by Unknown
Spears had to die.
13
Happy Pets Animal Clinic, 4:45 p.m.
“Thank you so much for rescuing me from work.” Jess leaned across the console and gave Dan a kiss. She was relatively certain that was a first. No one had ever dared to suggest she should leave work early, much less showed up with a puppy in tow to take her away. Even more surprising, she’d said yes.
The truth was, after finding Presley Campbell’s body, hearing such painful news from Black, and then learning there was nothing in Henshaw’s phone records that helped their investigation, Jess had been more than ready to call it a day. Sharing the awful news about Black’s wife with Dan had been the final straw.
As if reading her mind, Dan sent her an understanding smile. “We both needed a break.”
From the backseat, the puppy stretched up on his hind legs to lick Dan’s jaw. Jess laughed. “I think you might be his favorite.”
Dan reached for the leash. The puppy seemed to comprehend what that meant. He started to bounce. “I think he’s taken with the both of us.”
“It’s hard to believe we have our first pet together.” It was way outside her comfort zone, but if she could have a baby, she could certainly have a family pet.
“Assuming Linda doesn’t find one of those chips that proves he belongs to someone else.”
“True.” Jess wasn’t sure how she felt about potentially losing the puppy. She almost laughed at herself. The nesting instinct had taken over!
While Dan wrangled the puppy, Jess climbed out. She and Cook had done all they could to find the puppy’s owner after the loveable animal had showed up a few days ago. They’d had no luck. Having Dan’s veterinarian friend check for a chip and give the puppy a routine examination was the next step. If there was no chip, they could officially claim him.
The Happy Pets Clinic was bright and colorful with a friendly staff. Jess surveyed the numerous pet food brands. She had no idea what was considered the best for growing puppies. All these years she’d been totally focused on work. It seemed she was playing catch up on all the domestic responsibilities she’d ignored for decades. She’d spent several nights now poring over What to Expect When You’re Expecting—a gift from Lily. Dan had picked up a book about a puppy’s first year. Here they were in their forties and scrambling to learn what to do next. They needed a reality show. She doubted any of the other popular shows had their own serial killer. Not exactly the best kind of bragging rights. She shuddered.
“You okay?”
Jess glanced up at the man with whom she intended to spend the rest of her life. “Yes. I’m very okay. I just don’t know about dog foods or parasite protection.” Puppies needed a lot of care, just like babies.
Dan grinned. “We’ll see what Linda thinks is best.”
“Sounds good to me.” She was planning to do the same thing with the baby. Lil was her walking, talking baby bible.
“Nancy Wolfe said she could show us those houses tonight if you’re not too tired.” Dan tugged at the leash to pull the puppy away from the dog food.
Jess had hoped to go over her mother’s journal again. There were mountains of reports she’d thought she might go through a second time just in case she missed something before. She’d thought about dropping by the hospital to see if Stinnett was up to an interview. Atmore and Knowles were sticking with their story of a tall man with dark hair having held and tortured them. Those two were being released tomorrow. One way or the other Jess had to get one of them to talk. The news about Campbell’s murder hadn’t done the job. Maybe Stinnett would talk when she’d had time to think about it.
On top of all that, they needed to check on Dan Senior and Cook.
“I’ll make a deal with you,” she offered. “We go by the hospital first, check on your dad and Cook, and see if Stinnett will talk to me, and then we’ll make a final decision on a house. Tonight.”
“Deal.” Dan searched Jess’s face. “You still think Stinnett will be the one to break?” The puppy wound around his legs as he spoke.
Jess took the leash from him and unwound the rascal. “I do.”
“Mr. Burnett.”
They both turned to the tech who’d called Dan’s name. The young woman smiled. She was tall and gorgeous with long dark hair. Spears’s type. Jess banished the thought. As much as she wanted to deny the concept, she doubted she would ever again be able to see a woman with those features without thinking of Spears.
“Dr. Linda is ready for you now,” the tech announced.
“Thank you.” Dan placed his hand at the small of Jess’s back and together they followed the tech.
Jess lifted her chin and kicked Spears out of her head. She was anxious to meet Dr. Linda Hankins. She and Dan had gone to Brighton Academy together. Jess was impressed with how clean and bright the clinic was. Hankins had done a lovely job of making the clinic inviting for people and pets alike.
Jess stifled a groan as she considered that she still had to choose a pediatrician for the baby. Apparently, that was something you had to do right away. She didn’t understand why she had to do it now. It wasn’t like she was going to need one for another seven months. Her OB had said something about the best pediatricians having waiting lists. Tomorrow she would make some calls.
The door opened and an attractive woman breezed into the room. Jess wasn’t surprised that Linda was easy on the eyes. All Dan’s friends were attractive, especially the women.
“I can’t believe I have the famous Daniel Burnett in my clinic,” Linda teased.
Dan gave her a hug. “I’m the one who can’t believe you made time for us. You’re only the most popular veterinarian in the city.”
“You always were a charmer.”
“Linda, this is Jess Harris, my fiancé.”
