Shadows from the Grave

by Haddix, T. L.

  “Anything new from Gordon?” Jason asked, changing the subject.

  Chase retrieved the dropped hammer. “Yeah, unfortunately. I talked to him Wednesday evening. He seems to think the investigation’s being steered in my direction.” He laid a shingle flat and pounded the nails to hold it in place. He didn’t have to look up to know what the expressions would be on Ethan and Jason’s faces. “I’ve talked to John about it, and he’s looking into things to see where we stand, just in case,” he added.

  Ethan spoke first. “Holy hell, Chase. How serious does Gordon think this is?”

  Chase shrugged and wiped at his forehead with his arm. “You know Gordon by now. He doesn’t panic unnecessarily. I’d say there’s a good chance he’s right.”

  “But they have witnesses,” Jason protested. “You have a solid alibi.”

  “Not as solid as we thought.” Chase relayed what Gordon had told him. “It’s been ten years, Jason. You know how much can happen in a case in that length of time.”

  “So what’s the plan?” Jason asked. Chase could tell he didn’t like what he was hearing. “I’ll be damned if I stand by and watch you go to jail because of Kiely’s vindictive bitch of a sister.”

  Chase clapped him on the shoulder. “Jason, I don’t want to go to jail, but unless something changes, it might be a reality we have to face. Believe me, I know what I stand to lose, little brother. I’ll do whatever it takes to clear my name.” He turned to look down at the women. “I’m not about to just lie down and let this bastard win.”

  Chapter 17

  By the time Gordon and Detective Hart reached Leroy Sunday morning, it was nearly ten o’clock. Though they had driven up separately, they arrived within minutes of one another. Gordon was a little surprised when he pulled up outside the Olman County Courthouse and saw the detective still in his car. Hart got out when he spotted Gordon and, without exchanging a single word, they walked to the entrance of the sheriff’s department. Inside, they went up to the bulletproof window, where the deputy behind the desk recognized Gordon.

  “Hey, Agent Gordon,” he said. “You two here to see the sheriff?”

  “We are. Is he here?” Gordon asked as he signed in on the sheet the deputy provided.

  “He is. I’ll let him know you are.” The deputy picked up the phone and told the person on the other end about Gordon and Detective Hart’s arrival. He hung up and buzzed them in. “Gentlemen, if you’ll step on back here, I’ll get your visitor badges. The sheriff is waiting for you in his office. You remember where that is, Agent Gordon?”

  “Sure do, Deputy.” Gordon and Hart clipped on their badges, and Gordon led the way upstairs to the sheriff’s office. Wyatt Dixon was waiting, seated behind his desk. Stacy Kirchner was also there and, when Gordon saw the stony look on her face, he felt a pang of regret. Wyatt had warned him that not everyone would see his involvement in this process as helpful and, apparently, he had been right. The sheriff stood and beckoned them inside.

  “Sheriff, this is Detective Greg Hart from Lexington,” Gordon introduced as they shook hands. He stepped back to let Greg shake and, as he did, he greeted Stacy. “Detective.” He wasn’t surprised when she barely nodded to acknowledge him, and he had no doubt that if the situation had been a more social setting, she would have turned her back on him.

  Wyatt introduced Stacy to Detective Hart and indicated that everyone should sit. He sat back down in his own chair and leaned back, studying the detective for a minute. “So you want to bring Chase Hudson in for questioning,” he drawled. “Tell me, Detective, why should I let you do that?”

  Detective Hart opened a portfolio and drew out a paper, which he passed to the sheriff. “As we discussed on the phone last night, Sheriff, aside from recent events with mysterious packages, Mr. Hudson’s alibi has come into question. Upon exhumation of the victim, we discovered that note.” He gestured to the paper. “In light of those developments, we really didn’t feel like we had a choice in the matter.”

  Wyatt picked up his reading glasses and read over the copy of the note. A slight scowl was his only reaction. When he finished, he passed the note to Stacy. “Just who is this we you keep referring to, Detective?”

  “That would be my supervisors and myself, Sheriff,” Hart answered.

  Wyatt raised an eyebrow. “But Agent Gordon, isn’t the FBI is leading the investigation?”

