Krewe of Hunters, Volume 2: The Unseen ; The Unholy ; The Unspoken ; The Uninvited

by Heather Graham

  “Still, you should have gotten me first,” Tyler said.

  “You were right behind me.”

  “Yes, but you shouldn’t take off without me.”

  “You didn’t bring your gun,” Allison pointed out.

  She thought he flushed slightly at that; he should have been armed.

  “That’s why you should get me instead of making me bolt out to catch up with you,” Tyler grumbled.

  “It’s important that none of us go off on our own from now on,” Logan said firmly.

  Jane yawned. “I could use some more sleep. Okay if I go back to bed?”

  Logan nodded. “Go on up.”

  “I want to see what we caught on our digital film,” Sean said, walking over to take his seat by the screens.

  He hit some keys on the computer keyboard, and they saw the film in reverse. Seconds later, it moved forward.

  Lucy appeared at the foot of the stairs as she had before. Then she looked into Angus Tarleton’s study.

  She left the study and hurried up the stairs, where she entered Allison’s room.

  She reappeared a moment later.

  And then they saw Allison running out and, within a split second, Tyler bursting out of his room to follow her.

  “You do have good hearing,” Allison murmured.

  They watched as Lucy, followed by Allison and Tyler, raced to the back door.

  Sean reset the cameras. “The resemblance is really uncanny,” he commented.

  Allison sighed. “I’m not a Tarleton or a Dandridge. My records prove it. I wasn’t adopted. In fact, my mom had me at the same hospital where Artie Dixon is now.”

  “Yes, of course,” Tyler said thoughtfully.

  “You thinking what I’m thinking?” Logan asked him.

  Tyler nodded, studying Allison.

  “I wasn’t adopted,” she said, shaking her head. She wasn’t angry, just amused. They were so determined to find a reason for the resemblance.

  “No,” Tyler agreed. “You weren’t adopted. But I’m willing to bet someone in your family was.”

  “We’ll look for any possibility when we study the records while you’re gone,” Logan told them.

  “Adoption is wonderful, but I know that neither of my parents was adopted, either. One of my best friends in school was, and my dad used to tell her how fortunate she was that her parents had chosen her and loved her so much,” Allison said.

  “I wasn’t thinking about your parents,” Tyler said. “I’m thinking further back. Much further back.”

  “What do you mean?” Allison asked him.

  “I mean back to Lucy Tarleton.”

  13

  “You can’t go to Valley Forge today,” Kelsey told Tyler the next morning as he walked into the pantry to pour a cup of coffee after he’d showered and dressed.

  “Why not?”

  “Because we have an invitation,” Kelsey told him.

  “To what?”

  “It’s easy to understand why you’ve forgotten,” Kelsey said with a wry grin. “Cherry Addison. Remember, yesterday, before all hell broke loose? She invited us to her husband’s showing. You could go to Valley Forge and we could go to the show, but I believe all our suspects will be there.”

  “Valley Forge is only about twenty miles north of the city,” Tyler said. “It’s a day trip for a lot of people visiting Philly.”

  “Yes, but what if you do find something there?”

  Tyler frowned. He wanted to get to Valley Forge, but seeing all the suspects in one place at one time was too good an opportunity to miss.

  “Are they still having the show?” Tyler asked. “Sarah Vining died yesterday.”

  “That’s not enough to stop this, with the gallery set up and all the invitations sent out. Even if it conflicted with a funeral, which it won’t, I’m not sure the Addisons would have stopped it,” Kelsey said. “And at Kat’s request, they’re holding Julian’s and Sarah’s bodies for at least a few days, so…”

  Kelsey handed Tyler a cup of coffee. “Your call.”

  “What time is the showing?”

  “I called Mrs. Addison this morning. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at six. Her husband, George, the artist, will be there, of course, to meet with his adoring fans.”

  “I understand he’s good.”

  “We’ll find out, won’t we?”

  “I guess so. Kat’s going back to the morgue, right?”

