Murder, Madness & Love (Detective Quaid Mysteries #1)

by Yolanda Renée

  She no longer smiled or made polite conversation, nor did she pretend everything was all right. Still, Eddie cared for her the same. He did not push her to be anything other than what she was, and he kept his distance if he thought he was invading her privacy. After everything Sarah had suffered, he allowed her to deal with the trauma the way she knew how—silently, and on her own terms.

  Steven and John called often, but Eddie did all the talking. Sarah refused to let the outside world in, even over the telephone line. He watched her closely and would not let her out of his sight, except when she was alone in her own room. Tom and Ethan had taken over the gatehouse while Cecil and Emma were in Arizona where Opal was recuperating from her fall. Tom and Ethan patrolled the grounds at night, and Eddie’s watch never ended. Though Steven was sure they had their man, John and Eddie were not taking any chances.

  Days had passed, but Sarah still struggled to put the horror behind her. She would not touch hot chocolate, and, after dark, she left lights on all over the house. Several times during the night, she would check to make sure Eddie was all right. Sarah even insisted Eddie leave a light on in his room, and she regularly checked the windows and doors to make sure everything was secure. But no matter what she did, she relived the terror nightly.

  Sarah was grateful for Eddie’s presence, and his kindness, but she was unable to respond to it. Her mind shifted to neutral; life filtered in, but she showed no signs of being affected by it. Sarah watched the storm and found strength in it. Just as she had imagined herself as an eagle at Eagle’s Nest, soaring to the heavens, Sarah now envisioned herself standing above the clouds. She unleashed her emotions on the world below and became a whirlwind that uprooted trees, churned the ocean into a sailor’s worst nightmare, and splintered buildings unprepared for her rage. She became the rain, pelted the already swollen ground, and demanded room. Where there was none, she gathered her forces and as a flood, left devastation in her path. The storm lasted for days, and Sarah found a solace in its violence, its strength, and its destruction.

  Eventually, the stormy weather lifted, as did Sarah’s mood. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the air was dry. Mr. Abrams, a spry man of seventy-two, and Cecil’s temporary replacement, greeted Sarah, when she stepped outside for a walk.

  “It’s amazing. Your land looks like a light summer rain fell, and every other piece of property in the area has trees down, roofs blown clean off, and a few missing buildings. If you don’t mind, Miss, I’ll be taking leave to help clear up the mess.”

  “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

  “Thank you, Miss, I will.” Mr. Abrams got back into his truck.

  Sarah hiked the familiar paths to the cliff, avoiding those closest to the edge, and she soon stood on the knoll. She opened her heart to its beauty. She heard someone behind her and thought Eddie, her constant companion, had followed.

  Sarah turned to acknowledge him, but was surprised instead by Scott’s daughter.

  “Christine?”

  “Your pictures don’t do you justice. He always said you were the most beautiful woman he’d ever known—except for me, of course.” Christine laughed.

  Sarah smiled, surprised by her comment. Instead of confrontational, Christine was friendly and complimentary.

  “You have his charisma, his eyes, and coloring, but definitely your mother’s beauty. How is your father?”

  “Livid. Scared. And innocent.” She joined Sarah and handed her a package. “Eddie steered me out here. He said to give you this. A messenger van pulled in behind me. Looks like work from the Palmer headquarters.”

  “Yes. I’ve been expecting some papers, and I think Eddie is trying to distract me with responsibility.”

  “This is breathtaking.” Christine nodded toward the view.

  “Yes, it’s very peaceful. And I believe your father is innocent, too.”

  “I don’t understand. If you know he’s innocent, why is he in jail?”

  “What I feel doesn’t count. The police are in charge.”

  “Then he’s right. Quaid set him up!”

  “No. I know your father would never hurt me, just as I know Detective Quaid would never break the law, but I still believe someone’s framed him. I just don’t understand who or why. Is there anything Scott needs—anything?”

  “To be exonerated. Or to at least be released, but they won’t even set bond because they think he killed a cop. Honestly, he’s scared.”

