Ms. Wachsmith nodded and headed for the door. “If you change your mind, I’ll be in the toddler room.”
Paulson perched on the edge of the desk.
Gabe leaned against the wall. “Have you found out who killed those women?”
“We’re working on it.” Paulson pulled a notebook and pen from his pocket. “The other day, you mentioned seeing a man leaving the waiting area when Paula McMillan took off. What can you tell me about this guy?”
Gabe was surprised at the question. In their prior interview, the detective had pretty much blown him off when he mentioned seeing the man who appeared to be following McMillan. Was it possible he’d figured out Gabe hadn’t committed two murders?
“Not much,” Gabe said. “Average height. Thin face. Dark pants and jacket. He was wearing a baseball cap. Dark blue, I think.”
Paulson wrote in his notebook and then fixed his penetrating gaze on Gabe. “Anything else?”
“Not really,” Gabe said. “I was more concerned about my kid at the time. Have you found the guy following McMillan?”
“Can’t comment. Ongoing investigation. I do have one more question, though. When was the last time you saw Elizabeth Perham?”
Whoa, where did that come from? Gabe chose his words carefully. “I only saw her once.” His face burned with embarrassment. No matter how he framed it, he knew his answer would suck dirty dishwater. “The night we conceived my daughter. A while back, Lizzie left the baby on my porch and took off.”
“So, you only had sex with this girl once?
Gabe nodded.
“How did you know the baby was yours?”
Gabe told him about the blue rose birthmark.
Paulson heaved a sigh and lifted his gaze to the ceiling as if looking for Divine Guidance. Or praying for patience. Or trying to keep from shaking the truth out of Gabe. Finally, he met Gabe’s eyes. “So, let’s make sure I understand. You had sex with this girl once, but you knew it was your kid when you saw the birthmark. Is that about right?”
Gabe nodded again, aware the story made him look like a total asshole.
“Did she leave a note or call you later explaining why she dumped the baby?”
Gabe tried to ignore the man’s laser beam eyes, crossed his fingers and told a partial lie. “She left a note. Said she couldn’t afford to take care of the baby anymore.”
“And you haven’t seen her since?”
“No, I drove to Yakima looking for her, but her stepparents said they didn’t know where she was.”
Should he tell Paulson about the shed, the blood and the sleeping bag? If he did, he’d have to explain why he was in Donnie’s shed. How the baby ended up on the bloody sleeping bag. He’d have to lie and he knew he’d mess it up.
“So you haven’t seen or talked to Elizabeth Perham since the night you conceived the child?”
“No, sir. I have not.”
Paulson studied his face. “You telling me the truth, son?”
“Yes, I’ve only seen Elizabeth Perham once.” A tingle of alarm shot through Gabe’s body. Why all the questions? “Has something happened to her?”
Though Gabe didn’t think it possible, Paulson’s gaze sharpened. “Why would you think that?”
Gabe licked his dry lips. “Um, well, you didn’t seem too interested in her before. Now, suddenly, you want to know all about her.”
Paulson stood. “I’m not at liberty to discuss it right now, but you’ll be hearing from me soon.” Without another word, he stepped across the small office and pushed through the door.
Gabe took a couple of deep breaths and headed back to the classroom. He opened the door and stopped, not wanting to believe what he saw. Ms. Newcomb was standing behind a plastic tub filled with water. In her grasp was a slippery, naked baby, churning the water with chubby legs and laughing her happy baby laugh. A pile of carefully folded clothes sat next to the tub. The clothes were topped with a stretchy bracelet made of Mayan stone.
Gabe’s heart stuttered in his chest. He wanted to yell, scream, curse. Instead, he bit his tongue. He couldn’t afford to startle Birdie, or she might decide she was in danger and simply vanish.
He forced a smile and strolled across the room. The baby spotted him. She flapped her hands and emitted a loud “Eeep!”
Ms. Newcomb struggled to hang onto her.
The girls in the classroom perked up. Somebody called, “Hey, Baby Daddy, you’re hot! Stop by my place sometime. I’ve got a bathtub. We could practice, you know, bathing the baby.”
