The Game Changer

by Iona Morrison

  ****

  Jessie settled her bags around her as she sat down on the bench with her grandmother and Katie. The three were exhausted and ready to stop for the day. “I think we did enough damage for the whole week today.” Jessie giggled, looking at all the bags.

  “Sadie, what are you on, speed? I could hardly keep up with you. Whoever said people slow down when they get older obviously never met you.” Katie slipped off one of her shoes and rubbed her foot.

  “What do you say we get something to drink as we head back to the car? I think I could use a little nap before this evening. I’m saying that for your benefit, Katie dear, so you can take one too.” Sadie smiled at her.

  Katie smiled. “I hope when I’m half your age I can be as young as you are.”

  “I hope you can, too.” Sadie patted Katie’s hand and laughed.

  “I’m sincere. None of us slept much last night and you, sweet lady, just keep going. You’re not like any grandmother I’ve shopped with.”

  “There are plenty of us out here. Getting older doesn’t always mean life is over. As long as you have your health, you can keep on moving.” She handed them their iced teas.

  When they got to the car, Jessie unlocked it so they could get in. “Thanks, Grams, this was a good day.”

  ****

  “Damn, Matt, how’d you put up with the insolence of that guy? I wanted to punch him.” Jeremy followed Matt into the room.

  “He’s in control of the case and that’s just how it is. Most guys are cool to work with but now and then you get a guy who loves power and likes to pull rank on you,” he said wearily. “I’m going to have to tolerate it to work the case.”

  “I have a feeling he’s going to enjoy pushing your buttons.”

  Matt took his gun off and placed his badge on the table. He stretched out on the bed. “He’ll push, and I’ll find a way to work around him. I’ll feed him enough to make him happy. We do what we have to do I guess.”

  “I think I’ll check on a few of the other areas you requested. When are we leaving?” Jeremy grabbed his laptop and turned it on.

  “I told them we would be out of the room by five.” Matt held up the remote. “Will it bother you?”

  “No.” Jeremy’s fingers flew over the computer keys.

  “I’ll tell Sadie we’ll be there a little after five.” Matt turned on ESPN, but he couldn’t concentrate on it. Matt muted the sound. “There is something that connects all these characters together. I wish I knew what the hell it was.”

  “Matt, you’re not going to believe this.” Jeremy jumped up with his laptop. “Look who spent time with Mallory in prison.”

  “We’ll I’ll be damned, that changes everything. This case just got real interesting.”

  Chapter 14

  Jessie walked into her room and froze. Propped against the pillow on her bed she found a creepy little doll with a pin stuck through its heart. An envelope was in front of it with her name written in big, bold, black letters across the front. Breathing rapidly she grabbed the doll and threw it forcefully against the wall. It dropped into the trashcan, the perfect place for the ugly little thing. Jessie turned the envelope over in her hands. She hesitated a moment and then tore it open.

  “Jessie, Jessie. I’m so disappointed in you. You’re not smart. I thought you’d have it all figured it out by now. Adriana was my way to get to you. I’m changing the game. I wonder how Matt will do when he’s not just looking for one, but maybe two. We’ll see. I’m the Game Changer. Look over your shoulder; I’m often right behind you. Too bad you never see me, though—you’ve looked right at me. Now don’t panic yet, it’s not quite the right time. By the way, I bring warm regards from some old friends. See you soon!”

  Jessie took deep breaths trying to calm herself. She pulled her dress off the hanger and sat on the edge of the bed. Matt would help her figure it out.

  She slipped into her new blue sheath, ran a brush through her hair, and added a pair of sapphire blue heels. Silver hoops and a necklace that her mom had given her completed her look. She could hear male voices. Matt was here. She sighed. She put the note in her purse to give to him after dinner, opened the door, and there he stood. His eyes appraised her, revealing his approval. She had to hold herself back from running to him and throwing herself into his arms. Boy, oh boy, did he look good.