  “I’ll do what I can—I promise—but I don’t have a very good track record with the police.”

  “Whatever you can do, I’ll appreciate it, and I know he will too. Even if it’s just a phone call to the DA to let her know how you feel. They used to be friends, so I think she’ll listen.”

  “I’ll try. I’m sorry, I knew my life was… your father, he thought he could help; but now he’s caught up in the mess.”

  “He loves you.”

  Sarah was startled by the statement. Scott said his children knew nothing about her.

  “Mom shared the truth years ago, after I told her I found Dad’s scrapbook, filled with pictures and articles about you. She confessed to feeling jealous when you first started dating. She thought she wanted him back and insisted they meet at The Piano Bar to discuss the settlement on her birthday. She arranged the entire thing because she knew the significance.”

  “I know—it’s all right.”

  “Did you know she invited him to spend last Christmas with us after she learned you were back in his life?”

  “No. Does he know?”

  “No, it’d break his heart. Mom doesn’t want him, but she also doesn’t want you to marry him. Sorry, I love Mom, but she’s always been jealous. None of the other women ever bothered her, except you.”

  “I see. I’m sorry you’re in the middle. He wanted to protect you. But it’s all right, really. Your father and I were never meant to be, but I’ll always—”

  Christine touched her hand. “He does love you, and I’ve known for years. You’re why he’s still single. He doesn’t blame you for this.”

  “I’ll do what I can. Please don’t worry. Your father will be fine.”

  “Thank you.” Christine squeezed her hand. “Write to him, please. I know he’d feel better hearing the words from you. He thinks he’s let you down, hurt you in some way. When they let me in to see him, his first question was about you.”

  Sarah took a few steps closer to the cliff’s edge. She was confused, curious, and uncertain.

  Christine followed her. “He didn’t explain, but, despite what he’s going through, he’s very concerned for you. I do hope your nightmare ends soon.”

  Sarah admired Christine’s maturity, but her words—while positive—were also confusing. She reached out to guide Christine away from the edge.

  “Would you like some coffee, or tea?”

  “I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m meeting a lawyer in Seattle for Dad.”

  “I understand. I’m sorry we had to meet under such circumstances, but I’m glad we finally have.”

  They went straight to Christine’s limousine. Sarah watched her drive away and then went to her room to make a phone call to District Attorney Nora Flutters in Anchorage. Nora accepted her call immediately. Sarah knew Nora by reputation, and that she was admired and respected throughout Alaska. Nora was an attractive woman, with fiery red hair that gave her a reputation for being quick tempered, but she was intensely loyal and doggedly fair. She was also a widow raising five children on her own, and her peers admired her drive and ambition.

  “Mrs. Palmer, how can I help you?”

  “I’m not sure you can, Ms. Flutters, but I’m calling because I have a friend in a jail cell, and I don’t believe he should be there.”

  “Please, I’ll call you Sarah if you call me Nora. Are you talking about Scott Chase?”

  “Yes. I realize I was unconscious during the event at my home, but I’ll swear the person who attacked me isn’t Scot
t Chase.”

  “You sound sure, but how can you be certain?”

  “Maybe intuition or just knowing the man and his capabilities. Scott would never hurt me. His daughter was just here, and I told her the same thing. I realize this makes your job more difficult, but if the wrong man is behind bars, it’s just immoral.”

  “I agree, but not all the evidence has been processed. These things take time.” Nora said.

  “If you can at least set bail until you have definite proof, I’d—well, I promised Christine I’d do what I could, and this phone call is all I can do. The rest is up to you.”

  “Have you talked this over with Detective Quaid?”

  “No, I haven’t spoken to Detective Quaid, not since…”

  “Oh. I see. Well, you’ve given me something to think about, Sarah. I’ll take it under consideration, thank you.”

  “That’s all I ask, thank you, Nora, for taking my call.”

