by Gerri Hill
“How the hell did he get your cell number?”
“I don’t know, Lieutenant.”
“Charlotte Grayson?”
“No, she wouldn’t have it.”
“Shit, shit, shit. Okay, Hunter. I’ll call Travis on my way in. After you’re done there, we’ll meet at the station. Has anyone called Sikes? Ramirez?”
“Sikes is here.”
“Okay. Let’s keep it together.” He paused. “I need to call the Captain.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Hunter? You okay?”
“No. It’s getting too fucking personal.” Sikes walked over, meeting her eyes. “We’ll meet you there, Lieutenant.”
She disconnected, still staring at John.
“You okay?”
“No. Shit, John, he killed him because of me.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Me and Jenkins… hell, we never got along. Ever since that time I saw him at the bar, you know.”
“What bar?”
Tori closed her eyes, forgetting that she and John had never shared things, had never communicated.
“A few years ago, I saw him and another guy… getting it on at a bar. Ever since then-”
“Hell… Jenkins?”
“Yeah. And somehow, Grayson knew that. He said he left me a present.”
“That doesn’t mean shit.”
“He killed him for me.”
“Fuck that. He’s just jacking with you, Tori.”
“What? You think it’s a coincidence?” she yelled. “Random? And it happens to be Jenkins?”
Sam walked over, her gaze moving between the two of them.
“Stop it,” she said forcibly. She grabbed Tori’s arm, feeling the tension that flowed through her. “Jenkins is not dead because of you.”
“Sam-”
“No. You listen. If he wanted to get to you, he’d go after me, Tori. He knows Jenkins from somewhere else. There’s some other connection. And he said it was a present because it’s another killing. That’s what he does. He kills.”
Tori finally let her breath out, meeting first Sam’s eyes, then John’s. “I’m sorry, man. It’s just…”
“No problem. Hell, if the guy was calling me on my cell, I’d be freaked, too.”
They all looked up as more vehicles approached, lights flashing. Rita Spencer stepped out of the van, bag in hand.
“Hunter? Another one?”
“Yeah. Another one.”
Chapter Forty-nine
“Where the hell is he hiding?” Tori asked again as she drove through the empty streets. “Some obscure motel?”
“No. He’s got Charlotte forcibly restrained. It’d have to be someplace more private.”
“Maybe he’s got a friend somewhere?”
“No, Sam. He’s a loner. He lives alone, he kills alone.”
“Yeah. Well, maybe CIU will dig up something tomorrow.”
“No job, no money,” Tori murmured. “And he’s hiding… somewhere. Somewhere where he won’t be noticed.”
“Jesus, you don’t think Adams is in on it and is hiding him?” Tori shook her head. “Adams may have fallen off the deep end, but I doubt that far.”
“Maybe an abandoned house or a condemned building?” Tori shrugged. If that were the case, they would never find him.
Her mind reeled as she tried to put herself in his place, tried to imagine where she’d feel safe. Then her eyes widened and she slammed on her brakes, making an illegal turn on the deserted street.
“What the hell are you doing?” Sam asked as she grabbed the dash.
“I know where he is.”
“What?”
Tori was already punching out Sikes’s number on her cell as she drove with one hand.
“Hey, it’s me. Are you at the station yet?”
“Just drove up. Where are you?”
“We’re going to check something out, John. Stay close to the phone, okay?”
“Where are you going, Hunter? You need backup.”
“If my guess is right, we can’t go charging in with backup. We’re just going to check things out first. Don’t worry, I’m not crazy enough to go busting in alone.”
“Right. Who are you kidding?”
“We’ll call, John. Promise.”
She tossed the phone on her console, then grinned at Sam. “Where would you go to feel safe? Somewhere where nobody lives, where nobody comes in and out, where a yellow crime scene tape deters even vandals.”
“Jesus Christ… Belle’s?”
“Exactly.”