  She walked over and stood beside him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I’m happy you’re glad. I didn’t want to interfere with your girl time vacation.” He smiled down at her. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m doing okay, just a little angry.” She clenched her lips tight.

  “He’d better give up now. I know you well enough to know you’ll hunt him down, stay on his trail, and bug the hell out of him until he screams uncle.” He grinned at her.

  She gave him a tentative smile. “Are you saying I’m a nuisance?”

  “Nope, I’m saying you’re a damn good reporter and a great partner.” He leaned close to her and spoke quietly so only she could hear. “Beautiful dress by the way. It makes it almost impossible to keep my hands off you, and I’m in the same room with your grandmother. I bet you did that on purpose.”

  “I didn’t, but I’ll file it away for future reference on how to best torture you if I need to.” She laughed at his expression and went to stand behind Sadie’s chair.

  “Coward.” He mouthed the word and winked at her when she looked his way.

  ****

  After dinner and a walk through the downtown area, Matt finally found himself alone with her in the courtyard. Sadie at his request had maneuvered Jeremy and Katie inside to look at something. He stood, stretching out his hand to pull her out of the chair. He pulled her in close to him with one quick move and kissed her. She was a perfect fit. He took a step back so he could see her face, his arms still holding her loosely. He would never tire of looking at her. He could hear the intake of her breath. His heart raced at the sound. With the tip of his finger, Matt traced where his lips had just been. “That, Jess, is for looking so gorgeous tonight.” He released her but held her hand. “I guess we’d better get down to business. I’m not sure how much time we have until the others rejoin us.” He stroked her face, kissed her cheek, and let her sit down.

  “I have something for you.” She opened her purse, pulled out the envelope, and pushed it toward him.

  “Another note?” His brows rose. “When did you get this one?” He watched her carefully, his hand fisted.

  “When we came home today, it was sitting on my bed with a doll.” Her hand clutched her purse tight.

  Matt saw no fear when he searched her face. “Where’s the doll?”

  “It fell into the trash when I threw it against the wall. It seemed like the perfect place for it.”

  “Jess, you know better than to do that. Go get it,” he snapped, his hand clenched at his side. “It’s evidence.”

  “I know.” She looked away. “It was my reaction to knowing that he was in my room again. How’s he getting in our suite? I don’t feel safe at all.” She sounded defensive.

  “Do the others know?” He grabbed her hand as she stood up.

  “I haven’t told them yet. We were trying to spare Katie.”

  “They need to know.” He stood still, holding her hand. “Let’s go tell them together. I don’t think you should be alone here anymore. This guy is obviously close. He’s found a way to come and go freely in your room. He has to have a room key. There is no evidence of a forced entry on any of the doors or windows.”

  “How did he know which is my room? Unless, of course, he can see me.” A look of disgust crossed her face.

  “Don’t go there. He could know by having looked at the clothes in the closet. But I’ll have your room checked just to make sure.” He pulled her close as she shivered. “Will that make you feel better, sweetheart?”

  “Yes, but to tell you the truth, I’m mad. I want to get him. If I’m afraid, I can’t imagine what
Adriana has been up against.”

  “That’s my girl. Like I said before, he’d better just surrender.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her toward the door.

  Matt held the doll that Jessie gave him, turning it over to look at it before placing it in a bag along with the note. They joined the others in the living room. “I think we need to talk.” Matt made eye contact with each of them. “The suspect has been in your suite again to leave this doll and a note on Jessie’s bed. I’m concerned about how he’s getting in.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Katie jumped up. “Do something.”

  “It’s not that simple Katie,” Jessie reminded her. “They at least have to have an idea who they’re dealing with.”

  “He must have passcode access. What do you want to do about it?” He looked at Sadie. “Jeremy and I can stay here with you, which would mean you would have to double-up. To be close to the doors, I’ll sleep on the couch. Where everyone else goes, I’ll leave up to you. Or you could move, but I think he would find a way to follow.” Matt started to pace.

