“A trip to the jail will not detain them for long.”
“I know this, but with the entire police station aware of a hostage situation, they’ll have to take time to manipulate each and every person’s mind.”
Riker’s silence indicated to Katie she’d come up with a workable plan.
“What about us?” Jules set her drink on the table. “We can’t wait at the station if the cops are hauling the vamps to the jail.”
“We wait at the Devil and listen to everything on Andy’s scanner.”
Riker rose and stepped toward them. “Why delay meeting them? Why not show up on their front door step like they want?”
“I’ve been thinking… I don’t know anything about them or what kind of weapons they have. The Asian chick had daggers, so I have to assume Brandon and his friend do too. Right now, they’re preparing. I can fight and beat them, but only one at a time, which means you and Jules will have to fight. We both know Jules and Joe are weak. They could distract you, or at the very least, me. Therefore, I believe it would be in everyone’s best interest to take any humans out of the line of danger.”
Katie wanted a quick resolution, sever the vampire’s heads and then call it a day. But too many lives were at risk and she had no idea how much time Joe or the Jennings had left. If she sent troops and ambulances to the house, they could storm in and save lives.
“I could take the gun with those acid bullets,” Jules said.
“It might delay them long enough for you to get away, but with Joe… You two wouldn’t make it far.”
Jules lowered her head and nodded.
Katie covered Jules’s hand with her own. “We also have to consider the Jennings might be in the same condition as Joe. They will need help escaping, too. If Riker and I are fighting, you can’t possibly save everyone.”
“What happens after they mind sweep everyone at the station?” Riker asked, crossing his arms.
“I suspect they will return to the Jennings orchard. I believe they have been hiding there this entire time. Since they’ll have the police under their control, they will instruct them to stay away. At least, this is what I suspect they will do.”
“Makes sense,” Jules said, adding her support.
Riker paced in the suite. His lowered gaze indicated he was considering Katie’s plan. His silence lasted maybe two minutes, then he stopped and met Katie’s eyes.
“What motivation will the kidnappers have? Why target you or Jules?”
“Drugs.”
“What?” Slipped out of Jules’s mouth.
“We tell them Jules pissed a couple of guys off at the bar one night. They were talking about selling drugs in Mishawaka and she tried to talk them out of it. Since she saw the two vamps at the bar, she can provide descriptions.”
“It still leaves a few questions. For one, your involvement. And why kidnap Joe instead of Jules?”
“She wasn’t home. Joe was, so they took him. I’m helping her because she’s too distraught over Joe.”
He tilted his head while holding a steady gaze at her.
“The evidence is at her house and Joe’s number is on her phone in the call log. They have no reason to suspect I’m involved other than to support Jules.”
“Am I going to have to tell the story to the police?” Jules asked with reluctance.
“No, I can speak for you, but you’ll need to give descriptions and show how upset you are.”
“That’s easy.”
Katie smiled, then turned to find Riker pacing again. The vampire acted much like a detective would, scrutinizing all the details. Of course, he’d want all the details covered, but at this point, if they had ninety-five percent, they had enough. The evidence should speak volumes to the police.
He stopped and met Katie’s gaze. “What happens during the day?”
“I show up and cut off their heads.”
“If they’re hiding in a basement, they’ll be able to move about and fight. It won’t be as simple as you think.”
As much as Katie disliked admitting it, Riker was right. She couldn’t fight them both on her own. He couldn’t come with her since he couldn’t venture out in the daylight. If Jules showed up, her life would be at risk. The acid bullets allowed for enough time to escape, not enough for Katie to chop off a head, at least she didn’t think so and didn’t want to chance it. While fire was another option to ensure a vampire’s demise, the idea of burning down the Jennings farmhouse didn’t appeal to her. Arson was a crime she didn’t want to add to her police record. And quite honestly, how could she be truly sure she’d destroyed them if she couldn’t see proof?
“Then we do nothing and wait until the next night. You and I set up a time and place to meet. At least the human equation will be removed.”
“You’re forgetting one thing,” he said, stepping closer.
“What?”
“It’s highly likely you will not have the same strength tomorrow night.”
Katie drew in a deep breath and held it. She had one vial left of Kyle’s blood. If she took it, she’d have the stamina to fight.
“I’ll manage,” she said, releasing her held breath.
“Not if your strength is lessened to a human’s.”
She’d hoped to keep her last dosage a secret, but there was no way in hell she’d miss the chance to get revenge for Kyle. “I have one vial left. If I have to take it, I will.”
For what seemed like an eternity, he stared into her eyes. She couldn’t determine if liked her plan or not. The damn vamp wore a cold mask that rarely showed emotion. Finally, he twisted, glanced at the television screen, then returned to facing them.
“We don’t have much time if you plan to convince the police. I’m sure they will need to check out your story, which means stopping at Jules’s house before heading out to the orchard.”
Jules straightened with her eyes lit up. “I’m ready. We can go now.”
Katie grinned at the eagerness of her friend. “All right. I guess we can leave.”