“Oh, Tori. That would just be crazy. Investigators could drop by anytime looking for evidence. That would be too risky.”
“He could be perfectly safe there until it sold. He grew up there, Sam. He knows all the secret places.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The passages, Sam. The servants’ quarters. Remember, the interior of the house is closed off.”
“Holy shit. And you think… damn, talk about balls.”
“Yes. He’s been sitting right under our noses, so close no one would dream of looking there.”
Sam reached out and squeezed Tori’s thigh. “We shouldn’t do this alone, Tori. Let’s call John, get some backup.”
“We will. Let’s check it out first. I could be way off base.” But in her gut, she knew she wasn’t. The bastard was there. She could feel it.
The traffic was sparse at this time of the morning. She slowed and turned off her lights as they approached Belle’s. The yellow crime scene tape glowed under the streetlights. A few cars lined the street, but all was quiet. Tori parked a block away and they sat and stared.
“I’ve got a bad feeling, Tori,” Sam whispered.
“You feel it, too, don’t you? He’s in there.”
“Yeah.”
“Procedure states we call in a tactical unit and flush him out.”
“But?”
“But I don’t think Charlotte Grayson would survive it.” She reached for her phone again. Sikes answered on the first ring.
“Hang on. The Lieutenant’s about to have a stroke,” John said, handing the phone over.
“Hunter? What the hell are you doing?” he demanded.
“Checking out a hunch, Lieutenant.”
“Yeah, well check it out with fucking backup! You were supposed to come here first. Travis is here. The fucking Mayor has already been called. It’s two o’clock in the morning and the god-damn paper has already called. Get your ass over here!” he demanded.
“We’re at Belle’s. I think he may be hiding inside.”
“What the fuck? Hunter, have you lost your mind? It’s a god-damn crime scene. Even he’s not crazy enough to hole up there.”
“Not crazy. Smart. It’s an old plantation house. The interior has rooms that have been closed off for years.”
“You’re reaching here, Hunter. You know that, don’t you?”
“I don’t think so. I just want to check it out.”
“Shit.” A pause, then, “Okay, check it out. Don’t fucking go inside until some units get there. You hear me?”
“Don’t send the troops with horns blasting, Lieutenant. If he’s here-”
“Just stay put. We’re on our way.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay. Good. You’re listening to reason. There’s a first time for everything, Hunter.”
Tori glanced at Sam and shrugged. “They’re on their way, but he thinks it’s a dead end.”
“Good.”
Tori squeezed her hand. “We’re going to be fine. Now turn off the ringer on your phone.”
“What for?”
“Because we don’t want it to ring while we’re snooping around.”
“Backup?”
“Yeah. We won’t go inside. I just want to look around.”
Sam stared, hating the look in Tori’s eyes. It was fierce, and it sent chills over her. But she nodded. “Okay. I trust you.”
Tori’s eyes softened. “Sam, I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I’m more worried about you, actually.”
“We’re just going to look around,” she said again.
They shut the doors quietly, then faded into the shadows, Sam following closely behind Tori. When the dark, hulking shape of the house covered them, Tori pulled out her weapon, and Sam did the same. They stayed close to the shrubs, listening for any sound from inside. The old brick wall that served as a fence blocked their way, and Tori pulled herself up, swinging her leg over and landing quietly on the wet grass on the other side.
“Sam,” she whispered. “Come on.”
“Shit,” Sam murmured. She looked for a foothold, struggling to pull herself up. She managed to get one leg over, then Tori was there, pulling her down beside her. A rustling in the bushes beside them startled Sam, and Tori clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Cat,” she whispered.
Sam let out her breath and nodded. They walked on, crouched low to the ground. The windows were shuttered on this side of the house. Sam assumed these were Belle’s quarters. There was a small brick patio, but the blinds were pulled over the door. Tori motioned for her to stop and she did, watching as Tori crept up on the patio, head cocked, listening. She held her breath as Tori reached for the knob, silently thankful that it didn’t turn.
