep. He said if the tables were turned, they’d want their own families supported.”

  “For being new to the army, the chaplain’s not afraid to get involved.”

  “He’s been an asset to Lieutenant Bellows. The chaplain has been visiting the men and ensuring they’ve got his ear when they need to talk.”

  “How’s Private Stanley?” she asked.

  “Better. Sanchez asked some of the other men in the platoon to include the kid whenever they do anything. He said it’s starting to pay off.”

  At the intersection of Freemont Road, Phil turned north. “You locked your doors this morning, didn’t you?”

  “And the garage. I shouldn’t have any more problems.”

  “What about the repairman who stood you up yesterday?” Phil asked.

  “His child got sick, and he had to pick her up from day care. Evidently, she had a temperature and needed to go to the doctor. He said he would have called me, but he left my number at his shop.”

  “Did you set up another appointment?”

  Kelly nodded. “He’s booked for the rest of the week, but we’ve tentatively set a date for Monday, as long as I can leave work early that day.”

  “Which means you’ll have to manually raise and lower your garage door for the rest of the week.”

  She smiled. “It’s okay, Phil.”

  He glanced at her leg. “And your ankle?”

  “Feeling much better, thank you for asking.”

  Phil turned his gaze back to the road and forest beyond. Although he thought the shooter was probably long gone, he needed to be careful, especially with Kelly onboard.

  As they rounded the final curve, he put on the turn signal, pulled into the Taylor driveway and parked next to the house. After giving the area a visual sweep, he climbed out. “Maybe you should stay in the truck.”

  Kelly shook her head and stepped down onto the gravel drive. “No way. We’re in this together.”

  “Haven’t we discussed your stubbornness?”

  She raised her brow. “As if you aren’t the same.”

  They were both smiling as they climbed the porch steps, but when Phil rapped on the door, no one answered.

  “I’m worried about Mildred.” Kelly glanced around. “Lola planned to tell her about her son’s death. The news would have been a blow. Maybe she needed medical care.”

  Phil peered into one of the windows. “I can’t see anything. The curtains are pulled together tight.”

  “Let’s circle around to the back of the house and check Mildred’s bedroom.”

  Walking in front of Kelly, Phil scanned the area around the house as well as the surrounding woods. He paused for a moment at the side of the structure, listening.

  Finally, he nodded for Kelly to follow him. “Stay behind me,” he cautioned.

  She tugged on his arm. “In case you forgot, I’m the cop with the gun.”

  He almost smiled again. “Yeah, but a gentlemen always protects a lady.”

  Kelly tilted her head. “Aunt Eleanor?”

  “Exactly. She told me ladies go first, except if there’s danger.” He winked. “Then the man takes the lead.”

  Stretching, Phil tried to look into the rear windows, but they were too far off the ground, and the drapes were drawn, as well.

  Cautiously, he approached the back door and pounded his knuckles against the sturdy oak. When no one answered, he glanced over his shoulder to the barn. “You wait here. I want to get a look at those roosters.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Phil’s reflexes were on high alert as they walked across the backyard to where the birds were caged. Two were white with long tail feathers. The others were a rusty red. Each bird eyed them warily.

  Phil stooped down to get a closer look. “Check out the talon on the big one with red feathers. Something’s on his leg.”

  Kelly bent lower. “Could it be tape?”

  Phil opened the cage and grabbed the bird with two hands, immobilizing its wings. “See if you can pull it off.”

  Kelly grasped the bird’s leg and used her fingernail to remove the green tape, which she held out to Phil as he placed the bird back in the cage. “Army issue duct tape. But why would it be around the bird’s leg?”

  “It could have held a small knife, called a gaff, in place. People remove the natural spurs on the roosters and attach the razor-sharp gaffs, which can be deadly when they attack. Handlers often feed drugs to the roosters to make them mean. They’re bred to fight to the death, although the battles are so bloody that often both birds die in the fights.”

  Kelly shook her head. “What a horrid sport, if you could even call it that.”