  “We are, sir, but my supervisor has instructed me to let Detective Hart take the lead today.” Gordon gave Wyatt a subtle nod, letting him know the plan they had discussed the night before was still in play.

  His chair creaking, Wyatt leaned forward. “Answer me this, Detective. When all this came about ten years ago, didn’t someone in your department think to get a DNA sample from Chase?”

  The younger man flushed. “We did, Sheriff. However, at some point in the past few years, that evidence was lost.”

  Wyatt was quiet for a minute. “Well, that’s very interesting,” he said. “Any other evidence your department has lost you want to share with us?” Hart shook his head. Wyatt took off his glasses and laid them back down on his blotter. “Detective Hart, I can appreciate your position. That doesn’t mean I have to like it. You’re aware that Chase Hudson is related to two of my best people, correct?”

  “I am.”

  Wyatt continued, “I’ve known Chase since he was a child. He isn’t your murderer. I’d be willing to stake my badge on that.”

  “Sheriff, you aren’t the only person who’s told me that. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough,” Hart responded.

  “I know,” Wyatt said as he stood. “It’s still a lousy, piss-poor thing to have to do on a Sunday, or any day for that matter.” As they followed the sheriff out of his office, Wyatt told Stacy to set up the interrogation room. “I want you in the room while Detective Hart questions Chase, but it’s probably better that you don’t go to bring him in.” She nodded and headed off to take care of the preparations, not giving the men a backward glance. Wyatt turned in time to catch Gordon watching her walk away, and he raised an eyebrow at the younger man.

  “You do like a challenge, son,” he commented. “Let’s do this. Gordon, you’re driving.”

  “How are we going to find Hudson?” Detective Hart asked as they piled in the black, government-issued SUV. “Try his house first?”

  Wyatt shook his head. “Nah, we don’t have to. I know where he’s supposed to be.” He looked at Gordon. “This is your last chance to back out. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you did.”

  Gordon’s answering smile was grim. “You might not, but I would. No, I’m in this for the long haul, Sheriff. For better or worse, if you will. Are we heading to Ethan’s?”

  “We are,” Wyatt affirmed. “You know the way, right?” Gordon nodded and pulled out of the parking lot.

  “How bad do you think this is going to be?” Gordon asked quietly. He was surprised when Wyatt clapped him on the shoulder briefly.

  “It’s going to be bad enough, Agent Gordon,” he predicted. “It’s going to be bad enough.”

  Chapter 18

  When Annie saw the SUV turn into the driveway, a chill rushed over her from head to toe. She knew it wouldn’t be good news.

  “What’s Gordon doing here?” Beth asked, as she stood and waved. “Wyatt’s with him—something’s wrong.” She hurried over to wait for Gordon to park.

  Annie felt a sliver of dread break off and pierce her heart. It would have to be Gordon, of all people. She shook her head. “No, oh, no. No, no, no,” she whispered. She tore her gaze from the vehicle, and looked over at Chase, who was watching, grim-faced, as Gordon parked. Chase turned toward her, and she could see the apprehension on his face.

  As the men started down from the roof, Chase pulled out his cell phone. Annie couldn’t hear his words from where she stood, but she guessed he was calling John. They had discussed Gordon’s warning at length the night before, and Annie had hoped it was a phone call Chase would never have to make.
/>   When Ethan and Jason reached the ground, they walked over to greet the sheriff and Gordon. Annie quickly made her way to Chase’s side and slipped her hand in his. Whatever happened, she had to make sure he knew she was behind him. He gripped her hand tightly and squeezed.

  “Here goes nothing,” he told her under his breath, and they stepped forward.

  ~ * * * ~

  Gordon had known bringing Chase in for questioning wouldn’t be easy, but when he pulled into the Moore’s driveway, his gut clenched with dread at a level he hadn’t felt in a number of years. Detective Hart leaned forward in the backseat. Seeing the men on the roof, he asked which one was Chase.

  “Blue shirt,” Wyatt responded. “The blonde is his brother, and the other dark-haired man is his brother-in-law. They both work in my department.”

  “And the women?” the detective asked as they got out of the SUV.