  “By all means stay here.” Katie grabbed Jeremy’s hand, which he quickly freed, Matt noticed.

  “What do you think, Sadie?” He wanted her support and choice. “I hate to interfere with your vacation but I admit I’m concerned. This new note leaves little doubt he’s going to try something soon.”

  “Of course, you must stay here. My granddaughter’s safety is all I care about.” Sadie gave him a worried look. “Do you think we should stay here or just go home?”

  “Honestly, I believe this guy will follow you back home. We have to be careful. I’m hoping he will overplay his hand, and we’ll trap him.” Matt squatted down to be eye to eye with Sadie. “Jessie understands the procedures of working a case. She’s good at what she does. She’ll be smart, and I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe.”

  “Okay then, let’s move Jessie into Katie’s room. How’s that sound?” Sadie frowned. “We’ll throw him a little curve.”

  “Now you’re thinking.” Matt smiled at her.

  Sadie quirked an eyebrow at him. “Where do you think my granddaughter got her talent from?”

  “No doubt in my mind, from you, of course.”

  Sadie stood up. “You tell us what to do and we’ll do it.”

  “For now, Jeremy can stay here while I go to the police station. Jeremy, you might want to get your luggage from the car. I’m not sure how long it’ll take. They’ll need to put this into evidence.” Matt pulled out his keys.

  “We can move Jessie’s belongings into Katie’s room, and I’ll call for clean sheets. Jessie dear, you go with Matt so the two of you can talk about the other night, and we’ll get things ready here.” Sadie stood up, grabbed the phone, and called the desk to request more sheets and towels.

  “You know you’re a lot like her, don’t you?” He closed the door behind them.

  “One could only hope.” She smiled at him as he grabbed her hand.

  Chapter 15

  A while later they walked out of the police station together. “Who do you think are the old friends he’s talking about?” She slid into the passenger seat of his rental car.

  “Jeremy and I are working on a theory right now. Mind you, we’re building the evidence trail.” He clicked his seat belt. “We think the guy’s name may be William Mallory. He’s had several aliases so you might not know him by that name. He was the big man who got into an altercation with Professor Irwin when you were interviewing the professor about the stalking case at NYU. He also got into your face and threatened you. The story hit the TV news and cost him his job. He was not a happy camper.”

  “I think I remember the interview, but not the man.” She frowned trying to recall the incident.

  “At the time, he was going as Brett Peters. I don’t know if he’s our suspect, but he fits the profile. It’s also possible that one or both of the men at the bank are accomplices or inadvertently helped him.”

  “Do you mean Randy Wallis and Jordon Daniels?”

  He nodded. “Did you know the professor dropped off the radar after that interview? No one has heard from him or seen him since. His wife also mysteriously vanished the year before.”

  “I hadn’t heard that.” She shook her head.

  “Did you know Joel Cummings, the owner of Java Joe’s, is Jason Cummings’ brother?”

  “How could I have not put that together?” She scrunched her face.

  “Here’s the kicker; William Mallory served his time with Jason Cummings in the same prison where T. J. Booker is being held.” He pulled over and parked. “I don’t know if they knew each other for sure yet, but this note tells me I’m a part of the game. The last two cases were high profile, and I would think we both probably made some powerful enemies.”

  “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.” She pushed her hair behind her ear. “So what’s our plan?”

  “For now, the plan is to find Adriana and keep you safe while trying to flush out our perp. I think an article for the paper about Adriana being tracked to somewhere in the Palm Springs area might stir a little controversy.” He laced his fingers through hers. “We’ll start with that.”

  She smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I tried to stay away, but too much is happening now to let you go it alone.”

  She gave him a sheepish look. “You’re busy enough keeping order in Blue Cove without having to follow me other places. I can’t expect you to come running every time I find myself in a little bit of a bind.”

  “We’re a team, and you’re my partner. I got involved when the note came through your mailbox and we found the equipment in your attic. You got that!” He gave her a stern look. “Being partners means we watch each other’s back, and we work together. There is no way I would let my best girl and partner face a stalker alone.”

