Random Acts of Murder: A Holly Anna Paladin Mystery, Book 1 (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries)

by Christy Barritt

  I sat across from her and smoothed my dress. As I glanced at my boss, I noticed she looked tired and that her smile didn’t come quite as quickly as usual.

  “I know you’ve been under a great amount of stress lately, Holly. I know there were two separate incidents of being fired at. That two of the crimes happened at the homes of your former clients and that the police have called you in to help.”

  I waited to hear a “but . . .” or a reprimand.

  I swallowed hard, trying to brace myself.

  “I just wanted to check and see how you’re doing.”

  I let out the breath I held. “I’m . . . hanging in.”

  “That’s good to hear. I’m very proud of you, Holly. You do excellent work.”

  “I appreciate that, Helen.”

  “Walter is very concerned about what’s going on in the city. I really think our work, along with the police, is what will be able to turn this city around. The police are starting some task forces, and I’d like you to consider serving on one. I think you’d be an excellent addition.”

  “You know I’m always willing to help.”

  She smiled weakly. “Thanks, Holly.”

  “How are you, Helen?”

  She sighed and leaned back. “I’m doing okay. Just been busy. Walter has been working a lot. He’s obsessed with this case. It’s all he wants to talk about.”

  “Hopefully, we’ll find this guy soon.”

  She nodded. “Hopefully. For all of our sakes.”

  ***

  I got to the youth center late. I planned on making cupcakes with the girls tonight, but when I walked in, there was no one in sight.

  I’d replayed my conversation with Chase and T.J. a million times in my head. Had I said anything incriminating? Was my story believable? Would God ever forgive me for lying to save myself?

  I didn’t know. And worrying about all of those things would only lead me to an even earlier death.

  The bell at the front door jangled. I abandoned my flour and sugar and walked out to see who’d arrived.

  Anger roiled through my veins when I recognized the figure there.

  Rex Harrison.

  His face lit up when he saw me. “Holly Paladin. Fancy seeing you here.”

  I crossed my arms. “You knew I worked here.”

  “So I did. Actually, I stopped by to see you.”

  I didn’t like where this was going. “Did you?”

  “I haven’t been able to get your friend out of my mind.”

  “My friend? You mean Jamie?”

  His grin widened. “That’s the one. I was hoping you might give her this.” He held out a piece of paper toward me.

  I glanced down at it and saw some numbers there. A phone number? His phone number?

  I shook my head. “Why would I be your go-between? You think I want my best friend dating you?”

  “I don’t think that’s for you to decide. That’s Jamie’s decision.”

  I shook my head again in disbelief. “So you came here? Really?”

  He glanced from side to side and then stepped closer. “Come on, Holly. Work with me.”

  “Never. Why would I?”

  Something gleamed in his eyes. “Because I know your secret.”

  CHAPTER 23

  All the blood drained from my face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I saw you, Holly.”

  Was he the one who’d sent me the note? Was he behind all of this? If he knew, why hadn’t he leaked the information in order to help his campaign and ruin my brother?

  “You have cancer.”

  I blinked. I almost wanted to laugh. Almost. Only cancer was no laughing matter.

  “Why would you think that?” I finally asked.

  “I was taking my friend to the oncologist. I saw you leaving. In tears.”

  My throat tightened. Was that possible? Had I passed him and not even noticed? It was entirely feasible. I’d been so wrapped up in the devastation of the moment that I’d hardly been able to drive home.

  Of course, if he’d seen me leaving alone, he might have put things together. No, I hadn’t been there with someone else. Since I was alone, he would have deduced that I was there for myself.

  “You’re not denying it.”

  “You’re really going to threaten me with cancer?”

  He shrugged. “I happen to know you haven’t told your family.”

  “How would you know that?”

  “I expressed my condolences to your brother, and he had no idea what I was talking about. I feigned ignorance, pretended I’d misspoke. Then I realized that you’re the type who might keep news like that to yourself, especially during a high-stress time like an election.”

  “So, you’re saying that if I don’t give your phone number to my best friend, you’ll tell my family that I might have cancer?” He was despicable and unlikable, and I really wanted to spit on him or, in the least, pluck him on the forehead. If only either of those were ladylike.

  “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” His eyebrows twitched up in humor. “So what do you say?”

  He had me, and he knew he did. I couldn’t have my family find out through Rex. That would devastate them. And I wasn’t ready to tell them myself. Not yet. I needed more time.

  Aggravated, I snatched the paper from his hands. “You don’t want to mess with me, Rex.”

  I didn’t know where the bravado came from in my voice. I was usually the one to smooth things over, the one who hated conflict. But something about this man lit a fire in me—and not the good kind. I wanted to bust his chops.

  He smiled again, his teeth flashing in that million-dollar smile. “I appreciate your help, Holly. I’ll be seeing you around.”

  ***

  I was still scowling at the door when Abraham emerged from the back, a box of bulk chips in his arms.

  “Did I hear someone come in?”

  “No one important,” I snapped.