  “Which includes big-stakes gambling. Both the cockfights and the betting are outlawed in most states.” Phil brushed his hands off and pointed into the barn. “I wonder if Lola is planning a trip.”

  Kelly followed his gaze and saw the travel trailer parked in the barn. Phil looked around nervously. “Let’s get out of here. I’ve got a strange feeling someone may be watching us.”

  Kelly glanced over her shoulder. “You think it might be the person who fired those shots earlier?”

  “I have no idea, but I believe what my body is telling me. Right now it’s saying, ‘Get in your pickup truck and drive away.’”

  ELEVEN

  Phil steered his truck south along the Freemont Road while he tried to put the pieces of the strange puzzle together. Who had shot at them and why? A large area beyond the Taylor farm and neighboring property was rife with game, but even the worst of shots wouldn’t have mistaken his truck for wild-life.

  Kelly had mentioned a warning. Perhaps to stay away from the clearing and the trailer? In Phil’s opinion, Kyle Foglio was probably the marksman, which made Phil even more concerned about Kelly’s safety.

  The traps in the woods were a concern, as well. They had military written all over them, but a soldier didn’t have to have a Ranger tab on his shoulder to know how to build a snare.

  Had their purpose been to keep folks from wandering off the road and into the clearing by the old deserted trailer? And if so, then why? Did the caged gamecocks somehow play into the mystery, as well?

  Kelly tilted her head in his direction. “I’m concerned about what Lola might be involved in, Phil, especially after seeing the birds up close.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” he admitted. “Yet we could be jumping to the wrong conclusions. The roosters might belong to a friend of hers, just as she claimed.”

  “She said the owner planned to pick them up.”

  Phil nodded. “But plans change. The friend could still be out of town.”

  “I’m worried about Mildred.”

  Although he didn’t want to alarm Kelly, he was concerned, as well. “If she needed medical care, where would Lola take her?”

&
nbsp; Kelly thought for a moment. “There’s a hospital in town, but Lola mentioned taking Mildred to a geriatric clinic. I saw a medicine bottle in her drawer. The prescribing doctor’s name was Kutter, and the Kutter Geriatric Clinic Pharmacy filled the prescription. Have you heard of it?”

  “No, but there’s a place close by where we might be able to learn more about the doc and his clinic.”

  Kelly’s brow wrinkled. “I’m not following you.”

  “Magnolia Gardens. Surely you know a nurse or two who could direct us. If the Kutter Clinic isn’t too far from here, we might be able check on Mildred before we head back to post.”

  Kelly grabbed at a lock of her hair. “I’m not sure I feel up to visiting the home, Phil.”

  Her comment surprised him. Usually Kelly was eager to follow up on any clue or bit of information.

  “Because of your mom?” he asked.

  She let out a deep sigh. “It’s probably silly of me, but I haven’t visited Magnolia Gardens since the night my mother died. I… I’m not sure I can handle going back.”

  “The grieving process is a tough battle to fight, Kelly, especially if you try to do it alone.”

  She bit her lip and looked more like a timid child than a CID agent. “But—” Her voice was not much more than a whisper. “You’re probably right about the nurses being able to locate Mildred’s doctor.”

  “Someone may even remember her. Didn’t Lola say her mother-in-law had been in the home?”

  Kelly seemed to take heart at Phil’s last comment. “Which means we might be able to track Mildred down after all.”

  Magnolia Gardens appeared in the distance. Phil lowered his speed and pulled into the parking lot. When he opened the passenger door, Kelly hesitated before climbing out.

  He reached for her hand. “We’ll go inside together. If it becomes too much for you, let me know, and we can leave.”

  She gave him a weak smile and slipped her hand into his. The put-together CID agent had exposed a little of her own vulnerability. Kelly’s mother was gone, so she turned her attention and a portion of her heart to Mildred. No doubt it was easier to worry about the very-much-alive Senior Mrs. Taylor than to wallow in grief for her own mother who had passed on.