by Nora LeDuc
The chilly water invaded her bones, and weighed down her limbs and clothing. She could barely lift her hand. Her feet heavy as bricks towed her down, down. She was sinking, deeper and deeper. Her lungs wanted to explode. Desperate, she tried to propel herself upward before her last breath gave out.
Chapter 18
The frantic need to fill her lungs drove Rose to inhale. Frigid water flooded into her mouth and nose, choking and strangling her.
She sobbed and opened her eyes. She was lying on her back in the bushes. The low hanging sun blinded her. She coughed, sat up and sucked in the precious oxygen.
She ran her fingers through dry hair and dug her nails into the hard, solid ground. Her clothes contained not even a damp spot. The truth smacked her. It had been Dahlia in the river, her twin’s last fight for life.
Rose drew her shaking knees up and hugged them to her chest. “It was Dahlia, not me.
Dahlia, not me. I’m okay. I’m not losing my mind.”
Burying her face into her knees, she prayed a thank you for her life. She raised her head. “I wanted you to come home, Dahlia. I didn’t mean it when I said I never wanted to see you again after you took the money. I didn’t want you to go away forever. I love you. Did you bring me here to punish me?”
We rested here.
What? Her sister had washed ashore at this exact spot. She glanced down and flashed onto the image of her sister’s nearly naked body twisted among the bushes. We? Was she next?
No! She leaped to her feet, grabbed her belongings and fled up the bank. Tears stung her eyes and blurred her surroundings. She had to get out of here. She ran faster. Her foot sank into a hole. She toppled forward. The gun flew from her hand. She closed her eyes. Not the water again.
Raising the binoculars, it was easy to spot her running up the hill. A spike of heat hit his gut and rushed through his blood. If only she were closer. Then he could touch her. He’d run his fingers down that slim, white throat and squeeze until the fear filled her eyes. Watch the horror on her face.
A surge of yearning abrupt and sharp hit him. Soon he’d make his next move.
Across the river he heard her scream and he closed his eyes in longing and glee.
Chapter 19
Rose smacked against the brittle, dry grass. You’re okay. You’re okay. Rose lifted her head and stared into unseeing eyes. A cry escaped her mouth. She shoved upright and stared down into the face of her friend, Cassie. She lay in front of her, duct tape wrapped around her mouth.
Rose screamed and scrambled to her feet, grabbing her gun from the ground.
Was she going crazy? She dared another glance. Oh-my-God, Cassie. Not Cassie. Was she real? Her open eyes stared up at Rose. She was naked.
Rose leaned down and touched one of Cassie’s cold hands bound together by tape. She searched for her pulse. Nothing, Rose jumped away.
The sound of laughter drifted across the river. Rose whirled around. A figure darted into the grove of pines standing on the shore across the river. The stalker was there. Was it A.J., Tia, Bike Boy, Dean, Buddy or someone she didn’t know, spying, laughing at her and Cassie? He could have a high powered rifle aimed at her.
Run. Faster. Her breath came out in pants and cries. At the crest, she stopped. She fumbled for her phone pulled it out of her pocket. With the other hand, she aimed the gun toward the opposite bank even though the shore must be out of range.
Lennox’s deep voice answered his cell.
“Thank God, it’s you. Come right away. He’s here. He’s at the river. I heard him laughing at me. Hurry.”
“Rose, where are you?”
“I’m on the riverbank behind the plaza with the liquor store. He is watching me, Lennox…and it’s Cassie.” Rose headed toward the shopping center and then pivoted around to see if anyone was behind her.
“Who’s watching? What happened to Cassie?”
“Dahlia’s kill-er.” She clamped her teeth together for a moment to stop the chattering. “He got Cassie. She’s dead. On the bank.”
“Did you see A.J.?”
“I wasn’t close enough.”
“Stay on the line. I’m on my way.”
Pull yourself together. She swallowed hard and searched the bank for her friend. “Hurry.” Rose turned away fighting the nausea, forcing its way into her throat.
“Rose, Rose.”
“I’m…here.” Stay alert.
“I’m in my car and on my way. Are you in danger?”
“I don’t know. How could anyone hurt Cassie? She was a good person. She watched my boutique, drove for more than an hour to surprise me and brought me to lunch. Why kill someone who wanted to go to lunch?”
“Rose, focus. Where are you standing?”
“I’m at the top of the hill behind the stores. You’re coming?”
“I’m almost there. Hang on. Go up to the liquor store, I’ll meet you.”
“Okay.” She strode upward where the closed sign hung on the glass storm door. “The store’s closed.”
“Stay in the doorway. Take a deep breath. What happened to Cassie?”
“She’s dead.” Tears blocked the words. She wanted to dash off to her apartment, but she couldn’t leave Cassie.
“Do you see any cars?”
She shook her head.
“Rose?”
“No…cars. I heard a man’s laughter.”
“Did you see any boats on the river?”
“No, he was on the other side of the water. Are you close?”
“Fifteen seconds or less.”
She clicked off. Stay calm. Rose faced the slope. The coward was there. “You stole my sister and our friend. I hate you.”
Lennox’s car screeched around the anchor store and wheeled to a stop.