  After her phone call to the DA, Sarah opened the package delivered by messenger. Three items, tumbled out, two wrapped in tissue paper and a letter. She unfolded the hand written note:

  Dearest Sarah:

  Please know I’m doing this for you—because I love you. I have since the first day Michael introduced us. The irony is, you find me repulsive. Proficient enough to run Michael’s company, but not worthy enough to call friend.

  I’ve tried to do right by you, for Michael’s sake—it’s the least I could do—but it’s not enough. My life is hollow with you so close, and yet so far away. I’m returning to you the only gifts you ever gave me. They immortalize our time together. They hold the memories I cherish, but memories you hold against me. I can no longer deal with your constant rejection. I’ve shown you my love, yet you continue to withhold yours.

  Farewell, dear. It’s been an honor and a privilege to know you and to love you.

  Gerry

  In shock, Sarah read the words repeatedly. She cautiously unfolded the tissue paper, and what she saw caused her to scream. She quickly covered her mouth because she did not want Eddie to hear. She got to her feet, and the items fell to the floor. Memories filled her head with horror. She gathered the contents and stuffed them into a drawer, away from view. Then she ran downstairs, intent on finding sanctuary from a nightmare she couldn’t face. On her way out the door, she spied the lead crystal eagle from Tiffany’s, which had been a wedding gift from Gerry. She grabbed the eagle off the mantel and ran to the cliff, chucking it as hard as she could. Then Sarah sought a safe haven on the knoll, despite the new storm heading inland.

  The next morning, while Eddie prepared breakfast, Sarah sipped a cup of tea. Suddenly, the front door flew open, and Steven burst into the room.

  “Have you seen the headlines? ‘Victim doesn’t believe the Valentine Killer is guilty.’ How could you talk to the press, Sarah? You won’t even talk to me.” He threw the paper on the table.

  “Talk to you? I haven’t seen you. You left me alone. You left me alone with a monster, and he—I—” She left the room, walked outside toward the cliff, unwilling to deal with such an angry confrontation.

  Steven started to go after her, but Eddie stepped into his path. “Scott’s daughter was here, not the press. Sarah’s been through hell. Where’s your concern for her? Don’t you care? Can you even imagine what she went through? Her terror? What’s wrong with you? Where’ve you been, detective? It’s been over a week. So, unless you’re going out there to apologize, don’t consider moving, because I’ll risk an arrest to keep you from hurting her again!”

  Steven’s anger cooled. “When I discovered her, for a few seconds I thought she was dead. I thought I’d lost her. I’ve been so busy trying to make sure she’s safe, I forgot… her.”

  “You’re telling the wrong person.” Eddie stepped aside and pointed toward the cliff. “But, before you go, you need to know. Yesterday a package arrived from the Palmer offices. I thought they were work papers, so I didn’t check. She opened them in her room, and then ran like a bat out of hell to the cliff, and she threw something over the edge. I thought she was finally coming around, but everything’s changed again. She’s ill—her headaches are much worse. I found her unconscious near the cliff. She wouldn’t let me call a doctor. She won’t talk, she’s not eating, and I don’t think she slept at all last night. I don’t know how to reach her. Something happened yesterday. She’s in pain, worse than at any point in this investigation.”

  “Chase’s daughter?”

  “No. I spoke to her right after Christine left, and she was fine. No, it has to be that package.”

  “Thank you.”

  Steven ran to the cliff and found Sarah standing at the cliff’s edge. Eddie was right—something was wrong.

  “Sarah. Angel, please move away from the edge. You’re scaring me.” Steven approached cautiously from the path behind her. “Sarah, please.”

  “Why? It’s actually very beautiful from here. I’ve been afraid for so long, I thought maybe it was time to face one of those fears.”

  Steven was finally at her side. With his arm around her waist, he pulled her back, away from the precipice.

  “You’re all right. I promise I’ll make all this right. I’m sorry, Sarah. I’m a fool. I was so afraid I’d lost you when I saw you that morning, I thought you were… I can’t describe my reaction. I’ve been trying so hard to make sure he doesn’t hurt you again. I forgot to make sure you were all right. Forgive me.”

