“And just what might that be?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out.” He gave her a slow grin. “Believe me, I’d be happy to show you.”
“I think I’ll pass for now.” Oh yes, her cheeks were definitely flaming now! Good thing it was dark in the car.
“All kidding aside, Jess, keep your eyes open.”
“I will, and you, too. I can’t have anything happen to my rescuer.” She dug through her purse to find his keys.
“I enjoyed tonight even if it ended with a hard landing.” He pulled Jessie’s car in next to his. She started to open the door. “Don’t go anywhere yet. I’m walking you to the door.”
They walked quietly together and at the door, she handed him his keys and thanked him. He lifted her hair gently from her face with his finger. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. The look he was giving her caused her insides to flutter. He leaned nearer and brushed his lips seductively back and forth across hers. “Sleep tight, sweetheart, dream about me.” Then he turned and walked away.
She watched him get into his car and waved when he drove away. He would probably be in her dreams. He often was.
Chapter 32
By the middle of the week, Matt’s concern was growing. The window of opportunity was closing fast for finding the kids. He found himself going through every theory again. He replayed every possible scenario, came up with nothing. Tom had worked tirelessly with him for the past few days, questioning suspects and pouring over transcripts. Even with all of the tips that came in by phone, they had very few solid leads. They followed up on every one, but nothing had turned up. Hell, they were all on a wild goose chase.
Matt closed the file that he was reading and set it off to the side of his desk. He turned his chair to look out the window. What he needed right now was one solid lead that could give him a break in the case. Sammy was cooperating in every way that he could, but he knew very little about what the group was up to. Sammy was exactly what he thought he was—the hired fall guy. He had minimal information only.
Josh had filled in a few missing pieces on Lutz, Hampton, and Johnson. Matt learned more about the places where the kids had stayed and how they were treated. The FBI had questioned each of the suspects a couple times, but no one would give up the name of the head of operations. Either they were afraid or they didn’t know. Mike Pearson thought that maybe it was Steve Murphy. He was the only one that Mike ever talked to or saw. Steve had given them their marching orders. Matt felt in his gut that he wasn’t the top guy. He had been one of the hits on the night of the ball. Probably he knew too much. The top dogs were in self-preservation mode now. They would let the others take the fall so they could live to play another day. Unless something major changed, they’d get away with it. Matt pounded his fist silently on the desktop. The operation was set up to protect those at the top.
“Matt, can we talk to you?”
Matt turned his chair to see Jeremy and Jessie standing there. “Sure, come in. What’s up?”
Jeremy spoke up first. “We’ve been searching and I think we’ve found something pretty interesting. We put it together in a timeline to make it easier for you to read.” He handed several sheets of paper to Matt.
Matt slipped his glasses on and started reading. “Are you sure about this item right here?” Matt pointed it to out to Jeremy.
Jeremy nodded. “Someone in the senator’s office has been passing information along and doing things on the computer. There is no way to know yet how much the senator knows, maybe nothing at all.”
Jessie watched him flip to the next page. “This is where it gets interesting. Do you notice the discrepancies surrounding the Booker brothers’ early years? It gets more interesting the further you read. There are many inconsistencies in the last few years.”
“I can see that. I’m going to have to think about what all this might mean. I’ve been toying with a similar idea for a while.” He frowned.
“I was sure you probably had been.” Jessie smiled at him. “I didn’t think we would find anything that you hadn’t considered in some way. We’ve only found the tangible evidence to back up your theories.”
“I’ll take a little time to study this. Is it possible for us to get together later on to discuss your findings?”
“Sure thing!” Jeremy stood up to leave.
“Will six work, at my house? Jess knows the way, don’t you, sweetheart?” He smiled at her as a rosy blush tinged her cheeks. “I don’t want to be in a public place when we talk. I’ll take care of dinner.”
Jeremy headed out the door. Jessie stood up to follow him. Matt jumped up, grabbed her hand, and pulled her back in the room. “See you, Jeremy.” Matt closed his office door. He leaned against his desk pulling her gently into his arms. “I’ve missed you. This is the first time I’ve seen or talked to you since Sunday.” He watched the way her face softened when she looked at him and groaned inwardly. Wrong time and wrong place. “I needed to hold you close for a minute. Thank you,” he whispered in her ear.
“For what?” She tried to twist out of his arms, but he held her fast.
“Well, for all your hard work, of course. You make my job easier, and besides you’re much better to look at than any of the mugs around here.” He let her go. He gave her a playful push toward the door. “See you at six.”
After Jessie left, Matt sat back down and began reading their research. It was the ace in the hole he was looking for. Now he had enough powder to blow the lid off this case with the potential to take several people down with it. Up to now, he had no proof. None at all. This changed everything. He could interrogate his suspects again, armed with some damning evidence.
****
Jessie walked out of the station, alone; she suddenly had that feeling someone was watching her again. She could feel him spinning his web, probing her head, but she wasn’t afraid. He was playing games with her. She decided it was time to get in the game and give it back to him. Jessie had no idea what she was doing. Instinct kicked in. She pictured herself dressed as a goalie; she went for the block. She dodged his probes and threw some random thoughts back at him. She could feel his confusion. He was throwing one thing after another at her, none of it making any sense. She refused to let him get inside her head. Finally, he gave up. Feeling suddenly exhausted, she got into her car wondering what had just happened.
