by Ciana Stone
John got out of the car with Jenny. “That’s her!” Jenny exclaimed as the sheriff got out. “That’s the woman that untied me.”
Sheriff Smith looked over at Chance and started forward. She looked from him to John and closed the door of the Jeep. “Mr. Wolfe?”
“Chance, this is Sheriff Tom Smith.” John walked over and took her arm. “Tom, this is Chance. She’s Wyatt’s—”
“Old acquaintance,” Chance cut in.
“Well,” Sheriff Smith looked at Jenny as she walked up to them, “Jenny tells me you know something about what happened last night.”
Chance frowned as if surprised and looked at John. “Did something happen?”
Before John could respond, Jenny spoke up. “What do you mean, did something happen? You were there—with the wolves! You untied me and left with that warrior!”
Chance looked at Jenny with an expression she hoped the sheriff would interpret as disbelief. “Excuse me, but are you feeling okay?”
Jenny’s mouth dropped open and she looked from Chance to Sheriff Smith. “I swear to God it was her! I swear it.”
Tom took off his hat and smoothed his hair back on his head. “Maybe we should take a ride to the station and have a little talk, Miss Davenport.”
“You can talk here,” John said quietly and turned to the house.
Chance followed him before the sheriff could argue. They exchanged a look as John held the door for her. “Just go along with me,” she whispered. “I’ll explain later.”
Tom and Jenny followed them inside and they all went into the kitchen. Everyone took a seat at the table and Tom turned to Chance. “Now, why don’t you start by telling me where you were last night?”
“With Wyatt.”
“Wyatt Wolfe?”
“Yes.”
“And exactly what time would that have been?”
“I don’t know, exactly. I came by here and had dinner with John then took a walk. Wyatt dropped the attorney here and met me out by the stream and we went to his house.”
“So you weren’t anywhere near Black Camp Gap last night?”
“I don’t even know where that is. Just exactly what is this all about?”
“It’s about three men being murdered.”
“Really?” She raised her eyebrows. “Well, maybe you could give me the details. You see, I work for CNN and I’d be interested in hearing all about—”
He interrupted. “I’m not interested in your job and I sure have no desire for this to become a news story. What I am interested in is why Jenny claims she saw you at the Gap with a pack of wolves and a-a warrior.”
Chance barked a short laugh. “I’d be interested in hearing that myself.”
“Then you still claim you were not at the Gap last night?”
Chance stared at him for a moment then leaned her arms on the table. “Like I said, I was with Wyatt.”
“You were at his house?”
“Yes.”
“Why exactly were you there?”
“That’s not really any of your business,” she said defensively.
“I’m afraid it is. This is a murder investigation.”
“Then why aren’t you out looking for whoever did it instead of interrogating me?”
“As a matter of fact we are and interestingly enough you seem to be connected to the prime suspect.”
Chance made no comment but raised her eyebrows. Sheriff Smith looked from her to John then back again. “We’re looking for Wyatt. Do you know where we can find him?”
“Wyatt? You think Wyatt had something to do with some murder? That’s preposterous! I told you I was with him. He couldn’t have been involved. Besides that, Wyatt isn’t the kind of person who would murder someone.”
“According to the three witnesses present he could and did. We have sworn statements from all three men that it was Wyatt that did the killing.”
“Then you seem to have three liars on your hands, Sheriff Smith. But if you don’t believe me then why don’t we take a ride to your station. I’d be more than happy to take a polygraph test.”
“It was you,” Jenny said quietly. “Why are you lying?”
Chance turned to Jenny, feeling bad about the lie she was about to tell. But protecting Wyatt was more important than her guilty conscience. “I’m sure you thought it was. But think hard. You were afraid and probably in shock. Isn’t it possible that you just thought it was me? I’ve interviewed a lot of people who claim to have seen things while terrified that later on, when they calmed down, they realized just couldn’t have been real. So, let me ask you, do you really believe that I was out in the middle of the woods with a pack of wild wolves and some madman? I mean, that is a little far-fetched, you have to admit.”
