“She must take after you then.”
“She does in some ways, but she’s so much smarter.”
The ache in his stomach spread to his chest, and his laugh threatened to turn into tears.
“I’ve got to find her, Nessa. Whether she wants to see me or not. I’ve got to make sure she’s okay. The world is a dangerous place, and I can’t believe I’ve been a big enough fool to let her face it on her own for so long. No matter what it takes, I have to find her.”
Nessa reached out and put her hand on Barker’s shoulder.
“You’ll find her, Barker. I know you will. You’re the best damn detective I know. And the most stubborn damn detective, too.”
Barker shook his head and sniffed, knowing he needed to change the conversation. Nessa had enough to deal with without him adding his worries on top of everything else.
He looked over at Nessa and cocked his head.
“How’s Jerry doing? You two okay now?”
“Yeah, I think we are.”
She shook her head and sighed.
“You won’t believe what he was thinking.”
“Let me guess. He was thinking you and Jankowski were doing the nasty. Am I right?”
Nessa sputtered in surprise, then started laughing.
“The nasty? Is that what you call it?”
Barker blushed a bright red, then started laughing, too.
“You know what I mean. He thought you were having an affair with your new partner, right?”
Nessa stopped laughing and nodded.
“Yes, that’s what he was thinking.”
Barker looked out the window and pretended to be interested in the sign for the next rest area.
“So, were you?’
Nessa froze, then turned in her seat to glower at Barker.
“Was I what?” she asked, her voice cold.
“Were you sleeping with Jankowski? And before you play the injured party routine, remember I’ve been in your shoes. I know how much it takes out of you to do your job.”
Nessa gaped at him.
“So, what exactly are you saying?”
“I’m saying, if you turned to your partner for comfort, I’d understand. I wouldn’t judge you.”
Nessa snorted and looked out the window again.
“Did that trick ever work with suspects? The old I understand why you did it and you can tell me trick?”
Barker shrugged.
“I’m just saying…”
“Really? Me and Jankowski? You must think I'm desperate. Of course, I'm not screwing around with Jankowski. I wouldn’t do that. No matter how bad things got.”
She lowered her voice, the outrage draining away as fast as it had come, and looked down at her wedding ring.
“I just gotta do a better job of showing Jerry that he and the kids mean everything to me. I can't lose them."
Barker remained quiet as they drove on, but he had to admit he was relieved that Nessa hadn’t started fooling around on Jerry. Barker was a romantic at heart, and he liked to think some couples could stay together no matter what life threw at them. That’s how he’d thought of himself and Caroline. An unbreakable couple. But somehow life had thrown the one punch they couldn’t duck. And now here he was, alone and still lost in his grief.
Maybe I should go to counseling after all.
He had a sudden image of Reggie Horn’s bowed head at the cemetery. He’d asked Eden about her and she’d told him that Reggie was a therapist who’d lost her husband a few years back. Who could better understand his suffering than someone who had gone through it as well? He could ask her to counsel him.
Maybe Reggie can help me get past the grief.
He decided to store the thought away for later consideration.
✽ ✽ ✽
The Florida State Prison in Raiford had opened for business in the sixties, quickly earning a reputation as one of the toughest prisons in the country. Barker recalled that over two hundred prisoners had been executed over the years. He’d seen the resulting grave markers on the grounds around the prison, and as they drove up to the entrance he imagined the ghosts of the executed might still be trapped behind the silver razor wire fence. He shivered despite the heat as he parked the car.
Once inside the big concrete building they went through the same security procedures as the other visitors, even though Nessa tried to flash her shield. The guard just looked at her with a deadpan expression and told her to please put her shield and all her other belongings in the tray.
Eventually they’d made it through the maze of security, steel bars and locked doors, and were released into a crowded room with long tables. Vinny Lorenzo sat at a table in the corner of the room, wearing a prison jumpsuit. He didn’t look up as they approached.
Barker remembered Vinny as a twelve-year-old kid who found out his mother had been killed and that he was officially an orphan. The image of Vinny’s dead eyes had stayed with Barker through the years, and he braced himself to look into those eyes again. He wondered if this time he would be able to see a resemblance between Vinny and the man he now knew was Vinny’s father.
“Hi Vinny, they treating you okay in here?”
Vinny looked up, his expression guarded. He just stared at Barker, who realized the kid had inherited his mother’s eyes. Natalie Lorenzo had left her son something after all.
“Hi Vinny, I’m Detective Nessa Ainsley.”
A spark of something flared behind Vinny’s eyes. He recognized Nessa’s name. She’d been a victim of the man he’d worked for in the months leading up to his arrest, and she’d sat in on a few of the interrogations he’d gone through after he’d been captured fleeing from the Old Canal Motel.
“We found out who killed your mother,” Barker said, not sure if this would be considered good news or bad news to the man in front of him. “And we found your father.”
The spark in Vinny’s eyes grew brighter, but he still didn’t speak. He just waited and watched Nessa pull out the photo line-up she’d prepared. She showed him a sheet of photos. The men all looked pretty much the same. Adrian Bellows was the second to last man on the second row.
