Marcus dug his cell out of his pocket. “Nate and Dalton need to hear what we’ve learned.” He hit a speed-dial number then handed her the phone. “It’s on speaker. We’ll both talk.”
The call went as expected. Marcus navigated afternoon traffic while both men on the other end of the line listened to her.
“We’re running his name through the databases,” Dalton said. “That’s a fairly common name. More than one have had a brush with the law, so we’ll take a look at each of them after we narrow the list using his age. He could be using an alias or he’s stayed under the cops’ radar. I’ll run him through the federal database.”
“So you’re on board?” Chris asked Dalton.
“That we’re looking for your brother? Yes. Your conversation with Ms. Waters convinced me. Experience tells me that he was abused, probably mentally, physically, and sexually. He believes everything that happened to him as a child is your fault. None of it would’ve happened if you had gone back for him.”
“What the hell kind of statement is that?” Marcus snapped off the question. Chris watched his knuckles tighten on the steering wheel. “Sounds like you’re blaming Chris.”
“Hold on,” Dalton said. “I’m telling you what I think is going through his mind.”
Chris smiled, reached over, and tugged Marcus’s hand off the steering wheel. Winding her fingers through his, she commented, “We’d figured that out. It doesn’t matter that I was a child, too. I promised him I’d come back.”
“Exactly,” Dalton said. “He hung on to that like a lifeline. Eventually it became distorted, gave him an excuse to lash out.”
“We’ll be there in a few minutes to pick up Diablo.” Marcus abruptly changed the subject. “Nate, did Kay line up a place for us to stay tonight?”
“Yeah. I’ll give you the address when you get here. See you in a bit.”
Marcus ended the call.
“That was abrupt.”
“Sorry. I was pissed. Dalton could’ve worded that a little better.”
“Thank you for defending me, for having my back at the psychologist’s office, and for holding my hand at the children’s home. If we weren’t on the freeway, I’d reward you, even if your anger was misguided.”
“What makes you think I won’t pull off on the shoulder of the road to collect this ‘reward’?” He glanced at her, and even his eyes smiled.
“Hmm, let me think. Could it be that you don’t want to get arrested for indecent exposure?”
“Don’t push me,” he said, and he broke out in a full-blown grin.
“It’s good to see you’re human.”
“It’s good to see you let go of today’s round of bad news and horrors. I’m proud of you.”
“Well, thank you.” The thought of another night alone with Marcus appealed to her, but would it go on forever? Would it end with both their deaths? “Are we being followed?”
“I don’t think so.” He checked the rearview mirror. “Did you see something?”
“No. I had a thought.”
“I’m listening.”
“We can’t hide forever. So set a trap using me as bait.”
Chapter 23
Marcus took a second before he responded. That Chris had again offered herself as a lure to entice a showdown ranked somewhere between heroic and insane. He’d known women who would’ve crumpled under the weight of the murders and the realization her brother was behind it all. Not her. She’d proved to be a real trouper. Intelligent and courageous. He liked and respected those qualities about her.
“Are you thinking my idea over? Or are you ignoring me?” She reached across and tugged his earlobe.
“I was ignoring you.” He added a smile to let her know he was joking. Anything to get her to forget such a dangerous idea. “Intentionally putting you in jeopardy would make me crazy. I won’t do it.”
“That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.” She released his earlobe and stroked his neck with her fingers.
“Really? Then I need to get better at complimenting you.” Jesus, she was like a runaway horse with the bit in its teeth. “I get that you’re tired of running, hate hiding, and want this to be over. But I won’t gamble with your life. Ask any cop and he’ll tell you that most cases aren’t solved by good police work. They’re solved because the case is approached in a logical and analytical manner.”
“My offer stands. Use me, if or when you feel it’s time.”
“End of discussion. Lost and Found does not use their clients as bait. And you’re more than that.”
“I am?” She punched him in the arm.
“You are if that counts as a compliment.”