Her meaning was so blatantly suggestive, Gabe felt a flush rise in his cheeks.
“Aw, you made him blush,” another voice chimed in.
“Class!” Ms. Newcomb admonished. “That was inappropriate.”
“Aw, chill, Newcomb. We’re just teasing.”
Gabe grinned, one hand grasping the baby’s bracelet. “Sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.”
The class erupted in laughter. Ms. Newcomb blinked rapidly and compressed her lips. Gabe suspected she was contemplating a visit to her “safe place” in the closet. He slipped the bracelet onto Birdie’s chubby arm, lifted her from the tub, and wrapped her in a towel.
“But,” Ms. Newcomb protested. “I wasn’t done.”
Gabe turned away from his classmates, lowered his voice, and said, “She’s my kid. Next time, ask me first.”
Shocked, Newcomb’s mouth fell open. Gabe gathered up the baby’s clothes and strode from the room, his heart pounding in his chest. What if he hadn’t walked in when he did? What if something had scared Birdie and she’d disappeared? How much longer could he keep their secret?
Chapter Thirty-One
RAIN POUNDED THE roof of his car as Gabe pulled into Abby’s driveway. His body was tight with anticipation. He was pretty sure Luanne was working a late shift. And, after what happened yesterday, Trevor surely wouldn’t be on the premises. Alone time with Abby. That’s what he needed. A little make-out session to confirm their new status as a couple. Hopefully, the baby was snoozing.
The more he thought about the possibilities, the more excited he got. He stepped out of the car and checked the front of his jeans. Geez, he was pitching a tent down there. He couldn’t walk in Abby’s house with a raging hard-on. He lifted his face to the icy rain and counted backward from fifty, willing his body to behave.
The front door flew open. “Hey, dummy,” Abby called, “why are you standing out in the rain. Come on in.”
“I’ll be there in a minute.” He opened the car door and faked searching for something in his backpack. The startle effect caused by Abby’s sudden appearance had taken care of his problem. To make sure, though, he waited another full minute for his treacherous body part to chill. He stepped out of the car and dashed through the front door into the entryway.
Abby grinned up at him. “You’re dripping like a wet dog. Stay put. I’ll go grab a towel.”
Frilly pink towel in hand, she stepped up close and began rubbing it over his sopping wet hair and face. Without benefit of thought, Gabe’s arms curled around her waist, pulling her closer. Abby made a little sighing sound and wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his.
“Baby asleep?” Gabe murmured into her hair.
“Um hum.”
Abby lifted her head, lips parted, eyes shining. Against his better judgment, Gabe slipped his hands lower, cupped her curvy little bottom, and pulled her in tighter. Her eyes widened in surprise. She took a shaky breath and lifted her mouth to his.
Lips locked and bodies merged, Gabe was so enjoying the moment he tried desperately to shut off his mind. Instead, his internal critic woke up, stretched, and began ragging on him. What the hell, fool! Don’t look now but you just woke up the dragon. Again! What do you think you’re doing? You already got one kid. Abb
y’s an innocent young girl. Who are you? Chester the Molester?
While enjoying his carnal moment with Abby, Gabe engaged in a silent battle with his critic, answering back, Is Abby innocent? I don’t know her that well. Maybe she’s had a ton of boyfriends. Maybe she’s done it a bunch of times. Maybe . . .
Gabe couldn’t stand not knowing. He lifted his head and gazed into Abby’s eyes. “Um, you’re a pretty good kisser. Seems like you’ve had a lot of practice. Exactly how many boyfriends have you had?”
Anger sparked in Abby’s eyes, and she shoved him away. “Don’t be a jerk, Gabe. Are you trying to ask if I’ve ever done it? Well, for your information, I haven’t.” She spun around and stomped into the family room.
Gabe groaned. You blew it, buddy. He walked slowly into the family room. “Sorry, Abby. Really sorry. It’s not important anyway.”
She was standing next to the slider, arms folded across her chest, gazing out into the stormy night.
Gabe stepped up behind her and touched her hair. “Forgive me?”