“The cavalry’s arrived, Dahlia.”
Lennox jumped out, and she sprinted across the ground and flung herself against his solid chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her. Nothing bad would happen now.
He eased back. “Where’s Cassie?”
“Go down the bank, straight ahead.” She pointed and closed her eyes for a second. Please, please be a dream, a horrible dream. I want to wake up.
“Stay here and don’t fire. Scream if you see anyone near.” He hiked down the hill. Rose trailed him to the crest of the bank and stopped. A short distance from the river, he crouched down. He’d found Cassie. She wasn’t dreaming. Rose turned away and gulped air. When she heard his footsteps, she faced Lennox.
“Is she alive?” she shouted to him. Maybe Cassie had fallen into a coma.
Lennox didn’t answer until he reached her. “I’m sorry. She’s gone.”
Her lip quivered. Tears streamed down both her cheeks. “I should have helped her.”
“You can help your friend by telling me everything that happened after I left you.” Folding their hands together, he forced her to pinpoint her attention on him.
“I fell asleep. My sister woke me. She told me to go to the river. I left and walked along the edge. For a few minutes, I felt like I’d fallen in the water and was drowning. But it must have been Dahlia because I was lying on the ground. I ran up the hill. I tripped and found Cassie.”
The image of Cassie’s eyes glazed by death overflowed in her mind. Dizziness waved over her. “I need to sit.”
“Come to my car.” He slid his arm around her back and led the way across the fire lane to his vehicle.
Rose sat inside and faced the open door to inhale the fresh air. Lennox hovered near her. “He left her with all the litter.”
Lennox crouched in front of her. “Rose, you should have called me before coming to the water by yourself.
“Dahlia told me to come right away. Lennox, how could it happen? Cassie was on her way home. I saw her drive off. What happened? Why is she on the hillside?” Her mind cleared. “Do you think he hid in her car?”
“Did she lock her car doors?”
“She didn’t at home.” The scene of Cassie driving
away, waving and happy while her killer crouched in the rear played in her head. You monster, you’ll pay. Rose bent forward and rested her forehead on the steering wheel, willing herself better. Don’t let him get to you.
“Backup should arrive any second.” He laid a hand on her arm. “I need your help.”
She sat back against the seat. “What can I do?”
“Give me the number and name of Cassie’s nearest family members. I’ll call them once we move her.”
Rose mumbled her answer. Then she covered her eyes with a shaking hand. “I can’t believe she’s gone.” Tears seeped between her fingers.
“I’ll be on the embankment. Stay here.”
She nodded, and he headed toward Cassie. In a few seconds he circled around her body, scanning the surroundings and finally crouched to study the ground. Rose brushed away the tears and wished he’d left the key so she could start the engine and turn on the heat.
Lennox trudged back. “Did you see anyone on your way to the hill?”
“I didn’t notice a soul.” She shook her head. “It’s possible I walked by someone. I was paying attention to the riverbank.”
“Explain again about Dahlia speaking to you.”
She twisted her hands in front of her. “I was napping, but I heard her calling to me. So I came.”
The sound of sirens screamed in the air.
“Is there a possibility Cassie stopped at the river on her way home? Did you mention where your sister was found?”
She shook her head. “I don’t remember if I told her about the bank. She might have read it in the paper. After lunch, she was going home to Brattleboro. She never talked about visiting another person or place. I watched her pull out of the parking lot.”
“Was anyone near her vehicle or following her when she drove off?”
“No one, Lennox, she waved to me. How could this happen to her?” She wiped at the tears on her cheeks.
“Rose, did Cassie mention threats or problems at home?”
“No, she was laughing at lunch. She came to cheer me up and talk about her art class. Look what happened to her.” Rose closed her eyes and sagged against the seat. “Maybe I’m cursed like Typhoid Mary.”
“I don’t think a curse was her problem.” He hunkered down in front of her and squeezed her hand.
“Lennox, do you think A.J. killed Cassie?”
“I wish I knew for sure. I’ll speak to you in a few minutes. Don’t move. I’m going to meet my men.”
“I’ll try not to run away,” she mumbled.
The ambulance and two squad cars pulled up on the hill. A state cruiser followed behind an ambulance.
The trooper slammed his door and hiked over to meet Lennox. “The state’s Major Crime van is on its way. I understand you have a possible homicide.”
Lennox nodded and filled him in. A small army of men in uniforms and suits descended on the area. Rose watched the buzz of activity. Buck up, Blue. You can’t sit around forever.
She walked over to Lennox and the group of uniforms. “What can I do to help?”
“Nothing, the men will do their jobs.” He cut a glance at the new arrival driving to them.
“What is it?” She snapped her attention toward the vehicle.
“Frank’s here.”
The burly, ex cop slammed the door of his dented vehicle and spoke to one of the officers before he ambled forward.
“He heard already?” Did everyone know?
“I called him. Before you protest, listen to me.” He took hold of her arms and peered into her face. “He’ll take you home and stay with you until I finish up. I need to clear the crime scene to work it.”
“I don’t need a babysitter, Lennox.”
“Humor me.”
Before she could argue, Frank approached them.