  “Blonde heading our way is Beth Hudson Moore, Chase and Jason’s sister. This is her house.” Before Wyatt could tell Hart who Annie and Hannah were, Beth had reached them and was giving Gordon a hug. She did the same to Wyatt as everyone else walked up.

  “What’s going on, fellas?” she asked.

  “Beth, Ethan, these gentlemen need a word with your brother,” Wyatt said. When Ethan and Jason placed themselves in front of Chase, the sheriff raised a brow. Gordon wasn’t sure whether the move was deliberate or not. Before the sheriff could say anything to his deputies, though, Chase walked around to stand beside Ethan.

  “Why do you need to talk to Chase?” Beth asked. She looked at Gordon. “Have you found something out? Do you know who killed Kiely?”

  Gordon steeled himself. “Everyone, this is Detective Greg Hart from Lexington. Chase, I’m sorry, but we need you to come in to answer some questions.” He faced Chase straight on.

  “Do you have a warrant?” Ethan asked.

  “We have a warrant for Mr. Hudson’s DNA,” Detective Hart said. He handed the paper to Chase, who only glanced at it.

  “Excuse me, but why would you need a warrant? And why do you need Chase’s DNA?” Beth asked. She moved to stand in front of Gordon and narrowed her gaze. “Explain. Now.”

  Chase sighed and stepped over to his sister. “They’re here because I’m a suspect, Beth.”

  Beth shook her head. “No, I don’t think so,” she said. “That’s ridiculous. Gordon, tell him it’s ridiculous. This is some kind of sick joke.”

  “I’m afraid I can’t do that, Beth,” Gordon responded. “Chase is right.”

  Gordon knew he had shocked her, and her words confirmed that. “I can’t believe this,” she said, her hand going to her chest. “You aren’t serious.” She searched his face, and he saw her disbelief turn to anger. She took two steps, coming to stand toe-to-toe with him. Hands on hips, she stared him down. “What the hell is this about, Gordon? What are you doing?”

  “Beth, he’s doing his job,” Ethan said. He placed his hands on her shoulders, but she shrugged him off.

  “I want to hear him say it. He needs to explain himself.” She jabbed her finger into Gordon’s chest, causing him to wince. “You have some nerve, buddy. I’m surprised you don’t clang when you walk. This had better be a joke.”

  “Damn, Beth, you’ll draw blood if you don’t watch it,” Ethan said.

  She turned to him with a glare. “And what’s the matter with you, defending him?” Gordon could see her mouth start to tremble, and he felt lower than pond scum.

  “Beth—” Ethan started, clearly upset, but she held up her hand, stopping him.

  She turned back to Gordon. “I won’t forget this,” she said, her voice shaking. “After everything we’ve been through… you’d better not let Chase get hurt. Do you understand me? Because if you do, I won’t ever forgive you.”

  Gordon gave a short nod, but before he could speak, Chase moved Beth back a few steps. He cupped her face in his hands and made her look at him. “That’s enough, sis. You’re going to say something you can’t take back if you don’t stop now.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Gordon’s doing his job. Don’t blame him for that. And sure as heck don’t blame Ethan, okay?”

  Beth protested. “But, Chase—”

  Chase shook his head. “No buts,” he said. He pulled her in for a tight hug. “I’ve been expecting this. I need you to pull it together for me. Can you do that?” he asked in a low voice. Beth visibly pulled herself together and, after a minute, she nodded. Chase kissed the top of her head.

  “Good girl.” He signaled Ethan, who stepped up behind Beth. When she turned and went straight into his arms, hiding her face against his chest, Chase breathed a sigh of relief. He squeezed Ethan’s shoulder and faced Detective Hart.

  “Where are we doing this?” he asked.

  “Sheriff Dixon is letting us use one of his interrogation rooms,” Hart answered. “You’re willing to come in, then?”

  Chase’s lip curled with derision. “Let’s not pretend I have a choice, Detective. We all know how this particular dance works, and I know why you’re doing this. I just hope the Bledsoes are paying you well.”

  Wyatt stepped between the two men and backed Detective Hart down before he could respond to Chase’s jab. “I’d like to suggest we get this over with, gentlemen.” He shot Chase a warning glance.

  “Fine,” Chase said. “Am I driving in or riding with you?”

