When Sam looked up, he nodded to Avery. “You’ve helped me more than you know.”
Avery stared down at her sheet. “I think the inspector will be by soon. You should talk to him.”
“Yeah.” Sam said, and looked at the door. “I should let you rest. Thank you again, Avery.”
There was nothing she could say, and when words weren’t enough, he squeezed her hand.
As he walked out of the room, it felt like Fiona left with him.
Chapter 72
“Inspector Noah Cotter,” Ralph shook his hand with a firm grip, “I understand you’re working for Ethan.”
He nodded. “Officer Ralph Nichol. You can call me Ralph. How’s Ethan?”
“I just saw January down stairs. He’s in recovery now.”
“Good. I should go see him.”
Noah nodded. “Before you go though, I was hoping to ask you a few questions.”
“I had no idea.”
“About?”
“Owen. He came and took over his shift. Never saw it coming. He’s a good guy. It was good working with him. He was dependable, always showed…”
“Have you heard?”
“About how his wife was taken? Yeah. I don’t know what I’d do if I were in the same…”
Noah shook his head. “I wanted to ask you about Avery.”
“Oh, well Fiona’s ex came and went just now. He’s going to take her body back to Ireland to her family.”
“And Avery?”
“I heard her parents were here. Then her friends came too. That was before I got here.”
“How is she doing?”
“I haven’t been in to see her. I’ve just been on guard.”
“You didn’t speak with her?”
“It’s not that I didn’t want to. I just…Fiona was a good girl. Avery seems like a good girl too. I don’t want to get too close. I can’t.”
“I got it. Thanks Ralph,” Noah tapped his shoulder, “I’ll see ya back up here soon?”
He nodded and headed down the hall.
When he saw Avery, her head looked worse than he remembered, and her eyes were closed. He took the chair beside her bed, and sat down. His jaw clenched as he studied her face and took her hand in his. He wished he could take her pain that way, just by holding hands.
“Noah.” She opened her eyes and they reminded him of the last time he saw her.
He reached his hand up to her face, and ran his thumb along her temple. “Your head.”
“Yeah.” She ran her fingers over the stitch and pulled his hand away. “He hit hers too.”
“Owen.”
She nodded and tears rolled down her face.
“Okay, I’m going to tell you everything I can, and you have to promise to do the same for me, okay?”
Avery nodded.
“You have to go first though.”
She told him everything, and through each dark detail, his anger built. He calmed himself by concentrating on her voice. She finished when she saw him standing behind Pope, but he knew that the horrific story didn’t end there.
“Did you catch him?”
“No, I’m sorry, we didn’t. I think he got out of there before we put the perimeter up. I think what you did with the GPS trackers fooled him.” Her stare was heavy, and he shook it off. “No, it was good. You put him off. It was smart, Avery. It bought you time.”
“Who was the man in black?”
“Bob Pope. He was a friend of Arnold’s. They hunted together. He was a suspect of ours, but we couldn’t find him, and now we know why.”
“Is he dead?”
“No. He’s still in the ICU.”
“Inspector Ascott?” Avery asked.
“He was hit with one of the bullets. It got his shoulder, but he’s stable now.”
“He saved me.” Avery licked her lips and then spoke. “Why did he do it? Owen.”
“Arnold, or probably Bob Pope, kidnapped Owen’s wife.” Noah swallowed hard and continued. “Essentially, Owen traded you both for her. She is safe. Arnold gave her back unharmed. Owen is in lock up right now, and he regrets what he did and didn’t do, but he did it, and he’ll pay whatever price the court and the department sees fit.”
Avery looked at her lap. “I don’t know what to say.”
“I know it’s difficult to hear, but I want to be honest with you. You deserve the truth. That’s how fast it happened. He was told to bring you both to a certain spot, and slip the trackers in your coats, and then he’d see his wife again.”
“He didn’t,” Avery stopped and looked up at him, “he didn’t tie the rope as tight as he could have.”
Noah shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. You’re being released tomorrow.”
“My parents want to take me home.”
“I don’t know if that’ll be possible.” Noah said, and saw Ralph reappear at the door. “Ralph?”
He walked to the end of the bed.
“Officer Ralph Nichol, this is Avery Hart.”
Ralph nodded. “Ethan’s talking. He’s asking for you.”
“You make sure that aside from family, no one sees her without my say so.”
“And Sadie. And Josh.” Avery piped up.
“Right. She will be discharged tomorrow into our protection. Do you understand? No one else is to know where she’s going, or take her anywhere under any circumstances.”
Ralph nodded. “Got it.”
“I’ll be back.” Noah stood and looked down into her heavy eyes.
“I still have more questions.”
“When I come back, I’ll tell you whatever you need to know. Will you wait up for me?” Noah squeezed her hand and she squeezed back.
This time, it took him a while to let go.
Chapter 73
Noah entered Ethan’s room, and saw another man saying goodbye. He was in a suit, and nodded to Noah as he made his way out the door.