Linda grinned. “You’re the big celebrity who came from Quantico.” Linda patted Dan on the shoulder. “You’re a lucky guy, Burnett. I can’t open a paper or turn on the television without seeing this lady’s pretty face.”
Jess liked her already. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Linda.” Jess offered her hand.
Linda ignored the hand and gave her a bear hug. “Anyone who can have Dan over here wearing that goofy grin is someone I want to know.” She laughed. “This must be the one, Dan.”
Dan looked at Jess then. “She’s definitely the one. She always has been.”
While Linda examined the yellow lab and checked for a chip, Dan told Linda about how he and Jess met in high school. Jess couldn’t help herself, she laughed so much at their antics as he retold them that her side hurt. She suddenly realized that she couldn’t remember ever being this happy, not even when they were teenagers. Life had been too filled with angst, self-doubt, and the need to prove something back then.
No matter where her big dreams had taken her in the past, this was where she was supposed to be. Jess watched Dan as he and Linda chatted. His smile, his every mannerism were indelibly etched on her heart and soul. She thought of her sister and all the years she’d missed spending time with her and her family. Then she thought of her team and she knew without doubt, she would never regret coming home again. She would only regret the nightmare that followed her here.
By the time they said their goodbyes and left Linda’s clinic, they not only knew the puppy had no chip, they had named him, gotten his vaccinations, and had the paperwork for officially registering him.
“You want to drop off Bear, go to the hospital, and then grab something to eat before we meet Nancy?”
Jess laughed. Would they ever have a truly free evening? Probably not. “Sounds good to me.” Linda had helped pick the name. She’d suggested Bear because the puppy was going to be a very large dog.
A big dog was good. Jess wanted all the protection she could get for their child.
UAB Hospital, 6:50 p.m.
Both Dan Senior and Cook were doing well. Jess was amazed at how chipper Dan’s dad appeared. All Cook could talk about was getting back to work. He was
so young, Jess wasn’t sure he understood how very close he had come to dying.
“Should I wait out here?” Dan asked as they approached Rory Stinnett’s room.
A uniformed officer stood on either side of the door. “You’re coming in with me.” Jess did not want Dan waiting outside. She wasn’t about to feed the rumor mill. In her mind and heart, he was still the chief of police. She wanted the officers to see him that way.
“You’re the boss.”
“Just remember that when we’re looking at houses tonight.”
Jess showed her badge to the officers on duty. She was pleased when both referred to Dan as chief and appeared nervous in his presence.
Inside, Rory Stinnett’s mother sat next to her bed. Her presence would complicate questioning, but Jess knew that asking the woman to step outside would create even more tension.
“Hello, Rory.” Jess propped a big smile in place. “I’m sure you remember me. Deputy Chief Harris? This is Chief of Police Burnett. We wanted to check on you and ask you a few questions.”
So far Stinnett had said little about her time in captivity and even less about the man who inflicted her wounds, mental as well as physical.
Stinnett’s expression was guarded as usual. “I remember you,” she said to Jess.
Mrs. Stinnett picked up on her daughter’s distress. “I’m not sure it’s good for her to be upset just now. Can you come back another time?”
“We’ll be brief, Mrs. Stinnett.” The excuse was the same every time Jess dropped by. With Knowles and Atmore sticking by their stories of the dark-haired man, Jess needed someone to ID Eric Spears. “Just one question, really.”
The women exchanged a look.
Jess opted for another tactic. “Actually, I don’t even need to ask a question. I really only need to give Rory something to think about.”
The women stared at Jess expectantly.
Jess asked herself again if this was a mistake. The Stinnett family would likely bring in an attorney and complain about Jess, but what she was about to say was the truth. Whether anyone liked it or not, it had to be said.
“Rory, I understand why you’re being so careful about what you say to us. You’re afraid. Your anxiety is understandable.”
If Jess had any doubts whether the woman was holding back, those doubts vanished in the wake of the flash of fear on her face.
“He warned you not to talk,” Jess surmised. “He probably said if you told us anything he would be back. I understand you’re doing what you believe will keep you and your family safe. I just wanted to let you know I understand.”
Something like relief clouded Stinnett’s face.
“Chief Burnett and I couldn’t come by the hospital without saying hello. We had other patients to visit. An officer investigating this case almost died after he was attacked by one of Spears’s followers. And the Chief’s father was visited by the man who kidnapped you. I’m just thankful you all survived, that’s very rare.”
“We’re blessed,” Stinnett’s mother said as she visibly tightened her grip on her daughter’s hand.
“Yes, ma’am,” Jess agreed. She shook her head then. “Unfortunately, Presley Campbell wasn’t so lucky.”
Stinnett’s face paled. “She’s dead?” The words were barely a whisper.
“Yes. Brutally murdered. He slashed her body to pieces, but first he viciously raped her over and over. You can’t even imagine.” Jess shuddered. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know we’re doing all we can to catch him. I don’t want you and the others who survived to have to spend the rest of your lives worrying about when he’ll come after you again.”
Both women’s eyes grew large with fear. The mother demanded, “What do you mean?”