  “That’s up to you,” Gordon told him.

  Chase gave a brief nod. “Then I’ll ride with you.” He turned to Jason. “You mind calling John and letting him know we’re on our way in? He knows they’re here, but I didn’t know where we were going when I called him.”

  When Jason moved to hug him, Gordon saw Chase’s surprise. “Not a problem, brother. We’ll follow you in.”

  “You don’t have to do that. You need to get this roof on before it rains again,” Chase said as he started toward the SUV with the others.

  Jason followed. “You’re out of your mind if you think we aren’t going to be right there, waiting.”

  Chase opened the door behind Gordon’s seat and turned to look at Jason. “It’s probably going to take a few hours, at least. You know that.”

  “And your point is?” Jason asked. “We’ll see you at the courthouse.”

  Before Chase got inside the vehicle, he glanced to where Annie was standing, her eyes full of worry. They exchanged a thousand unspoken words as their eyes locked for a moment. There was so much he wanted to say, but now was neither the time nor the place. He hoped he would still be a free man when the interrogation was over, and that he would get the chance to talk to her then. He wished he had the courage to go to her, to reassure her everything would be okay, but he didn’t know if she would welcome the attention. Right now, he couldn’t handle her rejection if she didn’t. Chase had to clear his throat to speak. “Jason? One more favor?”

  “Sure, name it,” Jason responded without hesitation.

  “Keep an eye on Annie for me? If this all goes to hell, she’ll be alone. The killer’s still out there.”

  “Brother, that goes without saying. You know I will.” Jason clasped him on the arm, and with no other choice, Chase climbed into the backseat.

  ~ * * * ~

  The ride into town was a tense, quiet affair. Detective Hart tried to start a conversation with Chase a couple of times, but he gave up when Chase simply turned a cool gaze to him and said nothing. Although Chase wanted to believe the detective had stopped trying to engage him because the man wasn’t persistent or determined enough, he knew that was a pipe dream. The man had to have some strong evidence in order to garner Wyatt and Gordon’s support, albeit unhappily given. Based on what Gordon had let slip earlier in the week, he also knew he’d lost his airtight alibi. He just wondered what else the detective had managed to dredge up. He figured he would find out soon enough.

  It didn’t take long to reach the courthouse, and once inside, they were greeted by Stacy Kirchner and John Hudson.

  Jo
hn glanced over Chase as if to assure himself his nephew was still in one piece, then turned his attention to Detective Hart. “I hear you want to question my client regarding the murder of Kiely Turner, detective. I’d like to see any warrants you have pertaining to such.”

  Detective Hart raised his eyebrows. Lips pursed, he did a quick study of John from head to toe. John obviously hadn’t dressed up to come to the courthouse, as he was attired in clothing very similar to Chase’s own t-shirt and khaki shorts. Chase thought that was probably a deliberate choice on John’s part, an attempt to make the detective underestimate him. It was a trick John could never use with anyone local, since he was usually dressed to the nines, but it was an interesting ploy that Chase almost enjoyed watching.

  “Who, exactly, are you?” Detective Hart asked as John returned the perusal.

  “I’m Chase’s legal counsel, John Hudson.” He held out his hand to Detective Hart.

  The detective’s eyes narrowed as they shook hands. “Well, now, that is interesting,” he said with a snide tone. “I’m a little surprised you lawyered up so quickly, Chase, for someone who proclaims his innocence so much.”

  Chase let John handle the remark. “Make no mistake, Detective. My nephew had nothing whatsoever to do with Miss Turner’s death. However, given his profession and what is at stake here, we’re erring on the side of caution. Now, those documents?”

  Detective Hart opened his portfolio and handed John the DNA warrant. After a quick glance, he asked for a copy. “Also, I’d like a few minutes with Chase. In private.”

  “That’s your copy,” Hart told him.

  John looked at Wyatt. “Where do you want us, Sheriff?”

  Wyatt gestured to Stacy, who said, “Follow me, gentlemen. I have one of our interrogation rooms ready to go. Is that sufficiently private?”

  “That will do nicely, Detective, as long as the video and sound equipment aren’t on while we talk.” he told her. She opened the door and preceded them into the room, double checking the video camera.