Jenny opened her mouth then closed it and looked down. After a second she looked up into Chance’s eyes. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I was just so scared I didn’t know what was going on.”
Chance sent her a silent thank you. Somehow she had the idea that Jenny knew she was lying and was going along with her. She smiled and turned to the sheriff. “Well, unless there’s something else you need, I really need to be—”
“You didn’t answer my question,” he cut in as she started to stand. “Where’s Wyatt?”
“I have no idea,” she replied and settled back down into her chair. “The last time I saw him was this morning. I showered and when I left he was getting in the shower. Did you try his house?”
“Yes, and there’s no one there.”
“Well, I’m sorry, but I really think you’re looking in the wrong direction. Hey, didn’t you have a forensics team go over the scene? Surely there must have been fingerprints or blood or skin samples or something.”
“Yes. We lifted several sets of prints and that’s another reason we want to see Wyatt. We need to compare his prints to the ones at the scene.”
“Why don’t you just lift prints from his house? As a matter of fact, he gave me a key. I’ll be glad to let you in if it’ll help. And I’m sure John will agree to go with us, won’t you, John?”
John nodded without speaking and Chance looked at the sheriff. “So?”
He stood up and put on his hat. “Okay, let’s go.”
Chance and John stood at the same time and Chance looked at Jenny. “Can we give you a ride home or take you somewhere?”
“I’d like to go over to Billy’s.” Jenny looked at the sheriff. “If that’s okay.”
“Fine. We’ll drop you on the way.”
They all went outside. Chance got in her Jeep and John got in beside her. Jenny looked from Chance to the sheriff and he waved. “You can ride with them. I’ll meet you at Wyatt’s.”
Jenny started to climb in and the wolf sat up. She froze with a terrified look on her face and Chance turned around in her seat. “It’s okay. This is my friend, Wa’ya. Wa’ya, this is Jenny. How about letting her ride with you?”
The wolf looked from Chance to Jenny then lay down, taking up almost the entire backseat. Jenny climbed in cautiously, making sure not to touch the wolf. John gave Chance a curious look and she mouthed the word “Tsa’li” to him. He nodded and she looked back at Jenny.
“Jenny, I want you to know that—”
“You don’t have to say it,” Jenny interrupted in a soft voice. “I don’t want them to nail this on Wyatt either. Look, Miss Davenport, I don’t know what’s going on and to be honest I don’t think I want to know. But I don’t want Wyatt to be punished because of something Holling started—and I don’t want you to get in trouble either. You helped me and I won’t forget it.”
Chance smiled and turned to look at her. “You’re a good person, Jenny. I’m really sorry for all that’s happened. I can’t change it but I can try to help put a stop to it. Thank you for your help. It means a lot.”
Jenny smiled and Chance backed out onto the road. No one spoke except to give her directions to Billy Hawkes’ house. When they dropped Jenny off, Chance headed for Wyatt’s.
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“You think it’s such a good idea to lie to Tom like that?” John looked over at her.
“I told him I was with Wyatt and that’s not a lie.”
“It is stretching the truth.”
“John, we both know that no one would believe the truth so what’s the point in telling them? Besides, it wasn’t Wyatt that killed those men. I know that. I saw who did it. I talked to him.”
John’s eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. She reached over to take his hand. “We’ll find a way to make things right. We just have to stick together.”
“Well, if Wyatt’s prints match the ones at the murder scene then it won’t matter what we do or say.”
“I don’t think there’s much danger of that,” Chance said quietly.
“What do you mean?”
She looked over at him and blew out her breath. “This is going to sound really far out but here’s what happened…”
Tom didn’t speak a word the rest of the way to Wyatt’s house. When they arrived, Chance parked the Jeep and opened the door to let the sheriff and his men in the house. John just sat in the Jeep with a look of astonishment on his face.