They both jumped when they heard glass breaking from inside. Murmurs and a muffled scream, then silence.
“Oh shit,” she whispered, seeing the expression on Tori’s face. “No! We wait for backup.”
“Goddammit, Sam… she’s still alive.”
“Tori…” But Tori had started running back to the brick fence. “Fuck,” she muttered, following. She found Tori crawling through a window on the front porch. “Stubborn, macho…”
“Shhh.”
“You are pissing me off,” Sam hissed.
“Fine. Stay out there and keep a lookout then.”
“Like hell I will!”
Their eyes met, both fierce as they stared.
“Sam…”
“What?”
“I love you.”
Sam’s breath left her, and she leaned against the wall to steady herself. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words would come.
“I just… wanted to make sure you knew that.”
“Tori… damn, your timing sucks, sweetheart.”
Tori shrugged. “Kinda new at this,” she whispered. “Come on.”
They crept into the entryway, going immediately to Belle’s office. The door was closed but unlocked. They both cringed as the hinges screamed a warning, then silence.
Tori stared at the doors, five of them. Which one? She looked at Sam who only shrugged. Tori walked to the first one and turned the knob. It opened. Again, the old hinges moaned. Inside was nothing but darkness. Tori’s small flashlight was no help. The long hallway seemed endless as Tori stepped inside, Sam following close behind. Thirty feet later, they came to another door. Tori pressed her ear against it, listening.
“Nothing,” she whispered. “Maybe we should try another.”
Sam was about to answer when loud banging on the front door made her jump. They both turned, eyes wide.
“Grayson! Let me in!”
Sam whipped around, meeting Tori’s eyes in the shadows.
“Is that…”
Running footsteps sounded through the walls, and Tori reached for Sam, pushing her against the wall. They heard a door open in Belle’s office, and Tori quickly made her way back the way they’d come.
“Let me in!”
“Shut the fuck up! What the hell are you doing here?”
Sam glanced once at Tori. “Adams?”
“Yeah. Come on!”
Sam’s heart was pounding so loudly that she could hardly make out the yelling. She saw Tori at the door. She wanted to call to her, to tell her not to go out, but Tori had the door open, weapon held out in front of her.
Gunfire sounded and Sam hit the floor.
“Tori!”
She got up, running blindly through the door, only to collide with Richard Grayson. He grabbed her easily, and she felt the cold metal of his gun touch her cheek.
“Gotcha.”
Wild eyes looked for Tori and she stared into the barrel of Tori’s gun as it was pointed at both her and Grayson.
“Drop your goddamn gun, Grayson. We are not going to do this,” Tori said calmly.
“Bitch cop, you’re not going to shoot me. We both know that.” He laughed. “You’re going to end up like Carl over there,” he said, motioning with his head.
Sam’s eyes slid to Adams, staring as he lay in a pool of his own blood.
“Then it’ll just be me and her,” he threatened.
Sam squeezed her eyes shut as his grip tightened.
“And you know what I’m going to do to her? I’m going to do it like a man. Like a man!” he yelled. “Like it’s supposed to be!”
Sam nearly trembled at his words and she shook herself, memories of the warehouse crowding in, taking over, threatening to overwhelm her senses. She would die before she let this man touch her.
“Oh, no you’re not,” Tori nearly whispered. She stepped closer, moving into the center of the room. “You’re not going to touch her, you little faggot.”
“I’m in control. Not you. Not ever you. I have the power. Just like I had over Adams. He was a naughty boy. Very naughty.” He laughed as he followed Tori’s movements, pulling Sam along with him. “He gave me everything I wanted, just because he didn’t want his family to find out. Stupid bastard.”
“Stop this right now, Grayson. Backup will be here any minute. You’re done. Now let her go before I blow your fucking brains out.”
Tori’s eyes widened as his index finger tightened on the trigger. “I’ll shoot her so fast you won’t have time to blink. So, drop your fucking gun, Detective.”