  Kelsey nodded. “I’m going to watch the house with Jane and Sean. Jane’s still working, but you’ll want to see the images she’s come up with so far. I’ve spelled Sean a few times. He’s equally convinced we’ve got to pay attention to the cameras—”

  “We do,” Tyler interrupted.

  “Logan is going to the records office to see what he can discover.”

  “All right,” Tyler said. “I’m heading down to the police station to talk to Jenson. When Allison wakes up, will you tell her what’s going on?”

  “I will. Anything else you want her to know or do?”

  “Yes, ask her to print out the missing article—she believes she can find it online,” Tyler said. “And ask her to call Martin Standish and see if we can set something up for tomorrow.”

  “Okay. See you later, then.”

  * * *

  Jenson wasn’t the officer investigating the accident that had injured two dozen people—several still in critical condition—and killed Sarah, but he offered any help Tyler and his Krewe might need. He also asked for an update on anything they’d discovered.

  “We believe, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the death of Julian Mitchell was engineered. But we don’t know why someone was rummaging through the attic, or if the same person tore apart the attic and killed Mr. Mitchell,” Tyler explained. “We also believe yesterday’s accident was maliciously planned with the intent to kill Sarah.”

  “I’ve heard there was a snake in Ms. Vining’s car,” Jenson said. “That’s a far-fetched way to commit murder. The snake might just have crawled into the vehicle.”

  “How did a snake happen to crawl into her car?” Tyler asked in turn.

  “It’s not impossible.”

  “That snake was planted there,” Tyler insisted. “Oh, has anyone found it yet?”

  Jenson shook his head. “No one was looking for a snake. The car was towed to the impound. Of course, as soon as the PPD heard about the snakebite, we warned the men and women working the car to be careful and on the lookout for a snake. Thing is, that snake might be long gone by now.”

  “Or it might still be hiding in the car,” Tyler warned.

  “That’s true. I don’t think the vehicular people have examined the car yet. I’ll make a call as soon as we’re through.” He paused, his expression puzzled. “The real question is, why would anyone risk the lives of that many people to kill one?”

  “To make it look like an accident.”

  “I don’t buy it,” Jenson told him, clearly not won over. “Are we talking about insanity here?”

  “So far, Sarah’s is the only death, but a few others are critical,” Tyler reminded him. “And I’m not suggesting that whoever’s doing this is insane. I just think the agenda this person has precludes caring about any collateral damage.”

  “What can I do at my end?” Jenson asked. “If we find the creature—well, it’s unlikely a snake is going to talk.”

  Tyler was surprised; Jenson did seem to have a sense of wry humor.

  “No, but what you can do is check to see if any have been sold lately. Our murderer might have purchased the snake.”

  “Agent Montague, this is Philadelphia. We’ve sent out an alert, but I doubt we’ll get anything. Copperheads are easy to find in the woods that surround the city,” Jenson said. “They show up in basements and garages. We’ve also contacted Philadelphia’s animal control, but they haven’t had anyone call to ask for a copperhead. But you’re right. We’ll follow every angle.”

  “Whoever is doing this is extremely cle
ver. These murders have taken calculation and planning and they’ve required a certain level of risk.”

  Jenson hesitated. “You’re sure they’re all murders?”

  “I’m positive Sarah’s is. And there’s evidence of a blow on Julian Mitchell’s head. That proves someone shoved him down on that bayonet. So, yes, I’m sure.”

  Jenson still didn’t seem convinced, but he wasn’t argumentative. “What do you want from me?”

  “Have your men keep an eye on Ethan Oxford, Nathan Pierson, Cherry Addison, Jason Lawrence and Annette Fanning,” he said.

  “That’s a tall order and a lot of manpower. This is a big city. We have our share of crime, I’m afraid.”

  “I know you can’t have your officers tracking them every minute of every day. Ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity,” Tyler said. “Drive by their houses, check to see that they are where they’re supposed to be.”

  “What about Ms. Leigh?”

  “She was with us at the house yesterday, both before and during the accident,” Tyler told him. “Three of the board members were there shortly before the accident, as well.”