* * * * *
It was almost one in the afternoon by the time the lab got through comparing the prints from the murder scene with the ones at Wyatt’s house. Chance and John waited in Sheriff Smith’s office for the results.
He walked in and tossed his hat on his desk, running his hands back to smooth down his hair then over his face. “Well?” Chance asked. “Do you have the results?”
“Yes.” He sat down and looked at her. “The prints match—”
“No!” she argued.
Sheriff Smith blew out his breath and leaned forward with his arms on his desk. “And we still have the testimony of the eyewitnesses.”
“Like I said before, you have three liars.” Chance stood and walked around her chair, putting her hand on top of it. “Sheriff, I know I’m not a resident and there’s a lot I don’t know but I’ll be honest with you. I’ve been asking around and it’s clear that something’s going on around here, something bad. People are getting beaten and shot, buildings are being set on fire and women are being assaulted. And from what I hear the only thing all this has in common is the Holling family. See, I’m kind of like you. We both make our living digging around for the truth. And the truth is, you’re up against some heavy hitters who have a lot of money and power. I don’t know how you’re going to deal with this and I won’t presume to tell you how to do your job. But I will tell you this. I’m first and foremost a journalist and I’m going to get to the bottom of this. One way or the other.”
Sheriff Smith eyed her suspiciously for a moment before speaking. “What exactly are you getting at?”
“That we’d stand a much better chance if we work together. I have a lot of resources at my disposal, not to mention a considerable amount of money. I’m willing to commit both to putting an end to this and seeing the people responsible behind bars. All I ask is that you don’t get in my way. Just don’t act on those fingerprint results right now. I’m just asking for some time and I’ll prove to you that it wasn’t Wyatt. That regardless of how this looks, he isn’t a murderer. Think about it. Would John Wolfe sit there and lie to you? You know him. If you can’t trust my word then trust his. You have the power, Sheriff, and all we’re asking for is a little time. Is that really so much to ask to save the life of one of your oldest friends’ son?”
“You know just where to hit a man, don’t you? Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”
“What’s that?”
“Why’re you so interested? Just what’s in this for you?”
“Besides a story, you mean? Let’s just say it’s personal and let it go at that, shall we?”
Sheriff Smith stood up and walked over to her. “I’m probably gonna regret this, but okay.”
She smiled and extended her hand. “Sheriff, it’s a pleasure working with you.”
He took her hand and returned the smile. “Why don’t you call me Tom? All my friends do.”
Chance nodded and looked at John. He shook his head and stood up. “Chance, I’m beginning to think you’re in the wrong line of work.”
“Oh?” She arched her eyebrows at him. “Why’s that?”
“’Cause you could sell ice to an Eskimo,” he said with a laugh.
She gave him a look of surprise then glanced at Tom. He was chuckling and nodding. Finally she laughed with them. Now if she could just get the goods on Greg Holling.
* * * * *
Wyatt sat beside the stream and watched the water flow over the rocks worn smooth by its passage. Tsa’li sat close by, holding the crystal in his hand with his eyes closed. After a long time he opened his eyes and turned to Wyatt. “You have long lived in the darkness. Your mind has been imprisoned in this self-imposed creation since you were but a small child. During your youth this protection served a purpose. It insulated you from your fear and grief. But now you are a man and the time for hiding has past. Now is the time for you to face the darkness and fear. Like all men, you have a destiny to fulfill. It cannot be put off any longer.”
Wyatt looked at him for a long time. “I hear what you say and I don’t dispute your wisdom. But there are times when saying is much easier than doing. I don’t know how to fill the blanks in my mind. I have no memories with which to fill them. What am I to do?”
“Surrender.”
Wyatt’s eyebrows rose sharply. “Surrender? To what? To this-this demon or spirit or whatever it is that possesses me? Would you have me give in to something that can commit such acts of brutality as happened last night?”