“Ethan,” he pulled up a chair, “listen, we did everything we could to find him….”
“I know. Listen, that was Inspector Palfry, you’ve probably seen him around. He’s a higher up anyway, who I answer to. I told him you’re in charge of the case now until I’m outta here.”
Noah pursed his lips, and sat back in his chair. “You want me to take over?”
“Until I’m back. Don’t look so surprised.”
“I’m not, I’m just glad you’re alright.”
“God damned vest doesn’t cover enough area, but I’m alive, and I’ll be well soon enough. I spoke to January too. She knows you’re in charge and she’ll help you fill out the reports, and introduce you to Palfry. Do not piss that guy off.”
“Got it.”
“I spoke to Ralph. He’s a good guy and he’ll follow your orders fine. I know you think Owen’s a good guy too, but he’s goin’ down for this Noah.”
Noah nodded, and looked at the bandage on his shoulder.
“I told Avery about him.”
“Did you find out anything new from her?”
“Just how they were able to trick Arnold and Pope.”
“Right, with the trackers.”
Noah nodded. “How is it that you were in intensive care and you know more than me about everything?”
“It’s my job to know.” Ethan tried to crack a smile, but it looked like every muscle he moved was painful. “We’re gunna put Avery in a safe house. Ralph’s going too. We need people we can trust. I’d put you with her, but I need you out. January’s going with them too.”
“Where?”
“They’re staying close. Palfry will tell you more this afternoon when you go back with January.”
“What do I do now?”
Ethan smiled at him. “Now, you find that bastard before he finds her, or gets too far away. He shouldn’t be able to get out of the country. He either learned from the stunt he pulled or he’ll pull something even more bold next time. If Pope ever wakes up from his coma, investigate the shit out of him. That too.”
&n
bsp; “I didn’t know he was in…”
“Well, now you do. Son of a bitch had to go and shoot me before he shot himself. Couldn’t believe it when I heard. I thought it was you.”
“I shot him once and then he shot himself. I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it. I’ll get together with January and Ken, and we’ll…”
“That’s the other thing. Just because I’m down, doesn’t mean I’m out. I want patched in to every meeting or conference call you have.”
“Sure thing.”
“I’m not falling behind. I’m going to get out of here, and you’ll be answering to me again. Hell, you’re still gunna answer to me, but we’ve gotta put on a show for Palfry. You know what I mean, don’tcha?”
Noah nodded.
“Alright. Keep me up to date.”
Noah started to leave.
“Hey, thanks.” Ethan called.
“No problem.”
Noah wasn’t sure if he meant for taking over or for saving his life, but he’d accept it on both accounts.
He saw January when he came out of the room.
“Ready to go, boss?” She said with a small smile.
“One last thing.”
Chapter 74
Sadie came back to visit as soon as the sun rose, and when Avery told her about the conversation with her parents, Sadie shook her head.
“I’m so sorry Avery. You don’t deserve that. I’d say I’m not surprised, but I just keep hoping you’ll have a better relationship with them.”
“Josh call you yet?”
“Yeah, he’s still waiting for Asher to get home before they come together. He’s not taking this well.”
“I know. I could tell.”
“I mean, I hate seeing you like this too, but he gets angry, you know? Maybe that he couldn’t save you again?”
Avery nodded. “I’m really thankful to have you guys.”
“You know what Josh said when we were leaving here? He said, did you hear that? She called us family.”
The knock at the door made them both jump. Avery watched Noah walk in with a pretty woman behind him. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and her pencil skirt hugged her curves.
“Avery, Sadie, this is January. She’s been working this case from the department.”
“Nice to meet you both, though I’m sorry for the circumstances.” She looked back to Noah, who stood closer to the door.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to get back to the department. I’ve just been placed in charge of this case until Inspector Ascott returns to good health. Ralph will be here today if you need him, and I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up when you’re discharged.”
“Where will I go?”
His cell phone rang; he lifted a finger, and walked out of the room to answer it.
“How are you feeling?” January asked.
“Okay.” Avery whispered.
“Avery, I want you to know that I’ll be more involved in the case now, and with you, and if you have any questions, you can always ask me, okay?”
“I’ve got one.” Sadie smiled sweetly. “Can I come with her?
*
*
As Charla parked behind her dad’s car, her stomach growled. Aunt Maggie’s car was on the side street, just behind the police cruiser stationed at their home. Her back ached, and all she wanted to do was get out of her heels, put her slippers on, and dig into some leftovers.
All the lights were off in the home, and when she opened the storm door, she saw a red hand print smeared across the front door.
She grabbed her cell from her purse and called the police. While she gave her address to the operator, she remembered there was a cop already there.
Is this a joke?
She opened the unlocked door, and as it swung open, she saw blood on the kitchen floor.
And someone’s foot, covered in blood.
She backed away from the door and tried to catch her breath.
Please no, please no, please
Her phone slid from her hand and smacked against the ground. She jumped and scurried across the lawn to the side of the house.
The policeman in the car was slumped over in his seat.