“You recognize any of these men? Did you see any of them when you were at the Old Canal Motel the night your mother was murdered?”
Vinny stared at the photos, his face expressionless. After a long beat he lifted his hand and rested a finger on Adrian Bellows’ photo.
"He looks older in this picture,” Vinny said, his voice flat, “but it's definitely him. You say you guys caught him?"
Barker paused, then shook his head.
"No, someone killed him a few weeks back. He's dead."
Vinny looked down at the photo, then back up at Barker.
"Good. I’m glad he’s dead.”
Barker nodded, and Nessa picked up the photo lineup.
“So, you found out who my father is?"
Barker pulled out the DNA results.
"Yes, we did. And we confirmed it with a DNA test.”
Barker laid a sheet of paper on the table in front of Vinny.
"Your father’s name is listed in this report.”
Vinny read the name on the sheet and frowned. He glanced up at Nessa and Barker, the mask of indifference gone.
“Douglas Kramer?” Emotion colored his words for the first time. “Willow Bay’s chief of police is my father?”
Barker nodded, forcing himself to maintain eye contact. Vinny Lorenzo might be a killer now, but Barker tried to remember the boy he’d been before the world had ruined him. That little boy lived somewhere inside the killer, and Barker figured he deserved a little sympathy.
“Chief Kramer’s been arrested and charged with multiple homicides. He knew your mother’s killer, and we believe they molested her when she was just a teenager.”
“So, I’m the kid of a killer?”
Barker thought about the question, not sure what to say. He looked into the eyes that had stayed with him over the last twelve years and wis
hed things had been different.
You can’t change the past, but you can change the way you look at it.
“You’re the kid of a woman who loved you. Your mom was trying to get you back. Trying to make your father accept his responsibilities. That was why she was killed. She died trying to do right by you. That’s what you need to remember.”
Vinny frowned and picked up the DNA results. Slowly he crumpled the paper in his fist, then turned and motioned to the guard that he was ready to go. Barker watched him walk away, but when Vinny stepped through the door he looked back; he held Barker’s gaze until the door had closed between them.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Kara stretched out on the twin bed, lifting her leg so that she could see the angry red circle of lacerated skin. The doctors had assured her that the physical scars around her ankle would fade over time, but she knew the mental and emotional scars would be harder to heal.
Although she’d been unconscious during the last traumatic day of her captivity, she still had nightmares about the room over the garage and had already suffered several terrifying flashbacks of waking up in the muddy grave. But worse than the nightmares and flashbacks, was the guilt she felt about the other girls. She knew she shouldn’t feel sorry for herself when she was the only one that had survived.
Remember you are the lucky one, Kara. The other girls in that stable were not so lucky. Just be grateful you’re still alive.
Seven other girls had gone into the ground before her, and she wouldn’t forget them, or disrespect their memory by giving in to self-pity. She’d made a vow to herself that in future the number eight would be her lucky number. A number that would stand as a symbol of her good fortune, her chance to live a good life. She promised herself that whenever she saw the number eight it would remind her to be grateful that she was still alive.
Sitting up on the bed, Kara looked around the room, glad to be safely back at Hope House, and eager to complete her treatment and get home. She’d called Anna the minute she was able and had begged her not to bring Niko down to see her until she had a chance to heal. She didn’t want to worry Anna, and she didn’t want to scare Niko. But she had been missing her family, and it was becoming harder to stay away.
A soft knock on the door brought Kara to her feet. Reggie Horn stood outside, a wide smile lighting up her face.
“How are you this morning, Kara?”
The director of the recovery center was normally cheerful, but Kara thought Reggie looked unusually happy. She wondered about the woman in front of her, realizing she didn’t know much about the person she’d spent so much time with over the last two weeks.
“I’m good. Just missing my sister and nephew. Don’t get me wrong, I mean, I love it here, and I’m so grateful to you and Ms. Winthrop for giving me a second chance, but I’m eager to go home.”
Reggie’s smile grew even wider.
“I don’t blame you, dear. And it just so happens that Eden is on her way here, and she’s got a surprise for you. Come see.”
Kara followed Reggie down the hall and into the sunny meeting room. For an instant she was back in session with Dr. Bellows, and her heart skipped a beat. Then her mind cleared and she saw that the room was empty, although it looked like it had been decorated for some sort of party. Tears pricked at her eyes as she read the sign above the door: Good Luck, Kara! We’ll Miss You!
“Does this mean…”
Kara turned to ask Reggie if the sign meant she was ready to go home, and her words stuck in her throat. Anna and Niko stood by the door. Niko held a balloon in his chubby fist, and Anna was smiling though her tears. For a long minute Kara just stared at them, taking in the familiar faces that meant everything to her. Finally, she gasped out a happy shriek and ran forward to pull them into a bear hug.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I’ve missed you both so much. Look how big you’ve gotten, Niko! Have you been good for your mommy? Let me hold you, sweetie.”
The words flooded out, filling the room with joy. Soon the staff and residents arrived carrying a cake and a few wrapped presents. Kara turned to see Eden and Duke watching her with happy eyes. She ran to them, pulling Anna and Niko behind her.
