Melanie felt the presence of someone. Surely it was Spencer. She didn’t bother rolling over to see who, but lay still not making a sound.
“It has to be here. I couldn’t have dropped it outside anywhere else. If I can’t find that phone there’s no way that I can contact the Bureau.” Spencer spoke quietly, as he fumbled around as though trying not to disturb her. He was about to leave when he felt the phone near the blanket. “Good. If I’d misplaced this, we’d have all been dead by morning.”
Spencer chewed on his lip wondering if Melanie had used his phone. Flipping it open, he looked at the last number that had been dialed. Nope, it was the number that he’d dialed when he phoned the Bureau the last time.
“Well, what do you know? It did fall out.” He thought of Melanie, lying under the covers. “Must have been bone tired. Of course, it might be the drug making her sleepy.” He flicked on the flashlight, then quickly turned it off. “I see she’s got the bottle of water within reach. That’s good. Duncan sure did marry a beauty this time. Of course Jean was a knockout, too, but this Mrs. McGregor is the most stunning.”
He sighed. “Duncan, if we ever get out of this, you and I need to sit down and have a chat. It was all a rumor about Jean and me. Not once did she sleep with me. Oh, I wanted to. She was lonely and needed someone. But it never happened. Never. Mrs. McGregor is right about best friends forever. I couldn’t do that to you. I don’t think Jean would have, either. The man that’s behind all this is coming after this Mrs. McGregor just because he didn’t finish with you five years ago. He was after you, not your wife and son. Not your unborn daughter. Yours, not mine.”
Spencer leaned against the wall of the shed.
Melanie didn’t move. She kept her eyes closed, listening to him speak. She wouldn’t dare move for fear he’d know she’d heard every bit of his confession.
“I should have told you, Duncan. After five years, I should have informed you of all that, but when a man works undercover in an area worse than yours, one can’t divulge any of information. If I live through this, somehow, I’ll tell you. They can fire me, but it doesn’t matter. This time I’m telling you. Five years has been too a long time to hold something like that in my heart. Jean was a good wife to you. She didn’t understand about your missions, but she was faithful. I don’t care what anyone says.”
Spencer heard footsteps approaching.
“What are you doing?” Chris demanded.
“I wanted to make sure she was okay.”
“And?”
“She’s sound asleep. Must be that drug in her system.”
“Must be. Come on. We’ve got things to discuss. Seems our man’s going to arrive in the morning after all.”
“Have you ever seen him?”
“Not really. Only spoken to him on the phone. Seems he prefers his anonymity. Of course, I don’t blame him. If it were me, I wouldn’t want my picture hanging on an FBI wall, either. Of course, you’d know all about hanging those posters, wouldn’t you? This time it’ll be your poster hanging. One of their top agents turned dirty. Guess when they get their hooks into you, it’ll be over with a strike of a match.”
“Yeah. They don’t take kindly to deserters, so to speak. This guy … You think he’ll have guards with him?”
“Heard he and three others are coming. He wants his protection, from what he told me on the phone. Of course, I haven’t seen hide nor hair of any agent out this way since ole Ramon got laid up. Come on, Spencer. I’ve got coffee on. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”
That’s for sure, Melanie thought when she heard the lock turn once more. She rolled to her back. So, everything about Spencer wasn’t what it appeared. The man was truly honest. She had to find a way to tell Duncan before any more innocents were killed. She said a silent prayer, hoping Matt would be able to tell Duncan her whereabouts. She was glad Duncan had the children in a safe place.
Tomorrow morning they’d find out who’d been behind the deal against Duncan five years ago. Still, a piece of the puzzle was missing. Chris was after her while someone was still after Duncan. How the two were connected, she didn’t know. Or maybe they weren’t. Perhaps Chris and Riley just happened to hook up with the same drug dealers. Whatever the case, it would soon be over for them one way or another.
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Chapter 20
“Thanks, Matt. You’re going to make one great detective when you get older, after you finish school.”
“With the school again?” Matt whined.
“Yes, and agents don’t whine, nor do gifted students. They accept the truth about what must be done first in their lives.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry.”
“Keeping a sharp eye out?”
“You bet, Dad. And Tiffany and grandma are still in that kitchen doing all kinds of baking and planning.”
“I figured they might.”
“Yeah, but I think they’re hoping that Aunt Andrea and Uncle Dan are going to tie the knot.”
“Oh really?” Duncan’s gaze veered to Hargrove as they stood under the bright lights outside the gas station. Hargrove was curious as to what was being said. “I’ll be sure to keep him posted. Now you mind the others and keep watch.”
“Yes, sir. I love you, Dad. Bring Mom home to us…”
Duncan noted the touch of sadness in Matt’s voice. “Hey, if you need to cry, you go right ahead. Men can cry, too.”
“They can, Dad?”
“Yes, son. And I will bring her home. I promise. Talk to you later. Give Tiffany and the others my love.” Duncan closed the cellphone and placed it in his pocket.
“Must have been some conversation,” Hargrove said.
“Oh, you could say that. Seems Tiffany and Mom are doing some planning for a wedding.”
“For you and Melanie when you get back? A proper one?”