She would have to talk to her grandmother about this. It seemed to be a new place for her once again. She could talk to Reba of course, but no one else besides them. She wasn’t sure if anyone would understand this. Who would believe her anyway?
She took her sandwich out of her lunch cooler and ate it as she headed back to the church. She felt a near-hysterical urge to giggle. Life had certainly played a few tricks on her lately. She had moved to Blue Cove to have a nice quiet life and what had she gotten—a ghost, a girl in her head, strange dreams, and now some crazy man trying to waltz through her mind. She felt her arm, yep, it was still real. I’m still me! she told herself and smiled. Sort of! Why anyone would want to do this for a living was totally beyond her.
She pulled into the church parking lot. She should have known. She smiled again as she turned off the engine. Reba was standing by her car waiting for her.
“Jessie girl, you’re just the person I wanted to see.” Reba walked toward Jessie as soon as she stepped out of the car.
“Nothing should surprise me anymore.” Jessie shook her head and laughed. She met Reba halfway between both cars. “What’s up?”
“I could ask you the same thing. You’ve been on my mind all morning. You have questions, and I have the answers.”
“I’m not even going to ask you how you know. I think I can understand just a little.”
“You’re learning.” Reba nodded, her eyes sparkling. “Only those who need your help should be allowed to enter the world of your thoughts. You must find ways to stop those who are there for the wrong reasons. You are the gatekeeper.” She grabbed Jessie’s hand
. “This should only happen when there is great need for it, as in the case of Gina or Abigail. You may or may not hear or see something again in the future. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”
“Yes, I believe I do.” Jessie paused to gather her thoughts. “My grandmother told me similar things happened to her at different times as she worked on special projects. Her grandmother before her also had the same experiences.”
“Ah, now that makes sense.” Reba smiled at her. “I had wondered where you’d come by the ability and why it had so randomly shown up.”
“I felt twice lately that someone was trying to probe my thoughts. The first time almost got me killed. Today was the second time, and I managed to keep him out. He didn’t belong there.”
“Good, good! This is the person who will challenge you.” Reba looked around. “I don’t need to tell you to be careful.” Reba had a serious look on her face. “Watch over your friends, too.”
“I will.”
“You should get to work. Be safe.” Reba hugged Jessie and they said their goodbyes.
****
A few minutes before six, Jessie pulled her car into Matt’s driveway. Jeremy got out and walked around to open her door. Something smelled wonderful. She couldn’t wait.
“Wow, this place is amazing.” Jeremy looked around the grounds and at the view. “How does he do all this on a cop’s salary?”
“This was his parents’ home, which they gave to him. They live in the Boston area now.” She rang the doorbell. “He did most of the work inside himself. Wait until you see it. It’s like a show home.”
Matt opened the door. “Come in. Dinner is ready.”
Jessie noticed the nicely set table. “Did you make dinner?”
“I did and before you get worried. I’m considered to be a pretty good cook.” He grinned at them. “At least no one has left hungry, yet, or complained for that matter.” He drizzled the dressing on the salads he had prepared as he talked.
“Tell me who would complain the chief of police was an awful cook. You could be bad, and no one would ever tell you.” Jessie took the three green salads he handed her and placed one at each table setting.
“I’m willing to give it a try. I’m starving.” Jeremy sat down at the table.
Matt poured a light fruity Chardonnay into the wine glasses. “Go ahead and eat while I get the rest together.”
“This dressing is really good. Did you make it?” Jeremy looked up at Matt when he walked in carrying their plates.
“I did.”
“Well now, I am impressed.” Jessie grinned. “A chief of police that’s a gourmet cook.”
“It’s called therapy! I work on my house and I cook. It gives me other things to think about besides work all the time.”
“I, for one, am glad.” Jeremy finished the last of his salad.
Jessie thought the wine was perfect with the herb grilled chicken and grilled veggies. The entire meal was wonderful. “Impressed twice in one evening, that’s a record. Can I have a doggie bag for the rest of my dinner? I don’t want to waste one bit of it.” She sipped her wine.
“You have to save room for the dessert, which is equally good. I always serve it with coffee. And then we’ll talk.”
He served the light chocolate soufflé with a raspberry sauce. “Please tell me you didn’t make this. No woman in her right mind would want to compete with this cooking.”
He grinned sheepishly. “Sorry, I can’t take credit for this. This wonderful dessert is compliments of Roger Blackman and the Chowder House. I don’t bake or do desserts.”
“Whew…” She dramatically placed her hand to her forehead. “I thought for a minute we wouldn’t be able to date again. I have to have one area in the cooking department where I excel, and you’re simply too good. My female pride couldn’t take it if you could do it all.”
“Well, you can tell that Roger fella for me this was a damn fine soufflé.” Jeremy licked his fork.