  Jessie frowned. “I don’t know why it’s so hard to ask for your help.”

  “That’s easy enough to answer. You’re too darn stubborn.” He watched her shake her head. “Yes, you are but that’s one of the many reasons I’m hooked.”

  “I don’t want you to have to come to my rescue. I should be able to handle this. I did in New York.” She turned her face away from him and looked out the window. She tried to pull her hand away, too.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” He grinned. “You’re not getting away with that. I’m not rescuing you. I’m your partner, here to help. Who saved whom the last time? I imagine Booker wasn’t very happy that a woman reporter took him down with one shot. The other prisoners must tease him every day. The once notorious hit man was taken out by a mere woman reporter.” He could see her fighting a smile. “Besides, if anyone gets to whine about someone coming to their rescue, let’s see. When I lay on the ground with a gunshot wound, you were the one running to get the bad guy. I’m embarrassed just talking about it.” He heard her giggle and started the car. “You save me, I save you. We’re partners. It’s what we do.” He slipped his hand out of hers, and when she turned to look at him, Matt gently pulled her face close to his. He kissed her. “One more time, sweetheart, we’re partners. It’s what we do.”

  “Do all partners kiss? I’ve never seen you and Dylan kiss, or Kip and Gary.” She grinned at him.

  “Hell, they’re not as pretty as you.” He kissed her again and then pulled onto the road.

  ****

  Jessie woke with a start. The room was very dark. Something seemed off when she sat up. Slipping out from under the sheet, she fumbled to the chair. All the while, she could hear Katie’s even breathing. What had awakened her? She leaned back closing her eyes. She heard the faint cry again. Help me, please someone help me. It sounded too real to be in her mind. She pulled on her robe and opened the bedroom door. She took a few steps and Matt sat up.

  “Where are you going?” He grabbed his pants off the chair and pulled them on.

  “I’m sure I heard a woman’s cry for help.” She paused, trying to fee
l her way in the dark room.

  “Are you sure it’s not in your head?”

  “Of course, I’m sure. I know the difference. Listen, there it is again.” She walked toward the door, and he grabbed her.

  “I can hear her, too. Let me get my gun, this could be a trap. We’re going together.”

  Once outside, Jessie found her first. She wasn’t far from the suite, lying on the ground, struggling to sit up. “It’s okay. We’re not going to hurt you.” She could see the fear in her eyes. “I’m Jessie,” she said. “Let us help you.”

  “Jessie?” The woman’s eyes got wider with a mix of fear and relief. Jessie knelt beside her while Matt called for an ambulance. The next call was the police.

  “What happened? Is there someone we can call for you?” Even in the dark, Jessie could see how battered she was. Bruises shadowed her dark eyes and scratches marred her arms and legs.

  “My husband is probably worried about me.” She told Matt the phone number to call.

  “What’s your name?” Matt dialed the number.

  “Maria Gonzales, sir.” She winced when she moved her arm.

  “Maria, be real still just in case your arm is broken. It isn’t hanging right. I have an ambulance on the way.” Matt walked a short distance away to talk to her husband.

  “Can you tell me who did this to you?” Jessie let Maria lean against her for support.

  “I was leaving work and a strange man came up to me and asked for directions. I told him. When I started to walk away, he grabbed me and told me to be quiet, or he would kill me. He shoved me into the trunk of his car. I don’t know where we went, but when the car stopped, he pulled me out of the trunk and starting beating me. He kicked me, and I fell to the ground. He hurt me so bad. I prayed to the saints.” Tears ran down her face. “I didn’t do anything to him, why would he hurt me like this?”

  “I don’t know, Maria. Some people are just cruel. How did you get here?” Jessie watched Matt walked toward them.

  “He threw me on the ground, right there.” She pointed. “He told me to come to this place and tell you something from him. I couldn’t make it to the door. I was afraid he would come back and see that I didn’t make it and kill me.”