“Oh no. For you and Andrea.”
“What?”
“Yeah, they’re thinking June. I guess it’s the perfect time for weddings. You best think about popping that question, ole boy.” Duncan gave Hargrove a playful slug on the arm as they started back to the SUV.
Hargrove grinned. “Hey, let’s keep some of the conversation under our hat. Even what you told me that Melanie mentioned to you on Spencer’s cellphone.”
“What’s up, Hargrove? You got suspicions?”
“You could say that. I can’t tell you now but I’ve been doing some thinking on this drive.”
Duncan arched a curious brow.
“Look it may not be anything, but just watch the scenery around us. It’s given me some thoughts. And I don’t mean the greenery.”
“Sure. Let’s get on the road.”
Duncan waited a few minutes until they were back on the road. Harris was quiet when they got back inside the vehicle. He’d got out to get a root beer and go to the bathroom then come back to the car. Wilson had kept an eye on him. Ramon had opted to pump the gas, not really saying much.
Duncan, Spencer said that things do not always appear, as they seem. Why had Spencer addressed those words to Melanie? Was he referring to himself or someone around them? Was Spencer working undercover and the Bureau hadn’t wanted the others to know? Was Wilson in on the deal with Riley? Duncan realized he didn’t know much about Wilson. The man had only recently joined them. And when Ramon hadn’t been able to hold up his end, either Hargrove or Wilson had taken up the slack.
Duncan twisted the cap on the water bottle and took a long taste of it. Things do not appear as they seem. Why did Hargrove wish to keep some things quiet? What had his friend put together? Come on, Duncan, what is wrong with you? Sure, you have your wife on your mind, but don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment again. But he was afraid they would, just like they had with Jean.
“Ramon, I forgot to ask if you still wanted to give the wife a call. I got side-tracked back there and forgot.”
Ramon turned on his watch light and looked at the time. “No. I can wait. She’s eit
her watching her favorite program now or reading a book. She knows that I’m busy with this case. And I did just spend some time with her while I was recuperating from the leg shot. I’ll call her as soon as it’s over and we have Melanie. Thank you.”
“Sure. Just let me know.”
“I can’t believe I left my phone at home. I’ll have to be more careful about that from now on.”
“We were all rushed for time. I appreciate you three tagging along with me.”
“That’s what agents and good friends do,” Ramon said. “Stick together.”
Good friends. Melanie had said Spencer had said best friends. Something was clearly not what it seemed.
Melanie took the water bottle and drank a fourth of it. She would have to go sparingly with the water in case she was in the shed longer than what she’d been told. She needed to think while she was in this dark hole. Start putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
She shook her head. “There’s something missing. Why can’t I put my finger on it?”
She’d only suggested Chris Galloway see another therapist to make sure he really wanted the sex change operation. Often surgeries couldn’t be reversed and she didn’t want Chris placing the blame on her if he later changed her mind. She knew nothing about Dr. Marrow. Somehow, her suggestion had led to her lovely sister’s death.
“Oh, Allison, how I miss talking to you every day, and spending time with you. We have no more secrets to share, no more Thanksgiving or Christmas moments together. No mom, dad or sister to be around and share good times. If you can hear me, Allison, don’t worry about the children. I’ll take good care of them and Duncan will be a great dad to them. In fact, he’s been the best dad to them all ready.”
She thought she felt something touch her cheek. Allison?
Melanie leaned her head against the wall. She had to believe she’d get out of this. She heard movement outside, a scuffling of some sort. Was it a bear moving nearby? Or was someone else involved that she knew nothing about? Too bad that Ramon wasn’t up in that tree again watching.
“I do hope that your health is improving, my good friend. I’m sorry you had to get shot when Riley entered my cabin and left those items for us to see.”
She took another sip of water, once again thinking about Ramon and how she’d have to thank him once she got out of there. Too bad he hadn’t seen who’d tampered with the brake line that almost cost them their lives. And the first morning when Matt had scurried outside, Ramon had been kind enough to keep an eye on him. He’d been on guard for them the whole time. Even when Spencer had been missing. Things aren’t always as they seem.
“What are you trying to tell me, Spencer?”
Why was her mind so cloudy now? She tried putting everything into perspective again, even her call from Riley. Had it been Riley’s voice or someone who sounded like him? Folding her hands over her face she tried to think. Sanity, she was losing it, lying inside a dark shed, with not many air holes, talking to herself.
Moments later, she uncovered her face, feeling cold with shock, then a burning heat rushed into her chest before spreading slowly down her legs. Could it be? Did Spencer know? If her predictions were correct, it all was beginning to make sense. Her thoughts rushed to Matt and Tiffany. She had to find a way out of here. She wasn’t safe now, and nor were the children. She had to find a phone and call Duncan before it was too late. Way too late.
Hargrove pulled the SUV down into the woods out of sight. Each of them pulled their gun from their holsters, checking them. They synchronized their watches. Harris flinched when Duncan drew his gun.
“What are we going to do about him?” Ramon asked.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Duncan answered.
“We could leave him here, handcuffed to the steering wheel,” Ramon said, grinning. “Of course, we’d have to gag him. Don’t want him to call out that we’re here.”