Tori’s eyes locked with his, and she felt her pulse pounding in her temples at the darkness she saw there. She slid her glance to Sam, seeing fear in her eyes.
“Do it now!”
“Okay… okay. Calm down, Grayson.” Tori lowered her weapon, hands outstretched. “Look, I’m putting it down. Don’t hurt her.”
“No, Tori. Don’t… please,” Sam whispered.
“Shut up!”
Grayson pulled Sam roughly against him, his eyes never leaving Tori as she bent and laid her weapon on the wooden floor.
He grinned, loosening his hold on Sam. “Stupid bitch.” He raised his gun, pointing it at Tori. “Say good-bye.”
Sam screamed at the sound of gunfire, then hit the floor as Grayson was knocked back against the wall, his hand going to his shoulder as blood seeped through his fingers. Tori dove for her gun, dropping it once as it slid from her sweaty hands. Adams fired again, his shot missing badly as he collapsed. Grayson raised his gun just as Tori found hers. She fired four times, each shot jerking Grayson’s body as he was slammed against the wall. His eyes finally went blank as he slid unceremoniously to the floor.
“Tori?”
“I’m okay. You?”
“Yeah.”
Tori stared, meeting her eyes, and nodded. She was shaking so badly, her weapon fell from her hands. Then Sam was there, warm hands stroking her face, arms pulling her close.
“I was afraid,” Tori whispered. “I was afraid he was going to hurt you.”
“I know. I know, sweetheart. It’s over.”
Tori closed her eyes for a second, chasing out old memories. When she opened them, Sam was still there, love and compassion looking back at her.
“Hell of a day,” Tori murmured.
“Yes. Hell of a day.” Sam squeezed her arm, thankful to finally hear cars approaching, doors slamming, feet running. “Backup.”
Tori nodded. “Adams?”
Sam shook her head. “No.”
Tori finally looked at Adams, his lifeless eyes staring past them. Then Sikes was th
ere, bending to Adams, fingers held against his neck, searching for a pulse. He stood up slowly, his eyes finding Tori’s. Then he smiled.
“Just checking out a hunch, huh?”
Tori shrugged. “I hate it when I’m right.”
“Sure you do.”
Chapter Fifty
Sam lazily rolled her head, her eyes adjusting to the bright sunshine. She must have fallen asleep again. The rocking of the boat did that to her. She shielded her eyes, looking for Tori. What she saw stole her breath away. Tori was standing in only a sports bra and shorts, the sun nearly swallowing her as she casually tossed in her line then absently reeled it back again.
As if sensing her watching, Tori turned her head slowly, a smile slashing across her features.
“How was your nap?”
Sam sat up and stretched. “My third nap of the day was great, thanks.” She walked over, slipping her arms around Tori’s bare torso. “You’ve been doing this all day. Catch dinner yet?”
Tori laughed. “No. It’s too hot to catch anything. You’ll have to settle for burgers.”
Ah. The fishing was just therapy. Sam nodded, understanding. They had two days to themselves, two days to recover. Then, interviews scheduled with Internal Affairs. They weren’t worried. It was just a formality, Detective Travis had assured them. Just putting all the pieces in place so they could close the case. She didn’t want to think about it, but Charlotte Grayson’s face kept creeping into her mind. She’d looked so helpless, so frightened when they’d found her chained to the bed right next to three other bodies. Sam knew it would take years for Charlotte Grayson to recover, if she ever did.
The ringing of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts and she moved back to her lounge chair, lazily reached for the phone, frowning slightly when she saw caller ID. Robert. She thought of just letting it go to voice mail. It would be easier. But this had to end. She answered as businesslike as possible.
“Kennedy.”
“Samantha?”
She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Robert.” Her eyes flicked to Tori, noticing the slight straightening of her shoulders, but nothing else to indicate that she was listening. Sam smiled, knowing without a doubt that Tori hung on her every word.