“I haven’t decided.”
Marcus hated to push, but he needed to know if she’d remembered anything else. Know your enemy was a good practice in any walk of life. That someone like Chris, who would never hurt anyone, was being stalked, not to mention all the women Charlie had apparently killed, pushed Marcus’s temper right to the edge. Although he’d prefer the state of Texas put a needle in her brother’s arm, Marcus had no qualms about killing the bastard if necessary.
“You’re not listening.” She touched his arm, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Where were you?”
“Hoping the state takes care of ending your brother instead of me.”
“I understand you don’t want to kill him. Neither do I.”
“Just so we’re clear, if the situation presents itself, I have no problem taking his life. But he is your blood, and once, a long time ago, you loved him.”
“You think I’d be angry with you for killing him to save my life or yours? Never. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“It might.”
“I know. But I can’t help thinking about Dalton’s profile of Charlie. He must’ve endured a lot of things we know nothing about. I understand he’s insane and has to be stopped.”
Marcus breathed a little easier. “Anything else about Charlie come to you?”
“Bits and pieces. His hair was blond like Chelsea’s and mine, but he never had the curls we did. People thought he was adorable, which makes it even odder that Mom and Dad didn’t adopt him, too.”
Marcus drove off the freeway and checked the rearview mirror. There was too much end-of-the-day traffic to say they hadn’t been followed. He pulled the rental car between Nate’s car and Dalton’s rental and parked. Most of the businesses had closed for the day. The detective agency and the sandwich shop were the only buildings still open. Overhead lighting gave off a bright glow, but Marcus didn’t like being out in the open. Too much had happened. He’d be extra cautious crossing the parking lot with her.
“Let’s get Diablo, find out where we’re sleeping tonight, and call it a day.” Marcus unbuckled his seat belt and turned to face Chris. She did the same, only she leaned across the seat and kissed him.
“Thank you,” she whispered into his lips.
“Don’t thank me yet. We haven’t caught your brother and turned him over to the cops.”
“Not for that. Thank you for being there for me. The children’s home wasn’t an easy trip for me, and I appreciate your support. You’re a special man. A rare breed of good guys.”
Marcus squirmed in his seat. Unused to flowery compliments, he was at a loss for a second. “At least you didn’t tell me I was beautiful,” he joked.
“That’s for when you’re naked.” She opened the car door.
“Wait. Don’t get out.” Marcus scanned the lot as he walked around to her. He extended his hand. “Come on.” With her directly in front of him, they walked into the building.
Once inside she glanced over her shoulder and grinned. His heart did a weird flip as she turned the corner and went to the conference room. So this was how Nate felt when Kay tossed him a sexy look?
Marcus had forgotten the feeling of excitement that caring about another person gave him. He’d blocked it out. Hadn’t wanted to run the risk. Hadn’t believed he deserved another ch
ance. He shook his head. Now wasn’t the time to lose focus.
He lifted a slat on the window blinds, scanning the almost empty parking lot. Traffic was light, but he watched the street, noticing as a plumber’s van, a taxi, and a beat-up truck drove by. None of the vehicles’ occupants looked toward the office.
Where was their tail? No way had the crazy bastard given up. Like a copperhead, he was lying low, waiting for the right time to strike.
He felt Diablo lean against him. Marcus dropped down on one knee and buried his hands in the soft fur. The dog had quickly warmed to affection, lapping it up as if he’d never been petted before. He was slowly forgetting all the bad habits he’d been taught. Diablo tilted his head and licked Marcus on the chin. When he stood and walked to the conference room, the dog followed.
Nate, Kay, and Dalton were leaning back in their chairs, chatting with Chris, who stood in the doorway. Marcus had the feeling she was waiting for him. They both sat and collectively took a deep breath. This day was over. They’d share information and head somewhere quiet. First, Chris was asked to share her conversations with Dr. Stern and Ms. Waters. She did so with a minimum of words. She’d learned a lot today and needed time to digest it all.