  “Wow. You seem a little wound up.” He raised his eyebrows as he set the box on the table.

  I softened the set of my shoulders. “I’m sorry. It’s been one of those days.”

  “Don’t apologize to me. I know how that can be. The kids today were hyped up. They nearly broke out into a fight on the basketball court. Speaking of which . . .” He rubbed his shoulder. “I think I’m getting too old to play. My body is killing me.”

  I smiled and pulled the chips out to restock the vending machine. “You still give them a run for their money.”

  He laughed airily. “Thanks, but that’s not the way it feels. By the way, it looks like that trip is coming together for Hannah and me. Can you still help me out here at the center while I’m gone?”

  Where had he gotten the money for something like that? This wasn’t the time to start pointing fingers and alienating everyone in my life. So, instead, I nodded. “Of course. Just let me know the dates when you have them nailed down.”

  “Thanks, Holly. I appreciate that.” He started unloading the snack-sized bags. He did look worn out, like each of his movements dragged.

  “Listen, why don’t you get out of here? I’ll clean up. You look tired.”

  He rubbed his chin. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

  “Of course not. Go on.” I nodded toward the door, indicating that he should get going.

  “Thanks, Holly. I am a little tired, now that you mention it. You’re the best.” A few minutes later, the back door clicked shut, indicating Abraham had left.

  I continued to restock the machine. Then I picked up some random wrappers and cups around the room, straightened some magazines and other literature, and made sure all the sports equipment was put back.

  My mind raced as I worked. Rex was manipulating me. He was that kind of man.

  But was he the kind of man who would kill?

  I even shook my head at that. He was a former police officer. He was running for office. I certainly couldn’t see him being that ignorant or stu
pid enough to put everything on the line. Besides, what reason would he have to kill people off?

  Whoever this Caligula guy was, he was supposed to have influence. That would fit Rex.

  But maybe this Caligula wasn’t responsible for the murders. Just because he was behind some new drug didn’t mean he was a cold-blooded killer. He might be a different kind of killer, the kind who didn’t care who he trampled on in order to make a few bucks for himself. Who developed drugs at the expense of others’ lives.

  I finished and locked up, walking down the alley toward my car. This may not have been my best idea ever, but I had little choice now. It was too late to call anyone to escort me.

  I quickened my steps, gripping my keys, my gaze surveying the area around me.

  I didn’t see anything. That was a good sign.

  No dark, leering figures. No guns. No anyone.

  I fumbled with my keys for a moment, trying to unlock my door and, for once in my life, wishing I had one of those key fobs that would allow me to hit a button and my door would be unlocked.

  Finally, I slid my key into the lock, pulled my door open, and scrambled inside.

  The first thing I did was to hit the locks. Something about being in my car made me feel safer, if only for a minute.

  Once my heart slowed just a bit, I started my car. I crept toward the street, but stopped when I reached the edge of the building.

  In the eave of a building two doors down, I saw Abraham whispering to someone. I stayed where I was. Neither seemed to see me. The conversation seemed heated, and it pricked my curiosity.

  The guy Abraham was talking with stepped out into the streetlight for a moment.

  I sucked in a quick breath.

  It was Little T.

  I shook my head. No, Abraham was not involved in this. There was no way he would do anything to put the lives of these kids in danger. He wasn’t that type of person.

  Then why did doubts continue to linger?

  As the two walked out farther onto the sidewalk, I knew my chances of being spotted were increasing. I gently hit the accelerator and turned in the opposite direction.

  Instead of heading home, I circled around the block. When I pulled back down the street, Abraham was gone.

  But I spotted Little T. He was walking away from the youth center, in the opposite direction. I slowed, watching him.

  Then I saw him approach a van parked in a corner lot.

  I blinked.

  That was Jamie’s van.

  I squeezed out the thoughts that tried to invade my mind. It was no use. They attacked every usable cell in my brain until I couldn’t ignore the facts.

  That was definitely Jamie’s van.

  I continued to creep forward. As I passed the parking lot, I craned my neck for a better look.

  It was just as I feared.

  John was in the driver’s seat, and Little T was climbing in beside him.

  Just what was John mixed up in?

  CHAPTER 24

  I idled into the parking lot of a bank and cut my lights. I couldn’t help but think I was a natural at this tailing-people thing. I’d managed fine so far. How hard could this be?

  I waited until John pulled out. I counted to five and then followed behind him.

  I wished it weren’t so dark outside, so I could see better inside the van. I wanted to see John and Little T, try to ascertain if they were talking or arguing or on their cell phones. Instead, dark windows stared back at me, blocking my view.

  Certainly John didn’t have anything to do with this craziness that was happening around town. He couldn’t. Not Jamie’s brother.

  But the facts remained in front of me, reminding me of an annoying little kid who wouldn’t get out of your face. I couldn’t escape the scrutiny. Not even remotely.

  They eased out of the neighborhood, headed toward the interstate. I cruised along behind them, trying to stay a safe distance out of sight. I really didn’t want to be spotted.