Tsa’li shook his head. “You hear but do not listen. Surrender to yourself. You hold the key to the gate. You can unlock it.”
Wyatt thought about the dream, the dream in which he saw his friends raping the woman. Was the truth of their deaths buried somewhere inside him?
“What if the truth is that I am the monster? What if I am no more than my name, Grandfather?”
“And what if you are more than the sum of a handful of letters strung together to create a word?”
Wyatt shook his head, doubt showing on his face. “I have to tell you that I’m afraid of what I might find. I don’t know if I could live with knowing that what I am is a man who has so little value for life that I could kill another with no more care than I might throw out an empty beer bottle. And if I can’t live with that, then how could anyone else? How could I ever face…”
“How could you face the woman with the eyes of a wolf?” Tsa’li asked when Wyatt’s voice trailed off. Wyatt looked at him and nodded and Tsa’li reached out to put his hand on Wyatt’s shoulder. “You underestimate her love for you as well as yours for her and that is your greatest danger. That is where your true strength lies, my grandson. That is what you must rely on. Without it you are truly lost. You must keep that in your mind always. Especially in the days to come when that strength will be put to the test.”
Wyatt thought about Tsa’li’s words. While part of him wanted to argue, the smarter part knew that Tsa’li was right. If he were wise he would follow the advice Tsa’li gave.
* * * * *
Despite John’s protests and attempts to change her mind, Chance was determined to keep her date with Greg Holling. She dropped John at his house with a promise to return after she had seen Greg, then drove to the motel. She stuffed the directions to the Holling’s lake house in the pocket of her jacket along with her miniature recorder and then paused long enough to call her office and leave instructions for Steve to call his contact in the State Bureau of Investigations and find out everything he could about the murders.
It was a quarter past two when she pulled up behind the red Jaguar parked in front of the house at Fontana Lake. “You stay here, okay?” she said to the wolf. “But if you hear me scream come running.”
He growled softly and she gave him a rub then got out of the Jeep. The front door opened
to display Greg Holling as she started down the walk. Dressed in a pair of dark green designer slacks and an unbuttoned shirt, he held an almost empty drink glass in his hand.
“Well, I was beginning to think you’d stood me up,” he said as he reached for her hand.
She let him take it and pull her inside. “No way. Especially not after I heard what happened last night. It scared me to death! Are you all right?”
He shut the door and leaned back against it. “Yeah, I’m okay,” he sighed dramatically and slumped. “But I lost three of my oldest friends.”
“Oh, Greg.” She moved closer to him. “I’m so sorry. It must have been horrible for you.”
He pulled her to him and wrapped one arm around her. “It was pretty bad.”
Chance waited a moment then pulled away. “I can’t even imagine how horrifying it must have been.” She frowned fiercely and clenched her fists as if enraged. “I just hope they find whoever did it and string him up!”
Greg’s eyes brightened at her words and he pushed away from the door. “I need another drink. Care to join me?”
“No, thanks. It’s a little early for me but you go ahead.”
He led her to an enormous room at the back of the house. Floor-to-ceiling windows dominated the curved rear wall providing a panoramic view of the lake. Chance walked over to look outside as Greg went to the bar at the end of the room. Cutting a look at him to see him pouring a drink, she reached in her pocket and turned on the recorder then took a seat on the couch.
After downing half his drink Greg crossed the room and sat down beside her, stretching his legs out to prop his feet on the expensive marble and walnut coffee table. Chance shifted so that she was turned toward him and put her hand on his shoulder. “Greg, I know this has been terrible for you and I’m really sorry. I know that sounds trite but I just don’t know what else to say. I wish there was something I could—wait! Maybe there is something I can do. Maybe if you tell me about it I can help.”
He looked at her for a moment then put his hand on her leg. “It’s been a nightmare, a fucking nightmare. You can’t imagine how it feels to see your friends die right before your eyes and not be able to do anything about it.”