“Did you uncover anything helpful? she asked Dalton.
“Nothing yet. We could narrow it down if you remembered a middle name,” Dalton said to Chris.
“I have no idea.” Chris’s eyes closed for a minute. “I don’t even know if my middle name is the one my birth mother gave me. And I sure don’t remember Charlie’s.”
“We’ll weed through the records,” Dalton said. “Single out individuals about the right age.”
“If there’s nothing else, I think we should all call it a night.” Marcus scooted his chair back.
Kay stood. “Let me get you tonight’s address. It’s not fancy, but it’s nice.”
“Just as long as there’s a hot shower, I’ll be happy.” Chris followed Kay to the front of the office.
Dalton looked up from his laptop. “We don’t have a lot to go on.”
Marcus leaned to the side and watched until Chris was out of sight. “Charles Shelby stayed in this area. He lives here and hunts here. Think about it. Proves my theory that he has a partner, one who doesn’t give a damn what color hair his victim has.”
“I agree. The partner is an unknown, and that makes him even more dangerous. We have nothing on him, which is why we need Shelby alive,” Dalton said pointedly.
“I’m not going to kill him.” Marcus didn’t try to hide his annoyance. He might want to beat the bastard to death, but he understood the law wanted to question him. “Not unless he forces my hand, and if he does, it will be my pleasure to end his sorry life.”
Nate stood and strangled out a cough. “If you’d like me to stand guard duty tonight, I’m ready. If not, let’s take this up tomorrow.”
“Chris wouldn’t sleep a wink if she knew you were out there. Hell, she’d be in the car with you.”
“If you change your mind, let me know. We won’t tell her.”
“I could use your help when we leave,” Marcus said. “I didn’t spot a tail on the way back from Fort Worth, but I’d appreciate backup for a few miles until we’re clear.”
“You got it,” Nate said.
Dalton closed his laptop and stood. “I’ll work on this from the hotel. I’ll have the list narrowed down by morning.”
“I can’t believe the FBI hasn’t outfitted you with a tablet,” Nate said. “They’re a lot easier to carry around.”
“It’s an option.” Dalton lifted a shoulder. “But I prefer my old laptop.”
“Good enough,” Nate said.
“See you,” Marcus said as Dalton waved and headed for the door. “And you,” Marcus said to Nate. “I’ll check in later.”
“You okay?” Nate’s hand came to rest on Marcus’s shoulder.
“Yeah. Why?” Marcus thought it was an odd question, especially coming from Nate.
“I don’t give advice often, but you’re emotionally involved with Chris.” He cut off a response from Marcus by holding up his hand. “I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but if something happens to her, how are you going to handle it?”
“Nothing’s going to happen.”
“I’ve seen the way you two look at each other. Today it was even clearer.” He held up both hands this time. “Hang on. The sermon is almost over. I’m your friend, and I worry about you.”
“I appreciate your concern. But I’m a big boy. Let me worry about myself.”
“I’ll try, brother. I’ll try.” Nate clapped his hand on Marcus’s shoulder. “Let’s get out of here. Kaycie and I will follow you for a few miles. If somebody’s on your tail, I’ll call the cops. If we can trap him, we’ll either have Shelby or someone who can lead us to him.”
“Works for me.” Marcus and Nate walked to Kay’s work area. She was handing a thick manila envelope to Chris, who folded it to her chest.
“My adoption papers.”
“Thanks.” Marcus winked at Kay.
“No problem,” Kay said. “With everything you’ve learned about Chris’s brother, I’m not sure the information will help.” Kay handed a document to Marcus. “Paperwork you need to sign from the builder. He’s started on your house and needs your okay on something.”
Marcus scanned the work order, signed on the dotted line, and handed it back. “My insurance agency check should show up here, too. Then I can turn in the rental and buy myself a car.”
“I’ll let you know when it arrives.”
“You ready?” Marcus asked Chris.