  She turned to him, and he took her into his arms. They stood together, trying to make up for lost time and painful words.

  “There’s nothing to forgive, Steven. If you hadn’t left, I’d know loss again—it would’ve been you and not Jansen. I’m sorry, but I shared with Christine what I believed. You tell me, is he guilty? Scott, is he the one?”

  “I don’t know.” Steven hated his lack of progress, but he wanted her to know the truth. “Chase claims he got a message to come out to the house and arrived at 4:00 a.m. When he arrived the lights were out, but the door was open. He went in, finds you, he’s convinced you’re dead, and runs for his life. We have his bloody fingerprints in several places, including a side table in your room, and he had Jansen’s blood on his clothes, but with such a small amount, we’ve actually verified his version. The rest of the evidence is circumstantial. Everything we found in his house was fingerprint free, shouting setup. I’ve been away for so long because we’ve been working, but nothing is coming together. I don’t know what to think. If this is a setup, it’s a damn good one.” Steven paused. “Sarah, he’s being released on bail today. After your phone call to Nora, she called me, and I agreed with you. Scott should get bail until we have more evidence. I just hope we haven’t made a mistake.”

  “He was framed, I’m certain. I think I know who. I’ve tried to convince myself I’m wrong, but… to think I actually know this monster.”

  “Is it that package you received yesterday?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have to understand, any evidence you threw into the ocean won’t help prove your theory.”

  “But I didn’t throw the package over the cliff. Eddie didn’t miss much, did he?”

  “He was given strict orders not to let you out of his sight, and he’s worried about you. He says you’re not eating or sleeping. Talk to me. Please, trust me.”

  “I trust you, Steven. I trust you with my life.” But she wouldn’t look at him.

  He knew she was still unsure when she left his arms and moved closer to the edge again. He followed.

  “I know this is hard, but we need to move forward. Who are you talking about?”

  She was silent.

  “I don’t understand. Sarah, are you protecting someone?” His patience was waning. Steven could not comprehend her reluctance.

  “This individual, he … I’m sorry Steven, this is harder than I ever thought possible. I can’t even say the words.”

  “He hurt you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ho
w, emotionally or physically?”

  “Both.” She whispered.

  He bristled at the thought. “Why didn’t tell me this before? I mean, the most likely suspect would’ve been…”

  He stopped. She inhaled, her face grew pale, and she closed her eyes and drew her hand to her mouth. The look of deep guilt was one he knew well.

  She spoke in a whisper, her strength leaving her with every word.

  “I didn’t remember. I blocked it. Somehow, I blocked it. Until I opened… Forgive me.” Her legs gave out, and she fell to the ground.

  Steven tried to catch her, but she was like a rag doll, and they both ended up on the ground. “It’s all right.”

  He held her tightly. Sarah was silent, and he feared she was going into shock. He tried to remain calm, to keep her calm. Steven picked her up and carried her back to the house. He talked the entire time, as though her condition and her reaction were normal.

  “I need a cup of coffee, how about you? There’s a chill—you’re shivering. I think a hot bowl of soup, a cup of tea, maybe even a bubble bath, will set things right.” He talked until he got her to the house. Once there, Steven settled her onto a settee on the sun porch.

  “Okay?”

  She nodded as he wrapped her in a throw. Steven kept an eye on Sarah as he prepared her a cup of tea. She barely moved, her gaze on the horizon, her body stiff, and her silence distressing. In the kitchen, Steven discovered a note from Eddie: he would be spending the night in Port Angeles, but would come back sooner if needed.

  Steven gave her the tea and sat down beside her. He put his arm around her, and she settled against him. He was patient and waited for her to talk. Steven wanted her to feel safe before questioning her.

  She knew what he was doing. “I’m ready.”

  “It’s Gerry, isn’t it?”

  She moved away from him, her eyes wide. “How did you know?”

  “Your body language whenever he’s around. You can’t stand to have him in your personal space. I noticed, and so did Joe during your Christmas party. But we’ve checked and rechecked his alibi. It’s solid. What was in the package?”