She’d wanted to clean up first and put on clean clothes, but time was of the essence. Besides, their uncombed hair and worn out look, at least for Jules, would further support their hostage claim. Who would want to take a shower in a house with fingers laying in a Tupperware dish in the kitchen and a gutted dog in the bathroom?
They quickly gathered their uneaten food, shoved it in the paper sack it had came in, then tossed the bag in the trash. Not even five minutes later, they were out the hotel.
“I’m going in with you,” Riker said as he opened the driver’s side door.
Katie stopped a few feet from him with two questions on the surface of her mind. One, when would she get to drive her car next? Two, why did he want to go with her and Jules into the police station?
“They’ll wonder why–”
“I’m sure they will hold you in an interrogation room for a while to question you. While your busy filling them in on the hostage situation, I want to look around.”
“You’re going to snoop.” It was a statement more than a question.
“The two vampires you plan to destroy didn’t clean up very well.”
Frustration thrived again within Katie. She spun and stormed around the car. The vamp was going to erase her records in the system. She suddenly wished she’d kept her mouth shut about them.
Jules lifted the seat forward. After she crawled into the backseat, Katie settled in the front. She crossed her arms and refused to look anywhere near Riker. The ride to the station couldn’t be short enough.
As Riker drove by the Fairfield Suites, Katie quickly scanned of the parking lot in the front. She didn’t see a police cruiser or Ben’s truck. She wondered if he’d parked in the back. Ben had made a smart move to listen to her advice. Although he hadn’t left town, keeping a safe distance and staying out of public eye could still save him from potential danger. Katie hoped.
On the outskirts of Mishawaka, closer to the rural areas and Kyle’s property
, Mishawaka had a small station to assist residents. Only two officers stayed at the small unit on a consistent basis. The rest of the on duty officers reported to the central police station near the center of town, which took eight minutes to reach from the hotel. Katie had watched the time on the dashboard and counted the seconds between changes. Time passed slowly, but in the grand scheme of life, it flew by.
Riker circled around the block before deciding on a parking spot on the side of the old building. This was Katie and Jules’s second trip to the station in one day, Katie’s fourth visit within the last week. If she had to come back again, she’d consider asking for a private spot marked just for her.
Katie walked up the few steps leading to the entrance with Riker at her side. Still frustrated with the vamp, she looked away from him. If she had the power to stop him from erasing data, she’d do it in a heartbeat.
He rushed a few feet ahead of her, then grabbed the handle of the door. When he didn’t open it right away, she ended her rebellion and met his eyes.
“I’ll stay close by. If something should go wrong, I’ll step in.”
“We’ll be fine,” Katie said confidently and with an unwavering gaze.
His lips hinted at a smile. “I’m sure you will.”
Katie headed straight for the check-in counter. The woman she’d spoken with earlier sat on the other side of the glass with her attention elsewhere. Katie made a fair guess the officer would remember her, especially the bruises on her face, which were now almost gone. She stopped at the window and the officer turned away from her computer screen.
“Hello,” the officer said, then gave Katie a quizzical look. “You were in here earlier looking for Ben.”
“Yes, I was. I’m here to see Charles Donahue this time.”
Riker stood next to Katie, too close for her comfort. She twisted to give more room between them.
“Is Officer Donahue available?” he asked.
Katie frowned at him, wondering why he’d asked when she already had. His green eyes illuminated as he stared at the woman.
“Yes, he’s here,” she said robotically.
“Would you mind telling him Katie and Julie are here with an urgent matter to discuss with him, in private.”
She rose from her high sitting position. “Certainly.”
Once she disappeared, Riker stepped back from the counter. “She doesn’t see me. When we leave, I’ll make sure Charles doesn’t remember me either.”
“How are you going to hide your presence from everyone here?” Jules asked.
He grinned. “I plan to work in an office where no one will disturb me.”
“What about the cameras?” She pointed her eyes up, toward the camera stuck to the ceiling.”
“I will erase the recordings.”
“You can do that?” she asked, surprised.
“As soon as I have access.”
The door leading to the back swung open. Charles, dressed in his usual beige uniform, stepped out. He scanned the waiting area before turning to the entrance and check-in window. “Katie?”
She wore a grim mask as she headed for the elderly officer. Within several steps, she noticed his gaze shot past her. It didn’t seem right for Riker to tinker with the man’s mind, but the vamp wasn’t hurting him.
Katie stopped in front of Charles. Riker and Jules stood on each of her sides.
“They have important information to discuss with you. Please take us to your office,” Riker said.
Without hesitating, Charles led the way down the hall. Katie and Jules followed while Riker stayed a few feet behind. Passing the detainee part of the station, a group of two officers and a handcuffed criminal stood near the photo area while another officer several feet away, stood at the counter and pressed a young man’s tinted fingers on a piece of paper. Jules slowed her pace as she watched in awe. The windows along the wall gave her full view of the check-in process. Katie suspected whoever designed the building intended for the cops with offices across the hall to keep a close eye on new arrivals. Or, perhaps the designer wanted outsiders, especially young ones, to see the processing in an effort to deter them from criminal behavior. Look kids, this is what happens when you break the law.