They spent the next hour going over the papers and putting together a plan. Matt asked the questions he had, and Jessie and Jeremy answered them with clarity. The plan was that Jessie would bait them with an article. They’d see if anyone went for it. Now all they had to do was play the waiting game.
Chapter 33
Jessie’s article came out in the following Monday paper. Matt folded it open on the table at Joe’s where he’d stopped for a belated breakfast. He hadn’t seen Jessie since the dinner at his place last week. Tom was running him ragged. He didn’t have his usual time to think through the case the way he liked to. Something didn’t feel right to him. They were going in too many directions.
Jessie’s article zeroed in on Tot’s Togs & Toys and the possible link to a human trafficking ring. It put before the public once again the names of the children and the known kidnappers in hopes that someone would remember one little thing that could help them solve this case. It also focused on the group of eight men who worked for the company in case someone knew something about them, which would lead them to the two unknown people and anyone else known to work there.
So far the snow had held off, and they were a having a typical New England fall. He hadn’t had time for football games or anything else fun lately. Hell, he hadn’t even claimed his second date with Jessie. He sipped his coffee. They had talked a few times, but he hadn’t seen her. Jeremy would be leaving this weekend, so he needed to think of everything he wanted him to do. He tapped his pen on the notepad. He really should bring Frank back one more time before snow covered up any possible tracks. His phone rang.
He looked at the caller’s name and smiled. “Hey, stranger.” Jessie’s voice sounded real and warm in his ear. “I wanted to see how you’re doing,”
“I was just thinking about you. I read your article and I was missing you. Another good piece, by the way.”
“Thanks!” He heard her take a breath. “I was wondering what happened to you. You usually come by to talk over the case. I was hoping all those extra hands would take some of the pressure off you this time.”
“To tell you the truth, it’s made it worse. I haven’t had a minute to think.” He nodded as Molly paused by the table with the coffee pot to see if he wanted a refill. “Are you in the vicinity’s of Joe’s? I sure would like to see my girl, if only for a minute.” He added cream and stirred his coffee.
“Sure, I have a few minutes. I’ll drop by.”
Matt watched the door every time it opened. Finally, she walked in. Man, she looked good. He smiled and waved her over. “Hey, sweetheart, Molly will bring you a coffee and scone. I’ve already taken care of it.” He liked it when she wore something that showed of her gorgeous long legs. This skirt did it quite nicely and the blue sweater made her eyes look like sapphires, bluer than normal. Was it even possible? “Are you doing all right?”
“I am. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Jeremy and Katie. Things have been a little quiet as of late. I think Jeremy is closing in on the partners of the store. We should have that information for you soon.” She paused as Molly set her coffee in front of her along with the scone.
“I haven’t seen either of you in here for a while. It’s good to see you both.” Molly smiled down at Jessie. “Wasn’t the shower fun the other night?”
Jessie poured cream into her coffee. “It was great! I really liked your family. Your sister kept me laughing most of the night.”
“We’re best friends—even when we were growing up we were. Of course, we got into some major sister wars as well.”
“I thought you got some really great gifts. You’ll have fun getting your new place decorated.”
“I know.” Molly tapped Matt on the shoulder. “Don’t forget the rehearsal is a month from Friday right over there at her work place.” She smiled and pointed across the street at the church. “Kenny really likes Pastor Kevin. He’s been doing the premarital counseling with us.”
“He’s a super great guy. I’m glad you like him.” Jessie felt the
hair on the back of her neck stand up. She looked around but didn’t see anything. He had to be somewhere close by.
“Both of the pastors are going to be a part of the wedding. I guess I’d better get back to work.” Molly started to walk away but then turned back to them. “I’m happy we were able to change venues on such short notice since the marina won’t be ready in time. The Chowder House offered us the restaurant for the reception for the same price. Cool, don’t you think? Enjoy your coffee.” Molly waved at someone who had just walked in and went back to the kitchen.
“I’ve been practicing with the lady from the FBI that you got me hooked up with. I think it has made a difference. I feel a lot more confidence in using the gun, now.” Jessie straightened in the chair and crossed her legs.
Matt noticed. “I talked to her the other day, and she said that you were catching on. You’re quick on your feet, agile, and smart at picking up things. She told me you had learned to drop and roll as you fired. She said that you hit your target almost every time, too.” He gave her an approving smile. She really was something. “I have cops on the force who have to work to pass that part of the recertification every time.”
“I’m supposed to take the test tomorrow or the next day. I’ll have to hit all the targets in order to pass.” She smiled at him. “I’ll just visualize you cheering for me, and I’ll do fine.” Jessie paused, her brows creased.
“What are you thinking?” He reached for her hand.
“I was thinking how things have changed since we first met. I would have visualized you as the target then.”
Matt laughed. “Yes, I believe you would have.” He had been an idiot, back then. He was darn lucky he hadn’t lost her to someone else. He continued to chuckle.
“You can always stop by and talk about the case, even if it’s late.” She took the last sip of her coffee.
“Let’s do dinner and talk tonight. I’ll just leave early.” He touched her hand lightly. “You want to meet at Patterson’s after work or somewhere else?”
Not for Sale Page 24