  I stayed low in my seat, tried to keep at least two cars between them and me. If they saw me, I was done. I’d have no more answers than I had now.

  That wasn’t acceptable.

  Once downtown Cincinnati came into view, John accelerated. He headed downhill, toward a green light. If I didn’t time this right, the light would change and I’d lose them.

  I just prayed that my brakes didn’t go out. It didn’t happen very often, but it had happened before.

  I gunned it, trying to stay on their tail.

  As soon as they cleared the intersection, they swerved into the left lane.

  Did they spot me? Had I been made?

  I decided I didn’t care. I merged to the left, leaving at least two cars honking at me.

  There were now four cars between the van and me. I was okay with that, as long as I could keep them in sight.

  Traffic thickened as we approached the area known for clubs and nightlife. Everyone seemed to be headed that way, ready to enjoy an evening of partying.

  Maybe I wasn’t that great at this covert thing, especially not while driving a 1964 1/2 powder-blue Mustang, I decided.

  All of a sudden, the van veered back to the right and off an exit ramp.

  I pulled my wheel toward the right when I saw a semi there.

  I braked, trying to slow enough to merge after the truck passed.

  Then I realized it was too late. I’d missed the exit.

  And I’d lost them.

  ***

  I couldn’t bring myself to meet Jamie the next day. I knew I’d be forced to consider giving her Rex’s number and asking her about what her brother had been doing with her van last night. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do either.

  The stakes had risen. I needed to find out who this killer was for more than one reason. Not only to prove my innocence but also to preserve what was left of my life.

  I pulled up to Katrina’s house, surprised to see a new Mercedes in the driveway. Whose was that? I started to question my decision to come here. It looked like she had company.

  But my curiosity burned inside.

  I got out of my car, and before my hand ever connected with the door, it flew open. Katrina stood there, a new light dancing in her eyes. A light like I’d never seen before.

  “Ms. Paladin, I didn’t expect to see you here. Did we have an appointment?”

  I took in the diamond necklace around her neck, her new hairdo, her smile. “No, we didn’t. I’m sorry to stop by uninvited. I just wanted to check on you.”

  She stepped outside, hiking her purse up higher. Just then, a man stepped out behind her. He was short but wore a business suit—an expensive one, if I had to guess. I’d seen this man somewhere before; I just couldn’t place where.

  “This is Evan,” Katrina said. “Evan, this is Holly, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

  We nodded hello. It could have been my imagination, but I felt like the man’s gaze lingered on me just a little too long.

  Katrina walked toward her car, Evan staying close behind. “I wish I could talk, Holly. But I’m on my way to an appointment. Maybe another time? I have a lot to tell you.”

  “Sure.” I fell into step behind her.

  She pulled out her keys and hit a button. The Mercedes let out a beep.

  She opened the door and offered a small wave.

  “Great. Later, then!”

  As I watched them pull away, I realized he bore some similarities to the man I’d seen before I’d been shot at outside the bank.

  ***

  Where in the world had Katrina gotten money for a car like that? She could barely pay her bills. I just couldn’t fathom how she could afford that vehicle.

  My mind went to the worst places.

  Places where someone was paying her off to keep her mouth shut.

  No, not Katrina. She loved her kids too much to do something like that. Of course, she probably loved her kids enough that she would do almost anything to keep them well fed and clothed and to keep a
roof over their heads. Did that mean she would even resort to any illegal means to do so? I sure hoped not.

  Of course, look what I’d been quiet about in order to protect both myself and my family. I’d certainly thought I was stronger than that.

  The more I got to know about myself, the more I realized that maybe I wasn’t as strong as I thought. It was a hard realization to swallow.

  I closed my eyes. Dad, I’m sorry. If you’re up in heaven watching me, I know you’re probably disappointed. You thought more of me.

  You taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. You encouraged me that I should follow my heart and not listen to the naysayers.

  What would you be telling me now?

  I really hated letting the people I loved down. And everywhere I turned, that’s what I seemed to be on the verge of doing.

  I glanced at my watch. It was time for my lunch break.

  I decided to swing by and see Ralph at his campaign headquarters.

  Maybe I could make something in my life right.

  ***

  The campaign headquarters was all aflutter, and not because anything big had happened. It just always seemed busy, a flurry of activity and excitement and hope.

  That was a good thing.

  People were excited about my brother. They believed in him, and I knew he could do great things for the state and for this district.

  I knocked on his door. He looked up from his desk and smiled. “Holly! I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “I had a few extra minutes, so I decided to stop by and visit my big brother. I had to see what all of the hoopla was about.”

  He raised his hands, his face beaming. “This is my place, and these are my people, so to speak. I’m honored to have so many supporters behind me.”

  “I’m glad. You deserve it, Ralph.”

  Just then, someone breezed past me, coming to an abrupt stop just in front of me. “You’ll never believe this.”

  Brian. He did a double take, and then a wide grin spread across his face. “Holly! You here to volunteer?”

  “Not exactly. Although, if you need anything, you know you can count on me.”