Katie grabbed Jules’s arm and tugged. “Come on.” She leaned closer to Jules’s ear. “Act distraught.”
“Act? I am. I’m just holding it in.”
“Show it.”
Jules gave a nod as they continued forward.
At the end of the hall near an exit, Charles finished speaking with another officer, then spun to face them. He extended his arm toward an open door to his right. “Can I get either of you a drink?”
The strong aroma of coffee emanating from a nearby room tempted Katie. Yet, she shook her head, dismissing his offer. The caffeine might make her edgy and fidgety, behavior unfitting for someone about to inform police about a hostage situation.
“No thank you,” Jules said before she entered his office.
Katie glanced over her shoulder to find Riker standing in the doorway of the neighboring office.
“Can I help you?” She heard a man ask.
“Yes, you can.” There was a pause, then Riker turned and directed his glowing eyes at Charles. “He will assist me. Listen to what Katie has to say and follow her instructions.”
Charles gave a single nod, then stepped inside his office.
“Yell if you need me, though I’m certain you can handle everything.” Riker disappeared into the officer’s office. The door closed seconds later.
With a deep breath, Katie stepped into Charles’s office. Unlike Ben’s small room, Charles had a more spacious office with a window behind him. He had pictures of family all over the credenza at his side. Two monitors sat on his desk. Supplies such as pens, post-it notes and paperclips, were scattered all over the place. A pile of manila folders lay on a round table in the corner closest to the doorway.
Katie passed the table, then sat in the empty chair next to Jules. No surprise, the furniture appeared as outdated as the ones in Ben’s office. The police needed some extra funding to have at least a few comfortable chairs.
“How can I help you Katie?” Charles asked, clasping his hands together as if her were about to pray.
She looked at Jules. Her friend’s eyes swelled with tears. The woman worked fast.
“We need your help. Jules’s boyfriend has been kidnapped.”
Jules gasped as the tears began to pour down her face. “It’s my fault. I think someone kidnapped him because of me.”
Good God, the woman was aiming for an Oscar.
Charles reached to his side and snatched a tissue. He handed it to Jules. “We’re going to need to start from the beginning.”
Jules sobbed while Charles brushed off paperclips from his notepad. He picked up a pen, then jotted the current date above the top line. “Okay.”
Katie rubbed her hand along Jules’s back for good measure and support. “Jules told me that two guys came to the Devil a couple nights ago. They were talking about selling drugs.”
Charles paused writing and lifted his gaze to Jules.
She nodded. “It’s true. I told them our town is clean and told them to leave.” She wiped her eyes with the tissue.
“This morning, Jules called me and said she was worried about Joe. He hadn’t come home or called.”
“Does he usually?”
“Yes,” Jules answered.
“Did you try to call him, or his place of work?”
“No, I don’t like to disturb him at his job, but I called his cell and left several messages. He didn’t respond. I got a bad feeling in my gut, so I called Katie today.” She turned to her and though she spoke no further words, Katie understood it was time for her to take over.
“We were out together. When we arrived at her house, we found her tires slashed and–”
“Hold on.” He lifted his pen. “When did they show up at the Devil?”
Katie faced Jules. “Three ni
ghts ago?”
Jules nodded. Katie turned and saw Charles writing the information on his tablet.
“One or two men?”
“Two,” Jules answered.
Katie pressed her lips together. Hadn’t she said two? Maybe he was checking for accuracy.
“Can you describe them?”
Jules sniffled. “I recall one had dark hair. The other was a bit thinner and shorter. He had a tattoo on one arm. I think I heard the dark-haired man call him Brandon.”
Charles stopped writing and stared directly at her. “These two men were talking about dealing drugs in Mishawaka?”
“Yes, they wanted to sell drugs and asked if anyone was interested. I got upset and told them to leave. I threatened to get the bar manager to throw them out if they didn’t.”
“Did they?”
“Yes.”
“Does Andy know about this?”
“No. I wasn’t going to tell him unless I had to.”
She glanced at Katie and slipped a hint of a smile to her. Involving other people without their knowledge was not a good idea. If the police questioned him, they might suspect holes in Jules’s story. But as Jules had said, she hadn’t told Andy, so there wasn’t any reason for the police to inquire with Andy.
“So these two men left. Do you know when?”
She sniffled again. “No. We were too busy. I didn’t keep track of time.”
Charles shifted his gaze between them, then asked, “Did anything happen the following day?”
“No. Nothing,” Jules answered.
“Did you work?”
“No, I stayed home. For the most part.”
“And yesterday?”
“Joe didn’t come home from work that night.”
“But you spoke to him during the day?”
Jules nodded. “Yes, he came by for lunch.”
“Was that the last time you saw or spoke to him?”
Her lip quivered. “Yes.”
“And everything at home seemed fine?”
“Yes, I didn’t notice any problems until I came home late this afternoon.” She pressed her lips together and blinked. A couple of tears fell from her eyes.
“I was with her.” Katie said. “We had spent a few hours running errands. When we went to her house, the first thing we noticed was her car had flat tires.”
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