  “Then we’ll take a closer look at the board members.” Jenson lifted his hands. “They’re dedicated to that place. Why would any of them want to commit murders—bizarre murders that are bound to cast a bad light on the house?”

  “If we can figure out why, we’ll know who,” Tyler said.

  “Listen, I’m going to see whether we can find out if one of them has taken a nice walk in the woods lately. I don’t believe our killer purchased the snake. And if they find the creature, maybe an expert can tell us more about it.”

  “We’ll work that angle, too, but since you’re local, you’re in a better position to pursue it,” Tyler said.

  As he was about to leave, Jenson’s phone rang. He raised one hand, asking Tyler to wait.

  Then he hung up. “They’ve found your snake.”

  * * *

  There was something about Adam Harrison that drew people to him.

  After taking a cold shower—the hot water supply had run out—and getting dressed, Allison was surprised to see Adam at the house, seated in their little enclave around Sean’s computer.

  She’d sensed that he usually put one of his Krewes on a case and withdrew himself.

  But when she arrived downstairs, he was there, together with Logan and Sean. When he saw her, he quickly rose.

  “My dear,” he said, coming toward her. He took both of her hands. “I’m delighted to see you looking so much better. I’m delighted, as well, that you’ve chosen to assist my unit.”

  “And I’m delighted that your unit is anxious to save my life,” she said, meaning it.

  “Naturally, our purpose is to save the lives of all we can.”

  “You’re still here,” she said. “Is that usual?” She smiled. “From what I understand, you’re all over the country, involved with law enforcement…and philanthropy.”

  “Yes, well, Ethan and I go way back. He’s an old friend. Actually, he was my son Josh’s godfather. I felt this was a situation I should be here for, just in case I was needed.”

  “I’m happy to see you again,” Allison said. “Well, I guess I’ll be leaving soon.”

  “No, you’re not,” Kelsey said, sweeping into the room with a cup of coffee for her.

  “Oh?”

  “The trip to Valley Forge is postponed, because of the art showing tonight.”

  “And ‘all the king’s men’ will be there,” Adam murmured.

  “Oh.” Allison tried not to show her disappointment.

  She’d looked forward to spending the day with Tyler, hoping for more—much more—than they’d experienced so far. Even if it couldn’t last…

  “In the meantime Tyler has a couple of requests,” Logan told her. “He’s asked that you contact Mr. Standish and see if you can arrange an appointment for tomorrow. And would you look for that article online? The one that seems to be missing from the attic.”

  “Of course. Tyler isn’t here?”

  “He’s checking in with the police.”

  “I understand that one of the resident ghosts is trying to reach you.” Adam spoke in a low voice.

  “I believe I’m a resident ghost now, and I’ve reached her just fine!”

  She hadn’t heard or seen Julian until he suddenly spoke behind her. She jumped, and Adam frowned. She realized he couldn’t see the ghost.

  “Another resident ghost,” Kelsey said, rolling her eyes.

  “We have someone present?” Adam asked.

  “Julian Mitchell, my friend who was killed here,” Allison replied.

  “Ah.” Adam wasn’t sure where to look, but he ventured a question. “Mr. Mitchell, have you been able to contact any of your fellow ghosts in this house?”

  “Tell him I’ve seen the ghost of Lucy Tarleton just like you’ve seen her—a wraith running away,” Julian said.

  Allison repeated his words.

  Adam turned thoughtfully to Logan and then to Allison. “My Krewes have seen so much and learned so much, and there’s still an infinite number of things we don’t understand. It’s impressive, I think, that Mr. Mitchell has so readily appeared to you. Was he an outgoing man in life?”

  “Painfully,” Allison said.

  “Hey!” Julian protested.

  “He was a performer,” Allison said, feeling guilty about her earlier comment. “A very good performer,” she added.