She tried to stay mad but obviously couldn’t. “I guess.” She started to turn around but stopped. “Hey, here comes Simon. And he’s got a girl with him.”
Gabe peered through the gloom. Simon, gripping the hand of a tall, willowy brunette, was charging across Abby’s back yard. Whoa, even with rain-drenched hair, the girl was hot. No question about it. Maybe Simon had charms Gabe knew nothing about.
Abby, looking puzzled, turned to face Gabe. “Simon’s got a girlfriend?”
“I think so. He’s been acting goofy lately.”
Abby opened the sliding door. “Come on in. You guys are drenched.” She handed them the towel she’d been using on Gabe.
Simon ran the towel through his dark brush cut and tenderly patted the girl’s face dry.
“Hey, guys, this is my girlfriend, Callie Simmons.”
“Hi, nice to meet you.” Callie flashed a smile.
Since Simon hadn’t bothered to say who he was, Gabe stepped forward. “I’m Simon’s brother, Gabe. This is Abby Templeton.”
Callie’s gaze roved up and down Gabe’s body before she turned to Abby. “Oh, yeah, you take care of the baby.”
“That’s why we’re here. Callie loves babies.” Simon cast an adoring look at Callie.
Abby frowned. Warning bells chimed inside Gabe’s head.
Callie placed a hand on Gabe’s arm. “Where is the little one?”
Waves of bliss washed over Gabe. This girl, Callie, was just so darn nice, she couldn’t possibly be a threat to Birdie. She probably really did love babies. Who was he to be suspicious of her motives?
“She’s right there,” he blurted, pointing at the portable crib in the family room, partially obscured by the couch. “You can hold her if you want. She’s due to wake up anyway.”
The pupils in Callie’s eyes flared. She started toward the baby.
Abby jumped in front of her. “Wait! Gabe, what’s the matter with you? She’s a complete stranger.”
Simon bristled. “She’s my girlfriend. That makes her okay.”
Gabe, still feeling euphoric, said, “Don’t be such a hard-ass, Abby.”
Callie made a move to go around Abby, a move that Abby blocked. Callie reached out and took Abby’s hands in hers. “I just want to be your friend.”
Callie gazed into Abby’s eyes with a reassuring smile. “And you want to be my friend. I know you do.”
Abby’s eyes narrowed. She jerked her hands free and gave Callie a shove. Off balance, Callie staggered backward until Simon reached out to steady her.
Abby advanced toward her and hissed, “Get the hell out of my house. You may have enchanted these two but your mojo doesn’t work on me.”
Callie’s lip curled in a sneer. She pushed away from Simon and walked to the door. “See ya, Simon.”
“Wait!” Simon cried. “Where are you going?”
Callie slid open the door and took off at a fast trot, Simon at her heels.
Gabe stared at Abby. “What just happened?”
“She’s an enchantress,” Abby said. “You and Simon are susceptible. I’m not.”
Gabe grimaced and shook his head. “God, I’m such a fool. How could I have done that?”
Abby grabbed his hand. “Not your fault. She had some powerful magic working for her.”
He gazed down at her. “But yours is stronger.”
“Damn straight.”
Gabe sighed. “Poor Simon. His first girlfriend and she turns out to be an enchantress.”
“Yeah,” Abby said. “That sucks.”
Gabe slung an arm around Abby. “Once again, I owe you.”
Abby shrugged. “No problem.”
They stared into the rain-drenched night, each lost in their own thoughts. Gabe felt his confidence slip several notches. His ability to keep Birdie safe was in serious jeopardy. How could he compete against the forces of magic? Then he looked at the girl standing next to him and felt a measure of relief. With Abby by his side, the odds were in his favor. At least he hoped they were.
GABE YAWNED, stretched, and looked at the clock. Almost midnight and he’d only plowed through half his homework. The rest would have to wait until tomorrow. He checked on the baby and headed downstairs for the leftover pizza he knew was waiting in the fridge. Unless Henry had gotten to it first. He knew it was safe from Simon, who’d been holed up in his room all evening, wallowing in misery. Gabe, feeling a pang of sympathy for his brother, had tried to talk to him.