Charla felt her body tense up, and she backed away, across the lawn.
I can’t.
Breathe.
Along the driveway to the side walk.
I can’t.
Past the sidewalk to the road, where she tripped over one of her heels, and fell hard onto the pavement.
She gasped and looked up at the front door.
Blood trickled down the white painted metal.
It was blood.
She scrambled to her feet in the middle of the road and started screaming.
*
“Inspector Cotter.”
“This is Palfry. There’s been three murders at the Kent residence.”
Arnold.
“I’ll be right there.”
“Cotter, it goes without saying that we need two officers with Avery at all times. Make sure you have that covered before you go.”
“Yes sir. Sir, who are the vics?” He felt a lump in his throat, as he realized he knew them all.
Had met them all at least once.
“Charla’s parents, and Maggie Henderson.”
“Maggie’s dead? Charla, is she okay?”
“Charla went to the home and found a hand print on the door in blood. We’re doing tests, but I think it’ll be obvious whose print it is. They were slaughtered. She didn’t go in, but she’s shaken, obviously. Just get there now.”
“Arnold doesn’t care about getting caught anymore. Wants to put his stamp on it.”
“Cotter. One more thing. Officer Owen Minicozzi? You’re not to speak with him unless I’m with you. I plan for us to speak with him as soon as possible together, but no independent contact.”
“Yes sir.”
Palfry hung up, and Noah stared at his phone for a moment before he went back in the hospital room.
“January. You’ll stay here with Ralph until I’m back?”
She nodded.
“I’ll send you an update shortly.”
“When will you be back?” Avery’s words tugged at him.
“Later today.”
“I want to know what’s going on as soon as…” January said before the physiotherapist knocked on the door.
“I need everybody out.” The woman smiled.
“I’ll be staying.” January said.
Although the therapist side eyed her as she walked by, she set up her equipment quietly.
“Thanks January. I’ll see you soon.” Noah nodded to them.
He wanted to kiss Avery’s forehead, or at least squeeze her hand, but with January watching, he settled for a nod.
Avery nodded back.
Chapter 75
Charla
The knock on the door startled Charla. She let go of the toilet, forced herself to leave the washroom, and peered through the peephole.
Someone in a suit.
She opened the door, and saw the familiar face, although she forgot his name.
“Charla, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m going to accompany you to the funeral. I want to make sure you have the proper protection, and then we can go back to the department, alright?”
She nodded, left him at the door, and rushed back into the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror, and tried to fix her hair.
“Charla, we need to leave soon, alright?” He called in to her, and she realized she was still wearing her pajamas.
She had stayed in the hotel room the police brought her to for four days straight. One of them would come in to check on her, but for the most part, she was alone.
She opened a duffle bag someone had brought her with some clothes, and dumped them on the bed. She rifled through the options, started to cry, and looked up at the man.
“I don’t know…” She started.
“Charla. Take a seat. You don’t have to r
ush. I’m sorry I rushed you…”
“What do you wear to your parent’s funeral?” She started shaking. “What do you wear to the funeral of your three closest family members?”
He shook his head and looked down at the bed. “I’m sure anything; I mean any of those will look good.”
“Why do I care?” She wiped her cheeks, and sat down on the bed. “My parent’s and aunt are dead. Why do I care what I wear?”
He pulled a chair up in front of her, and waited for her breathing to calm before he spoke.
“My mom passed away a few years ago. Cancer. I don’t know what you’re going through, and I won’t pretend to, but I can tell you I’m here for you.”
She looked up at him and wiped her red cheeks. “I’m sorry, I forget your name.”
“Inspector Cotter. Noah Cotter.”
She nodded, and grabbed a pair of black dress pants and a black knit sweater. “Be back.”
When she came out of the bathroom, she closed the clasp on her locket, and he held a water bottle out to her.
“Thanks.” She took it, and started for the door.
“Oh, your coat? And purse?” He asked.
She grabbed both, and as they left the room, he told the officer on guard to grab all her things from the room and bring them to the department.
On the car ride, she scrolled through the contacts in her phone, and hoped she hadn’t forgotten to tell anyone. Her aunt on her dad’s side, who she’d only met twice, flew in from the west coast to handle the paperwork and decisions. She scrolled through texts from work friends, and found one that stood out.
Avery Hart sent her condolences.
“Inspector Cotter? Do you know how Avery Hart’s doing?”
He continued staring out the window for a moment.
“She’ll be okay. Don’t even think about it right now, alright?” He finally looked at her with a reassuring nod.
“Yeah.” She worked up the courage to ask the question she was sure she had the answer to. “Was it my uncle? Was it Arnold for sure?”
“We confirmed his prints. Yes.”
She nodded, and fought the sting in her chest, as they pulled into the parking lot.
When they entered the funeral home, Charla didn’t recognize most of the faces, and she didn’t expect so many people to show up. She saw someone wave to her before going back to her conversation with the funeral director, and she stopped when she saw the caskets at the far end of the room.
Lies Come True Page 21