“Ms. Winthrop, this is Anna, my sister. And this little guy is Niko, my nephew.”
Eden grinned and ruffled Niko’s soft curls.
“We’ve already had the pleasure of meeting,” Eden said, her voice playful. “And Duke and Niko are already good friends.”
“Ms. Winthrop came and picked us up this morning,” Anna explained, turning grateful eyes to Eden. “She brought us here.”
Eden nodded and took Kara’s hands.
“And once we’re done with our party, I’m going to take you all home to Orlando. It’s time you’re back with your family.”
Kara’s heart soared, then apprehension took over.
“But are you sure I’m ready? Will I be okay?”
Reggie spoke up behind Kara.
“You’ll be better than okay, dear. And there’s a friend of mine in Orlando, a wonderful counsellor at a recovery center there, who is happy to work with you as an outpatient. I’ve already scheduled your first session with her for later this week.”
Relief and gratitude washed through Kara as she looked around the group of women. They all seemed so happy for her, and it would be hard to leave their support behind. Hope House had become a refuge for her after her abduction. A safe haven in a dangerous world.
“I’ll miss this place,” she said, feeling tears on her cheeks. “And I’ll miss all of you.”
“You and your family are welcome to come visit any time.”
Eden smiled down at little Niko and Duke playing on the floor at their feet.
“And Duke would be up for a playdate I’m sure.”
Kara watched Eden’s eyes as they gazed down at Niko, and then over at Anna. Something in the kind woman’s face seemed wistful, and Kara realized that Eden might be missing her own sister.
Eden would never have a joyful reunion with her sister. While Eden had been able to bring Kara and Anna back together, she would never be able to bring back Mercy. The thought made Kara sad, and she impulsively leaned in and hugged Eden, wanting to give back some of the comfort she’d received.
Eden responded by hugging her back, and Niko looked up and giggled at the women. Kara bent and pulled him into their circle and let herself just enjoy the moment.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Leo was on the phone with a client when Frankie stepped into his office. He motioned for Frankie to take a seat, but the lanky man began to pace the room with a nervous urgency, snapping his fingers and stretching his neck. Leo raised an eyebrow, wondering what had happened to get Frankie so worked up.
“Okay, what’s wrong?” he asked, as soon as he’d ended the call.
“Whadda’ you mean? Nothing’s wrong.”
Frankie dropped into a chair, then instantly jumped back up and crossed to the window. He stared out at the street, before turning to face Leo.
“You said you needed to see me, so, what’s up?”
Leo regarded Frankie suspiciously.
“Why are you so nervous and jumpy? There’s something different about you. What is it?”
Frankie snapped his fingers a few more times then sat down again. He crossed and uncrossed his legs.
“I’ve given up smoking, man. It ain’t easy. I’m bugging out.”
It took a minute for the unexpected words to sink in. Finally, Leo grinned and sat down across from Frankie.
“I’m proud of you, Frankie. I really am.”
“Yeah, whatever, man. After seeing what smoking did to your pal, Barker, I figured I’d better quit before I wind up like him.”
Leo laughed, glad to see that the partnership between the two men had ended with something positive.
“Well, I’m glad to hear it, whatever the reason. And I wanted to talk to you to say thank you.”
Frankie looked confused.
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“You tryin’ to be funny? What did I do now?”
“No, I mean it Frankie. You can be a pain in the ass, but you’re a good guy, and I wanted to thank you for helping me find my mother’s killer.”
Frankie sat back in his chair; he lifted his head higher.
“I didn’t do so much, Leo.”
But Leo saw a happy shine in Frankie’s eyes.
“These last few months have shown me who my real friends are, and who I can trust.”
Leo leaned over and put a hand on Frankie’s skinny arm.
“And I’m proud to call you a friend.”
A flush of color spread over Frankie’s face.
“Shit, don’t go all mushy on me, man.”
Frankie reached a jittery hand into his pocket; when he pulled it back out it was still empty.
He’d forgotten he’d stopped smoking. The forlorn look on Frankie’s face almost made Leo feel bad for him, but he thought he had something that would cheer him up.
“Wait here. I’ve got something for you.”
Leo went out to Pat Monahan’s desk. Her out box had a stack of envelopes waiting to be stamped and mailed.
Leo rifled through the stack and found the envelope he was looking for. He walked back to the room and offered the envelope to Frankie.
“For your services on the case.”
Frankie raised his eyebrows and took the envelope.
“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask you about getting reimbursed for those drinks I bought Penelope-”
His words faded away as his eyes scanned the check. He blinked and squinted at it, then looked up at Leo with wide eyes.
“I think you maybe added in one too many zeros, man.”
Frankie put the check back into the envelope and held it toward Leo, the torn envelope shaking a little in the air between them.
“No, that’s the correct amount.”
Leo turned away without taking the envelope and crossed to his desk. He looked down, absently straightening a pile of papers, trying to come up with the right words.
“You risked your freedom for me, and you helped me find the bastard that killed my mother,” Leo finally said. “That’s worth a lot. I know money can’t buy the things that count, but hopefully I can use it to show you my gratitude.”
Girl Eight: A Mercy Harbor Thriller Page 28