“I’m not going to call out. I want to save Melanie. I told you, she’s a good friend. I don’t want her to end up like Allison.”
Duncan clearly heard the beseeching tone in his voice.
“I say he goes with us,” Hargrove said.
“How can we watch him and go after Melanie?” Ramon asked. “He should stay behind. He’s only going to get in the way. He might even get accidentally shot. Then what?”
Duncan bit on his bottom lip. “He can follow me. And, Harris, not one slip-up. Hargrove won’t be around to stop the bullet if you’ve been fabricating a story.” He opened the door, then pulled Harris out by the arm. “You better keep up and keep quiet. That’s all I have to say. I seldom repeat myself. I mean business the first time.”
Harris stood, shaking. He didn’t know which would be safer, the handcuffs and being left behind, or going beside Duncan. It was too late to back down. Their feet were already making a pathway to the cabin.
Spencer poured another cup of coffee, slouching in the high-back chair in the kitchen. Chris had fallen asleep on the sofa, and Spencer wasn’t about to wake him. He thought of going out and releasing Melanie, but he needed her. It wouldn’t be much longer before the sun would be appearing over the horizon.
He stretched his arms. Perhaps in a few minutes he’d go outside and watch the big blazing ball when it rose. He always enjoyed watching the sun in all its glory early in the morning. Maybe, when all this was over, he’d go somewhere and fall in love. The thought made him grin.
“Yeah. Who’d fall in love with a big lug like myself? Of course, McGregor certainly fell in love again, and I commend him for that.” Spencer’s thoughts went to Melanie again. What if she needed more water? They had put some more in the refrigerator last night. It might be a good idea if he took her one.
Hargrove looked through the glasses, then handed them to Duncan. “There it is.”
Duncan looked through the night vision glasses until he spotted the cabin and the shed. A man was going over to the shed and kneeling beside it. Spencer McCain. He should have known that a McGregor should never trust a McCain. Why was Spencer going to the shed? Was he going to harm Melanie? Was it time to take her to whoever they were meeting?
“We need to get down there. Spencer’s headed to the shed.”
“What we need is to be extremely quiet,” Wilson commented. “One little snap of a twig and that man will know we’re here. You hear that, Galloway?”
Harris nodded.
“And Ramon you need to cover…”
They all looked around.
“Where did he go?” Hargrove asked.
“I don’t know,” Duncan said. “Of course, he knows more of the surroundings than we do, and may know a better way to get to her since he was guarding the area before he got laid up.”
“He still could have let us in on it,” Wilson commented. “I thought we were all working together on this project.”
Duncan patted him on the back. “Don’t worry. We’ll meet up with him at the bottom. Besides, we have the night vision glasses. He didn’t bring his. He knows these woods like the back of his hand. Let’s get a little closer.”
Melanie tried working the walls loose without making any loud sounds. Surely these sheds came in pieces, and had to be put together. She had to find an way out. Again, she heard movement outside. Someone was opening the lock. Was it Spencer? Or had Duncan found her? She moved back toward the corner of the room and pulled the blanket over herself. The door swung open and a man tumbled inside, pulling the door closed behind him.
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Chapter 21
Duncan moved in closer to the cabin. Harris was right underneath his feet with every step he took. Hargrove and Wilson were right behind them.
“Listen, Galloway, you’d better stay here. Whatever happens, stay hidden in these trees.” Duncan said.
“But what about Melanie?”
“It would be best if you were out of sight. If your brother sees you, he’ll know you’ve helped us. There’s no telling what he’ll do.”<
br />
Harris nodded. “I’ll wait for your signal.”
Duncan gave Hargrove and Wilson the nod to move on, leaving Harris to fend for himself.
Melanie was crouched in the corner when Spencer put his hand over her mouth. “Listen, Mrs. McGregor, I don’t want to hurt you. Chris is asleep on the sofa.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, when he moved his hand away.
“He appeared so.”
“But appearances can be deceiving.”
“You’re right about that.”
“I thought you needed to grab the man who was doing the selling and buying of the women and the drugs?”
“I do. We do. But I need to make sure you’re safe. If McGregor loses another pretty wife, I can’t bear the thought of that.” He untied the ropes from her feet.
“My ankles hurt. I tried removing the ropes but it only made it tighter.”
He cut the ropes off then kneaded her ankles, trying to get the blood circulating again. “If it comes down to it, I’ll carry you. I need to get you to another hiding place. Your cabin isn’t far from here.”
“I thought things felt familiar. I have a place to hide in my cabin.”
“You can’t turn on any lights.”
“Don’t worry. I can find my way around that place in the pitch dark.”
“All right, let’s get you out of here before we’re spotted. The sun will be up soon.”
Spencer carefully swung the shed door open then climbed out. He held out his hand to Melanie, who took it.
“Now, you go on down that path. It will be closer and safer. It won’t show prints either. Just try not to snap too many twigs. Maybe the bears are all sleeping.”
“I hope so.”
“This should be over soon and we’ll come get you.”
“Spencer, watch your back.”
“Yes ma’am, as soon as I take care of this shed.”
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