“Yes. I have a lot to absorb and think about.”
“We’re all calling this day done, too,” Nate said.
On the walk to the car, Marcus explained to Chris that Nate was going to follow them for a while. “He’ll spot a tail if there is one.”
“You guys are really close. I envy you that bond.”
“Yeah. We’ve been like family for a long time. Funny how we went our separate ways after college, but when we teamed up ten years later, it was as if we’d been together the day before.” Marcus waited until Nate and Kay were inside their car before he pulled onto the freeway and blended in with traffic. He didn’t have to look to know Nate was right behind him.
“Where are your parents?” Chris asked.
“Like yours, they’re gone. Dad retired from the Air Force. He’d been a pilot for years and went straight to work for an airline. When he retired, he couldn’t keep his feet on the ground, so he bought a single-engine plane. He and Mom flew all over the US. A sudden storm blew in, he lost power, and couldn’t keep the nose up. They both died in the crash.”
“I’m sorry.” Her hand touched his arm.
“Me, too.”
“The affection in your voice tells me that you miss them.”
“You’re right. Dad always talked about how he was going to spoil his grandson. He was so afraid the name would die.”
“What if you end up with all girls?” she asked.
The smile in her voice prompted Marcus to play along. “Heaven forbid.” He laughed. “Actually, he’d have been thrilled just to have a grandbaby, male or female.”
“I can imagine,” she agreed. “But denying the world a little boy who looked exactly like you would be unfair.”
“I don’t know about that.” His cell buzzed, and he passed it to Chris. “Read that text from Nate for me. He’s probably heading home.”
“He says there’s a black pickup that changes lanes every time we do. It also speeds up and slows down with us. We’re supposed to stay on the freeway. Nate decided to get Dalton involved. He got a quick response from the cops.”
Marcus gripped her knee and squeezed. “Text him to make sure the cops come in silent. We don’t want to scare this guy off.”
“Marcus?” She only said his name, but fear had put a tremble in her voice.
“We’ll be fine. Trust me.”
Mar
cus pressed the gas pedal to the floor, pushing the car’s speed just to the posted limit. The rental responded nicely, allowing him to easily move into the outside lane.
“When will the police get here?”
“Shouldn’t be long now.”
Chris jumped when his cell buzzed. “Want me to read it?”
“Yeah.”
“Nate says we should slow down. Let black truck get closer. Takedown in five.” She sucked in a breath.
“The car between us and the truck is getting tired of going this slow, he’s passing. Hang on.” Marcus slammed on the brakes just as Nate pulled beside the truck and moved into his lane, forcing the black vehicle to the shoulder. A black and white slid in behind the pickup. “Got the bastard.”
Marcus had barely uttered the words when the truck lurched forward. “He’s making a run for it.”
Marcus had nowhere to go and there wasn’t room for their car and the pickup. He swerved as far into the center lane as he could safely. The truck barely missed the rental as it rushed past. Chris ducked toward the center console. Her eyes were squeezed closed.
The truck’s oversize bumper guard clipped the edge of a bridge abutment. It spun out of control, flipped onto its side, and then rolled down the grass embankment into the traffic below. The crunch of metal and shattering of glass didn’t bode well for the driver.
“Son of a bitch.” Marcus shook his head, maneuvering the car all the way off the road onto the shoulder. Nate parked directly behind Marcus. He and Kay hurried down the embankment.
“We have to go help.” Chris reached for her seat belt.
“I’m sorry, but it’s too dangerous for you to be outside.”
“I know you’re right. But if it’s my brother...”
Her voice trailed off. She didn’t finish the sentence, and he didn’t push. “Nate will let us know something as soon as he can.”
A couple of ambulances came and left, but from where they were parked, Marcus couldn’t see who the EMTs carried to the hospital or if the passengers were even alive.
Chris fidgeted in her seat until Nate and Kay walked up the embankment with a police officer at their side.
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