“Rosie girl, I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks, Frank.” She bit her lower lip to stop the quiver. “Lennox, do you want me to speak to Cassie’s mom?”
“I’ll contact her. Go ahead with Frank.”
“Come along, Rose.” Frank hooked his arm around her shoulders. “We’ll let the young men work.”
She sent one last glance toward the friend who’d come to cheer her up and instead lost her life. Yellow tape was going up to declare the area off limits. She should have told Cassie how much she meant to her. She should have asked more about Cassie’s dreams and talked less about her problems.
“Ready, Rose?” Lennox asked.
She said a quick prayer and faced him. “Yes, take care of my friend.”
Chapter 20
At her apartment, Rose poured steaming water from the kettle into her mug. “I need something hot,” she said to Frank sitting across the kitchen table from her. “I’m freezing and can’t stop shaking. Want a cup?”
“I believe I will.” He reached into the pocket of his coat draped over the back of the chair. He came up with an airplane sized bottle. “My favorite warm up. I always carry one. Care for a touch?”
“No thanks.” She set a mug in front of him. “I can microwave a bowl of soup if you’re hungry.”
“Don’t bother. Your hot water is superb.” He poured amber fluid from his bottle into his drink.
“I never dreamed my day would end this way.” She held the cup between her hands, letting the heat soak into her skin. “I hope they find a clue on the bank that will finally put away that monster.”
“I’m sure Lennox feels the same. Homicides can eat you up. The ones you can’t solve are like cancerous cells destroying your faith.”
Rose wrinkled her face. “Not everyone can hack being a detective. I wouldn’t be able.” She held out an unsteady hand. “I’m on the verge of crying again, but Lennox can handle it. He’ll find who murdered my sister and Cassie.”
Frank sat quiet, observing her.
“What is it?”
“I’m happy Luke has someone who believes in him. I’m afraid not everyone is so lucky, and tears don’t mean you’re weak, Rose. You’re human with emotions. Crying can be how you survive to move on.”
She rested her cup on the table. Now was her chance to find answers. “Frank, I need to ask you a question that’s a little personal and has nothing to do with Cassie.”
“Ask away. My life’s yours for tonight only.”
“I apologize in advance if it’s none of my business, but I read online that Lennox’s father committed suicide. Do you believe he killed himself?” She studied the older man’s face, watching his reaction.
“Rose, my girl, you’ve touched on a sensitive issue.” He stared into space for a second as though searching the past. “John was my partner and the best man I ever knew. I never believed he killed himself. I don’t care how many Medical Examiners cut up and study his body. The man was murdered.”
She forced out a word. “Awful.”
“He was hot on solving the case where the young woman was strangled and dumped in a pond.”
“Are you talking about the victim in North Conway?”
“No, this case was eight years ago, in a town near Conway and similar in makeup. Both towns offer lots of condos for weekenders or vacationers who enjoy shopping or sports, which gave us lots of transients to consider. John and the others working the case thought it was the same MO in both cases. Each investigation started with a missing person and ended in a homicide with a young girl’s body disposed in water.
“How old was the girl in the older case?”
“She was about seventeen, a trusting soul and a little shy. She was not allowed to date. Everyone was horrified that such a sweet girl was tortured and murdered. John was friends with one of the detectives from the State Major Crime unit who worked the scene. The two of them used to kick around theories once the case went cold.”
“Maybe the detective from Major Crime could help us with Dahlia’s death.”
“He died two years ago. Let’s forget death for the moment.” Frank chugged his drink. “You make great tea,
Miss Blue.”
“Heating water is a gift.”
“I agree.” He rested his mug on the table. “People don’t realize when you spend all your time living with heinous crimes, your life changes.”
“And the life might kill you,” Rose added, gripping her tea cup.
“Might is a big word and leaves a lot of room for doubt in my old partner’s case.”
She nodded and mentally said a quick prayer for Lennox. The desire to see him safe and sound seized her. She needed him out of harm’s way at the river.
* * *
Not a trace of evidence remained on the girl. The river had taken care of that. Search all day and night. You’ll learn nothing. I’m smarter than the whole Ledgeview Police Force.
You’ll never catch me, even when I’m in front of you.
Sirens and flashing lights were drawing a crowd. The camera helped to blend in. People snapped and videoed the action on the hill. Murder was a big draw in Ledgeview.
I was here, but now I’m gone. Just like Dahlia, Cassandra and next, Rose.
* * *
Luke ordered the uniforms to establish the perimeter around the area. “Get the names of each EMT when they arrive. I want to eliminate or account for any DNA we might pick up. Then I want the name and address of each employee from the stores in the plaza. We’ll interview each one.”
The officers nodded and took off. The forensic techies were already garbed in their plastic booties, gloves and coats. In the distance a black sedan headed toward him. Conroy.
He halted his vehicle next to Luke’s, flung open the door and headed toward the activity.
“What’d you find?”
“Victim is on the bank,” Luke said. “She was a friend of the Blue women and drove over to visit Rose yesterday for lunch. Last seen headed home from Ledgeview to Vermont. I’d say she spent time in the river same as our last victim.”
Conroy emitted a sound that was a cross between a grunt and a curse.