He’d knocked on the door. “Hey, Simon. Can I come in?” He’d heard snuffling sounds and the words, “Go away, Gabe.”
After that, he’d clued Papi in on what happened at Abby’s and left the comforting to him. Papi was way better at it anyway.
Gabe had just chomped down on a mouthful of pepperoni with extra cheese when the phone rang. He grabbed it quickly before it woke his father. Chewing like crazy, all he could manage was, “Umm hmm.”
“Ernesto?” a woman shrieked into the phone.
Gabe held the phone away from his ear. Chewed and swallowed. “No, it’s Gabe.”
“Gabriel?”
“Yeah, who’s this/”
“Graciela. I have someone here who wishes to speak with you.”
“Now? In the middle of the night?”
“Yes, Gabriel. Now.”
Gabe heard Graciela fumble with the phone before a deep male voice said, “This is Jacob Landman. I believe you met my granddaughter, Elizabeth.”
Gabe caught his breath. “Yes sir, I did. Just the one time. Is she okay?”
A long silence followed, punctuated with shuddering breaths and a stifled sob. Finally, Landman said, “No, son, she’s not okay. She’s dead. Her body was found in a hop field outside of Yakima. Thrown away like garbage.”
Gabe closed his eyes. “Oh, no.” A tsunami of regret swept over him. Tough little Lizzie with the sad blue eyes. She’d grown up knowing she was the chosen one, the girl who would give birth to a child who represented a new beginning for the Abolesco. She’d done her duty and paid with her life. Birdie would never know her mother. Gabe blinked back hot tears and tried to swallow the lump in his throat.
Finally Landman asked, “Do you have the baby? Is she safe?”
“Yes,” Gabe said. “She’s sound asleep in her crib.”
“I’m not sure how much you know, but the child is in grave danger.”
“Yeah,” Gabe said. “I figured that out.”
“We need to get together. I can help you.”
“Just tell me where and when,” Gabe said.
After a brief silence, Jacob said, “I would love to see my great granddaughter, but I don’t want to bring trouble to your doorstep. Can you come to Graciela’s?”
> Gabe thought about his pile of schoolwork and balanced it against the safety of his child. A few more weeks of Saturday school wouldn’t kill him. “The sooner the better. I’ll check in at school, pick up my homework, and meet you at the market at 10 tomorrow morning.”
Later, unable to sleep, Gabe listened to the rain slash against the window, wondering what tomorrow would bring. Finally, he did something he hadn’t done in a while. He dropped to his knees on the floor next to the bed and prayed. For Birdie, for Jacob Landman and, most of all, for the soul of Elizabeth Perham, the lost mother of his child.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The Scientific Academy of Merit
“PLEASE TELL ME it’s good news,” Samantha said into the phone. Weary to the bone, she was too worn out to exhibit her usual hostility. Her snarl had turned to a pathetic whimper.
The last forty eight hours had taxed her to the limit. Her operatives were striking out left and right. Her next (and only) option seemed to be the bloodbath so abhorred by Hamilton Knowles.
“Afraid not,” replied the deep male voice. “Landman and Nelson were spotted at the airport, but there’s no record of them on any of the flights. We think Nelson arranged for new identities.”
Samantha’s heart sank. “Apparently they’d been planning this for a while.”
“We assume Landman wants to see the kid, so we’ve got Maple Grove pretty well covered. Not sure what else we can do. Anything going on at your end?”
“If you’re talking about law enforcement snooping around, no. All the supes are secured at the farmhouse.”
“No word on the latest effort?”
Samantha knew exactly what effort he was referring to and felt the familiar slow burn of frustration the question always evoked. “S-15 just got blown out of the water. I’m thinking K-35. He’ll get the job done.”
Her words were greeted by a long silence. Finally, he said, “You sure?”
“Yes,” Samantha said, “I’ll give it twenty four hours. If you guys can’t locate Landman and the baby’s not in my possession, I’m unleashing K-35 on the Delgado family.”
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