Jess shrugged. “Rory is a witness. No matter what he told her, she can identify him. Eric Spears won’t forget that. If we can’t stop him, he could show up again whenever he pleases.” Jess smiled sadly. “We should go. You can call if you need anything or think of something that might help our investigation. Good night, ladies.”
The silence in the room was deafening as Jess and Dan exited.
At least now Stinnett fully understood the circumstances.
She would never truly be free as long as Eric Spears was out there.
No one would.
3309 Dell Road, Mountain Brook, 9:50 p.m.
Nancy Wolfe had to be the most patient woman Jess had ever met. They had gone from house number one to house number two and then three, twice already. Nancy took the whole back and forth between the houses in stride. Thankfully, the homes were only a few streets apart, still it was enough to make a person’s head spin. Jess’s included.
“Any of the three would be lovely,” Nancy reminded them. “I must admit, this one is my favorite.”
That was the first time the realtor had confessed to having a favorite. Jess turned to Dan. “I think this one’s my favorite, too.”
Dan grinned. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He looked around the generous great room with its soaring coffered ceilings, deep crown molding, and gorgeous wood floors. “Nancy, if you wouldn’t mind, we’ll take another walk through.”
Nancy waved him off. “Take your time, Dan. I’m at your disposal all night if necessary. I’ll just sit on the porch and check my messages.”
When the front door closed behind the realtor, Jess walked to the center of the room and turned all the way around. “I can’t believe we’re thinking of buying this house.”
“Four bedrooms, four and a half baths. Every amenity we could possibly want sitting on two acres and only three miles from the academy.” Dan joined her and slid his arms around her waist. “If this is the one you want, it’s yours.”
Jess took a deep breath. “I love you, Dan, with all my heart and I would love nothing better than to have this amazing house as our home.” She took a moment to gather her composure. “We can turn that sitting room in the master suite into a nursery.” She smiled up at him. “It’s perfect.”
Rather than say a word, he kissed her so tenderly, so lovingly she couldn’t stop the tears. When at last he drew back, he whispered. “I love you, Jess. This is the one.”
She smiled and swiped at the blasted tears. “Let’s tell Nancy.”
Nancy looked up when they stepped out onto the front porch. The soft landscape lighting allowed Jess to see the broad smile that spread across her face as she stood. The lady already knew their answer. “This is the one, isn’t it?” she guessed.
Dan extended his hand. “This is the one.”
When they’d all shaken hands and hugged to boot, they went inside to sign the papers. The offer was for full asking price. Neither Jess nor Dan wanted to haggle and risk losing this home.
After Nancy drove away, they stood in the driveway and stared at their new home for a while. Perhaps it was premature to consider it theirs, yet it felt like home already.
“I can’t wait to show it to Lil.” Jess could hardly contain her excitement.
“Nancy is probably calling Mom right now.”
They laughed together and Jess took his hands in hers. “You know, there’s an amazing sofa on that screened porch around back.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the back porch. By the time he settled her on her feet once more, she was tearing at the buttons of his shirt.
Her cell chimed with an incoming text.
Jess ignored it. She kicked her bag aside and reached for the side closure of her dress. She wanted out of these clothes and in his arms.
That annoying chime sounded again. She groaned.
“You might as well check it,” he said as he reached for his belt. “You won’t be able to put it out of your mind unless you do.”
Jess sighed. “It could be Rory Stinnett. Maybe my not so subtle warning got to her.”
“Check the message.” Dan sat down and started tugging off his shoes.
Jess dug for her pho
ne. The sooner she got this over with, the sooner she could get back to Dan. Her fingers closed around the phone and she checked the screen. The text message was from… Tormenter.
“Shit.”
Dan came to her side. He took the phone from her and swiped the screen.
Lovely choice, Jess. I hope Dan has plenty of life insurance.
14
Parkridge Drive, Homewood, 10:30 p.m.
Chet closed the file he’d brought home from work. He was beginning to wonder if the Chief had been right when she’d mentioned the possibility that the reverend had lapsed into dementia toward the end. Henshaw had been leaving messages for sure, presumably for the chief, but the passages gave them a lot of nothing.
Lori sat down on the sofa next to him. “We should hit the sack. I’m beat.”
Man, he loved this woman. Even in one of his t-shirts she looked as sexy as hell. She was beautiful and smart and she deserved way better than him. “Me, too.”
“You think the investigations on the murders in Scottsboro as well as the reverend’s will be closed based on the selfies North sent his sister?”
“I’m guessing all but Amanda will be chalked up to North.”
“Jess is certain Spears murdered Amanda.”
“I agree.” His signature was hard to miss. Harper hoped he got the chance to put one right between that bastard’s eyes.
“I wish the photo of Dority would help clear Burnett.” Lori sighed and snuggled closer to Chet.
“I know. It sucks. But if North killed her, why change his MO? Why strangle Dority?”
“That’s easy,” Lori argued. “Spears wanted her murder pinned on Burnett. The MO had to be different. Plus North had to wait for the right opportunity. Burnett’s human. Spears knew he’d breakdown and go visit Dority to try and work things out at some point. North had to get in and get out fast. He couldn’t afford to stage his victim the way he did the ones in Scottsboro.”
“You think North was watching Burnett?”