  Adam nodded. “Lucy Tarleton has been in this house for over two hundred years now. When she was alive, she was secretive by necessity. You may have to draw her out, and pay careful attention to every appearance she makes.” He smiled sadly. “I just see one soul here on earth—my son, Josh. It took a very long time, and then one day…one day he broke through to me. He is still the only soul I’m able to communicate with, but I ask nothing else. It’s through you, those who do have the gift, that I can try to help others. It’s a remarkable world when you have a greater vision,” he said.

  “Adam, we believe Lucy is saying something. And Allison will figure out what it is,” Logan assured him.

  “Right now,” Allison said, “I’m going to the office to pull up that article and I’ll call Martin Standish.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Kelsey told her. When Allison looked at her sharply, Kelsey shrugged. “We need to take every precaution.”

  Adam had already turned to speak with Logan and Sean as Kelsey and Allison started up the stairs.

  “The shower must’ve been freezing,” Kelsey said. “I’m sorry. I should have warned you.”

  “It helped me wake up.” Allison laughed, and Kelsey joined in. The more she was with members of the Krewe, the more Allison liked them. They were like a family, trusting in one another and all working together at whatever task they were assigned. Of course, Kelsey and Sean were family, and Kelsey and Logan were a couple. The others had all known one another in Texas.

  She was glad of Kelsey’s company.

  “If I’m not heading to Valley Forge today,” Allison said as they reached the attic office, “I’d like to stop by my place for a few more things, if someone can come with me. And, maybe, a long, hot shower.”

  “I’ll walk over with you.”

  “Thanks.” Allison sat down at the computer and keyed in a search for Martin Standish articles. She found the second one he’d written on Lord Brian “Beast” Bradley and printed it out. Then she called Martin, but had to leave a message.

  “I’ll have to wait for him to call back,” she said.

  But even as she spoke, her phone rang. She was surprised that Martin Standish had called her right back—and that he was angry. “Allison Leigh, from the Tarleton-Dandridge House!” he spat out. “If you’re calling to tell me you plan to embarrass me with some kind of news story or sue me for slander, you’re full of it!”

  “What?” Allison said, stunned. “No, no, Mr. Standish, we’ve only corresponded on email. Do you re
member? I admire your research very much. I’m eager to see you and learn more about the letters and information you have.”

  There was a distrustful silence on the other end. Then he asked, “You didn’t call me and threaten me?”

  “Never! I swear it,” Allison said. Kelsey was looking at her, perplexed.

  “Mr. Standish, I take it that someone did call and threaten you, but it wasn’t me. When did this happen? Do you know who it was?” Allison asked.

  Kelsey was watching her, trying to hear both ends of the conversation.

  “It was a woman. I thought she was you,” Standish muttered. “She said she was with the Tarleton-Dandridge House and she was appalled by the traitorous slant I was putting on the patriots of the house. And if I didn’t stop, she’d see that I did.”

  “Mr. Standish, I’m sorry. I guarantee that call didn’t come from anyone with the right to make it or to say such things. You and I have corresponded, and you know I’m intrigued by your information and theories. Actually, I was calling because I was hoping you’d take a few minutes to see me tomorrow,” Allison said. “You have to believe me. That was no official stance taken by anyone at the Tarleton-Dandridge House.”

  He sniffed over the line. “Well, I didn’t think it was you—not based on our email correspondence. I hear you’re having all kinds of trouble there. A guide killed himself on a bayonet like an idiot, and one of your board members died in that awful accident yesterday.”

  “We need your help, Mr. Standish,” Allison said simply.

  “Everything I’ve written is online.”

  “Yes, but your letters aren’t. And I’d like to see the other objects in your collection.”

  He was silent a minute. “All right. Two o’clock. I’ll give you the address to my shop and my little museum,” he told her. “Be on time, or forget it.”

  Once she’d hung up, Allison repeated the conversation to Kelsey.

  “He said it was a woman who called?” Kelsey asked.

  Allison nodded.

  “Sarah Vining is dead.”

  “Yes. That leaves Cherry Addison,” Allison said.

  “Or Annette Fanning,” Kelsey reminded her. But she didn’t press it.

  * * *

  Officer Alfred Crosbie from animal control had the snake in a terrarium.